When the Beer Passport™ launched, it quickly captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts. However, even before the first printed edition, I envisioned a digital platform that would elevate the experience to new heights. Like any entrepreneurial journey, turning this vision into reality has been far from straightforward.
From the beginning, I dreamed of creating an app that could do it all: let users track their visits, discover new breweries, and earn rewards—all while seamlessly integrating geolocation, QR code check-ins, and vendor management. The Beer Troopy app was the perfect way to bring the Beer Passport™ into the digital age.
Taking the First Steps
My journey started with a brainstorming session with Mike Egling at Hillcrest Kwikspar. With his experience in retail and tech projects, we defined features, threw around ideas, and even met with a developer to explore possibilities. But as the complexity of creating a robust app became clear, it felt overwhelming for me. That’s when I decided: a printed version would be simpler to execute and a good starting point to test the concept. So, the Beer Passport™ was born in its physical form, and it proved to be a resounding success.
Yet, just a few months after launching the printed version, I couldn’t shake the feeling that a digital platform was still the future. I began researching existing solutions online-directories, app builders, and SaaS platforms that claimed to offer customisable features. Could any of these be adapted to suit my needs?
Exploring the Options
Through a Facebook group for directory creators, I connected with a so-called “Directory Specialist.” They suggested using JetEngine and Elementor to build a brewery directory. The idea was to create a platform where users could check in via location or QR code and track their visits. While the concept sounded exciting, the implementation was riddled with challenges. Timelines stretched, costs ballooned, and I started questioning whether this approach was the best fit.
After investing significant time and resources and facing numerous delays, I realised it was time to explore other options. That’s when someone introduced me to Flutter, a cross-platform development framework. With the help of ChatGPT, I drafted a detailed development brief, clearly outlining the vision for the Beer Troopy app.
Key Features of the Beer Troopy App
- Geolocation-Based Check-ins: Users can log visits to breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, and more.
- Rewards System: Earn points, badges, and rewards to enhance engagement and encourage repeat visits.
- Vendor Management: Easy tools for business owners to update their profiles and offerings.
- Cross-Platform Support: A single app for iOS, Android, and web users.
- Integrated Payments: Tiered memberships and one-off purchases handled through Paystack.
The development brief felt solid—ambitious yet achievable, at least on paper. However, as promising as Flutter seemed, the high upfront and ongoing costs of development quickly became a concern. I sought quotes and explored options for support teams, but it was clear that significant investment would be needed to get this project off the ground.
Finding the Right Solution
By the end of October 2024, I finally found a platform that aligns with the vision I’ve had since the beginning. While it’s taken longer than expected and is still not 100% perfect, this platform shows great potential for transforming how we connect our community with breweries, distilleries, and other unique destinations.
The Beer Troopy app will help us get closer to fulfilling our mission, which reads: We celebrate the Local Legends-the entrepreneurs and creators who bring life to our small towns and cities. These are the people whose craft and stories we’re proud to share and support.
We’ll always cherish the charm of the printed Beer Passport™, but the Beer Troopy app is designed to take the experience to the next level—both for businesses and our community of adventurers. The Beer Troopy app isn’t just a tool for visitors—it’s a game-changer for businesses.
Why the Beer Troopy App Is a Game-Changer
For brewers and destinations, the Beer Troopy app offers a host of benefits:
- Gamify the Experience: Engage visitors with fun, interactive features such as digital badges, leaderboards, and check-in challenges that encourage repeat visits.
- Seamless Access: No app downloads required. The mobile-friendly platform is accessible anytime, anywhere, making it easier for visitors to connect with your business.
- Automated Navigation: Help adventurers find your location effortlessly with geolocation and detailed maps.
- User-Generated Content: Visitors can share photo check-ins, boosting your online presence and creating buzz around your destination.
- Leaderboards: Foster friendly competition and community spirit with gamified challenges that encourage exploration.
- Visitor Insights: Gain valuable data about who’s visiting, when, and what they love. These insights help you craft better experiences.
- Enhanced Promotions: Offer tailored deals, tastings, and discounts to encourage loyalty and foot traffic.
For the Beer Troopers Community, the Beer Troopy app reimagines the beloved printed Beer Passport™, transforming it into a gamified adventure for exploring South Africa’s finest breweries and beyond. This isn’t just about beer anymore. With the Beer Troopy app, users can discover a world of unique destinations, from distilleries and coffee roasteries to farm stalls and artisanal shops.
The Beer Troopy app combines the charm of discovery with the convenience of modern technology. Whether you’re a brewer looking to attract visitors or a Beer Trooper eager for your next adventure, this platform is designed with you in mind.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Don’t wait—sign up today to join the Beer Troopy app and unlock a world of discovery. Explore South Africa’s most extraordinary destinations, earn rewards, and celebrate the Local Legends who bring our towns and cities to life.
Visit BeerTroopy.com to get started!
Cheers to exploring South Africa, one destination at a time!