Savings Bank Launches Samo App: Merging Banking and Marketplace
Savings Bank has introduced its innovative app, Samo, which integrates banking services with online shopping capabilities. This service is designed to support small and medium enterprises, particularly those without their own online stores, as reported by Forbes. Users can select a partner, place an order, pay for it in the app, and pick it up at the retail location. Currently, Samo is available in beta mode.
Among the prominent partners supporting Samo are WOG, Socar, Winetime, Okwine, along with various local businesses in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kropyvnytskyi, and Chernihiv. The plans include expanding functionalities and launching a Shop&Go feature, allowing customers to scan items in-store, pay online, and skip queues.
Anton Tyutyun, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Savings Bank, stated that the idea for Samo originated at the beginning of the pandemic, but the project was only realized in 2023. While development costs remain undisclosed, experts estimate them to be between $100,000 and $360,000.
Following the official launch, users encountered several issues: SMS codes for login were not received, linking bank cards was problematic, and some product categories were empty. A Forbes journalist was unable to access the app for several days.
"This isn't even beta; it’s a false start," commented Artem Shevchenko, CEO of market by mono, adding that the app operates inconsistently and that pickup is available only after significant delays.
Savings Bank acknowledges that Samo is still imperfect but views it as a crucial step in enhancing the bank's ecosystem. Plans for 2025 include scaling the service to other cities and actively onboarding new partners.
According to bank representatives, Samo is intended to complement the digital service portfolio of Savings Bank, including traditional online banking and the "My ЖК" app for residents of HOA. Experts believe that the service will not be a full-fledged competitor to Glovo or Rozetka but can serve as an effective tool for supporting small businesses and retaining bank clients.
