Have you noticed that some of your family and friends treat talking on the phone like it’s some sort of hassle? It’s not just them. More and more people are using non-auditory methods of communication like email, text and social media to stay in touch. Businesses are on board with this trend and offering apps that expedite services to make customers’ lives easier and more convenient.
Here’s a list of seven apps that can help you revolutionize your life with the tap of a few buttons.
1
This app eliminates at least one excuse for not making an appointment to see a doctor. With ZocDoc, users can schedule appointments with doctors and dentists in over 2,000 U.S. cities, searching by specialty, hospital affiliation or insurance plan.
2
Sick of going to the grocery store? The Instacart app lets you shop online and schedule a delivery. You can chat (via text inside the app) with your shopper and add substitutions for hard-to-find items. Instacart is available in metro areas in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and all Canadian provinces except Quebec.
3
GrubHub put the take-out menus of over 40,000 local restaurants across America at users’ fingertips, and you don’t have to dial any numbers to place an order.
4
This roadside assistance app uses GPS technology to find the closest available help when your car breaks down. Users pay a flat rate per service, not a membership fee, and providers are located across the U.S.
5
There’s no need to speak to a dispatcher (or hail a cab) with Uber, which pairs drivers and riders in over 50 countries. The app provides fare estimates and maps your route, and drivers accept requested rides before they learn the rider’s destination.
6
This app lets you search and book appointments at thousands of beauty salons and spas on three continents. You can browse staff bios and reviews. You can also collect points to redeem for future services.
7
A new spin on traditional wash and fold, Rinse lets residents of major U.S. cities send out laundry seven days a week. They have subscription and pay-as-you-go options.
You can’t avoid talking on the phone entirely, at least not yet. Some situations, both personal and professional, still require an old-fashioned telephone call. But new apps are being designed every day. Perhaps soon, cheesy hold music and irritating dropped calls will be relics of the past, and everyone will be able to focus their attention on the phone calls that really matter to the people they care most about.
What apps do you use to save time and get things done more easily? Let other readers know in the comments.
Thank you! Apps are great during the times with pandemics. They provide options. Uber is great if my car is in service. I am 72 and do a great deal online. It is how I correspond with my medical/health providers. I am happy to get texts or emails reminders of appointments. My car has set text to let people know the status of my arrival while telling me how to get there. Everywhere I shop use apps to give me discounts. The only problem I have is all of the passwords. Even Apple helps with this. I just need my face or fingerprint. My dream is to have a smart home with solar power and power walls.
Not personal. Not social. Not polite, a real lack of humanity with one app or automated voice after another
I know how to but avoid texting. I deliberately do not answer texts.
Unless I absolutely must. I do not check texts often. Not to answer is an answer. A slap in the face to anyone who texts for a date.
It’s rude.
Human beings pay for and deserve personalized service.
These websites and apps are all about how to get you to spend more $. Disgusting,
We certainly do not want to become antisocial. I say “no” to these apps
I like the idea of the convenience these apps offer, if they work. I’m 78 and appreciate any convenience I can find. But most of the time I prefer human contact and keeping companies on their toes. I had an occasion last week with a store where I had to go back 5 times in one day. The people in the customer service area all had an – oh no, not her again – look on their faces but they had to deal with me anyway. Their attitudes stunk and I will write the company. They advertise their taking care of any problems. Customer service is a vital part of all businesses. On the other side, being a good customer is vital as well. I always said thank you after a problem was resolved – bad attitude or not. Being a good customer is just as important as customer service. TO be honest, I’ve got to admit by the 5th time I was not a happy camper.
Great advice looking forward to communications.
I dislike these apps, I see them as another way of promoting antisocial behaviors. What’s happened to the use of good personal communication skills? Too many companies and businesses are failing to provide quality customer service by having the customers navigate wed pages for answers to questions that are not found in their FAQs. We need a person to talk to not another chatroom to fumble through.
Awesome
Thanks for all those options.
There isn’t one for me.
I love grocery shopping at 5am and walk all the isle to get my steps in.
My Doctors are easy to access online or phone.
Diane
When UBER was new it was great — working as intended. Then despite zillions of “improvements” their APP QUIT WORKING. If I use Uber to go to the airport then later, trying to use it for a ride to hotel near my destination, it acts as if I’m still at HOME ! Uber needs that APP to be programmed without BLUNDERS