LenzVU Inc. has launched a managed guest Wi-Fi service designed to help small and multi-location businesses collect customer contact information, monitor repeat visits and automate marketing follow-ups.
The new service, called HotSpotVU, uses customer Wi-Fi connections to create opportunities for businesses to maintain relationships with visitors after they leave their premises. The service is available across Canada for an annual fee of $599, with a preconfigured router, setup, monitoring, software updates and technical support included.
The Vaughan, Ont.-based company says the platform is intended for businesses that already provide free Wi-Fi but want to use those connections to build customer databases and encourage repeat visits.
Wi-Fi service combines customer data and marketing automation
HotSpotVU provides customers with a customizable Wi-Fi welcome page where they can sign in and, with permission, share their names, email addresses or phone numbers. Businesses can use the information to identify new and returning visitors, review visit frequency and develop automated follow-up campaigns through LenzVU’s customer relationship management platform.
“Every business owner knows the feeling of a great regular who just stops coming in,” said Afi Aflatooni, Founder and CEO of LenzVU. “Most of them never left an email or phone number. HotSpotVU uses something businesses already have – free Wi-Fi – to keep that connection, with the customer’s permission, and to make inviting them back automatic.”
The system includes reporting tools that track new and returning visitors, repeat-visit rates, visit frequency and visit duration. Businesses can also review activity trends to help inform staffing and promotional decisions, although the company notes that the reports reflect observed device activity rather than a complete count of everyone entering a location.
HotSpotVU also offers a front-desk display that can show the names and available photos of returning customers, giving staff an additional way to recognize visitors.
Target market includes retail, restaurants and fitness businesses
The service is designed for businesses where customers spend time on site, including cafés, restaurants, gyms, fitness studios, yoga and Pilates studios, martial arts schools, salons, spas, retail stores and waiting rooms.
It also supports franchises and businesses operating multiple locations through a centralized dashboard that provides company-wide and individual venue reporting, customer records and remote equipment management.
The technology includes separate guest Wi-Fi access to help protect private business systems, including point-of-sale terminals and office computers. Businesses can also manage bandwidth, apply website restrictions and control which connected devices are authorized to use the network.
Additional capabilities include automated Wi-Fi sign-in prompts on compatible devices, support for OpenRoaming-enabled equipment and customizable access periods for returning customers.
Annual subscription includes equipment and support
An annual subscription includes a preconfigured router, guided installation, monitoring, software updates, technical support and a free LenzVU account.
The company says businesses do not need to purchase separate equipment or have specialized technical knowledge to install the service. Optional marketing and customer engagement services through LenzVU are available separately.
Privacy controls allow businesses to obtain separate permissions for storing contact information, sending marketing communications and collecting customer photos. Consent status is maintained in customer records, while configurable retention settings and privacy notices are intended to support compliance with Canadian privacy and anti-spam requirements, including PIPEDA, CASL and Quebec’s Law 25.
HotSpotVU is available across Canada and the United States, although U.S. shipments may be subject to import duties and brokerage fees.
LenzVU is a Canadian technology company based in Vaughan, Ont. Its flagship platform provides customer relationship management and marketing automation services, bringing together phone, text messaging, email, web chat and AI-powered front-desk tools. The company also offers PayrollVU, CalendarVU, ScreenVU and LiveSign.
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