I like the "chat" aspect especially since (on the backend) it could be taken care of with machine learning & automation. Most of the time looking for a store employee I just want to know what aisle product X is in.
As a third party service for smaller stores and a white label solution for larger chains, it sounds like a nice business model.
But, in our early tests, what we found is that shoppers quickly move from "where is x?" to "what do I need for y?"
Our general hypothesis is that you need both machine learning / automation + human agent to create enough value for the shopper that they want to come back
I figured that would be the case. I imagine that there would be a "HelpPing administrator" (similar to live chat support on websites) that could a) jump in to assist on more complex questions and b) assist in mapping those complex questions into the system algo?
I like the idea. Get out there and do it. I hope, though, that the button isn't gonna look like the "easy button" from Staples ;)
Edit: Also, check patents and/or patent asap
You don't like the shape?