Considering the surge of popularity over the past year of apps like Instacart and DoorDash, the logical next step for these companies would be to perhaps start a simple rewards program of some sort. These guys are going a step further and launching their own credit cards. 

Instacart Inc. has chosen JPMorgan Chase & Co. to issue a credit card that will reward frequent users, and DoorDash has received offers from 10 large banks and financial-technology firms to issue their card that will also reward users. 

The Morning Brew points out that DoorDash’s card is particularly interesting since it’s seeking restaurant and store partners to offer cardholders promotions, rewards, and discounts. Instacart’s schtick will focus primarily on cash-back rewards. 

The point of these cards is to maintain a clientele that will most likely shrink since we’ll all be slow-jogging to local restaurants as soon as we’re juiced up with vaccinations and the weather becomes more bearable. Grocery stores are also already picking back up some foot traffic. It seems like just yesterday toilet paper couldn’t be spotted for miles.  

Remember Snapchat? The iconic quick picture-sharing app is still alive and well, as it continues to enthrall younger generations like it did to slightly older kids a few years back with its poop emoji filters and entertaining effects. 

Now, the app is testing previously uncharted waters by acquiring Screenshop, an app that scans your photos to identify your style aesthetic then provides clothing recommendations based on those findings.

The plan is to integrate Screenshop into its existing, AR-integrated eCommerce efforts, which have been extremely popular due to its new Bitmoji fashion products to boost branding efforts, and AR try-on tools for make-up and shoes.

Screenshop was launched back in 2017 gained early traction after getting the Kim Kardashian Stamp of Approval, which we all know is a one-way ticket to the gravy train. In fact, Kardashian had actually acted as an adviser on the UI in the early stages of the app, and it’s since gone on to integrate product recommendations from over 450 retail and brand partners. 

We’ll keep an eye out on this one, their AR integrations are sure to spark some interest from competitors. 

Drive-thrus are the epitome of 21st-century convenience. Who doesn’t love some of its most famous iterations like Sonic, CVS medicine pickup, and Taco Bell? These companies are ubiquitous, but what if we added an eBay drive-thru to the lineup? 

You read that right. An old Los Angeles gas station is getting a makeover as a drive-thru authentication hub for eBay. The “Authentication Station” offers people a safe and socially-distanced way to evaluate and sell their collectibles, sneakers, and Beanie Babies without leaving their cars. 

The move to open a physical location for verification follows eBay’s introduction of its Authenticity Guarantee, which enlists the help of experts to fully vet and verify merchandise. Right now, authentication is available for sneakers and watches through Nov. 21. eBay has partnered with Sneaker Con and leading eBay sellers to offer a comprehensive inspection of luxury and rare merchandise. 

The online flea market sold over two million (!!) watches last year; 54% of which were pre-owned. Furthermore, PYMNTS notes Rolex accounts for 40% of luxury watch sales on eBay.

This is Part 6 of our six-part series on the discovery process for web projects. Discovery, in the simplest of terms, is the process that consulting firms, agencies, and web development shops use to gain knowledge about an upcoming project. Once again we have Melissa Curra, Director of Strategy at SUMO Heavy.

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