Tag: accenture

Mobile payments lag in Ireland

| August 29, 2013

Ireland is lukewarm when it comes to mobile payments

Accenture, a market research firm, has released a new report concerning Internet services and mobile payments in Ireland. The report shows that Ireland is considered one of the leading countries when it comes to calls made through the Internet through services like Skype. Ireland is, however, lagging behind in terms of mobile payments. Mobile commerce has seen sluggish adoption throughout Ireland despite the interest that consumers have in online shopping and using their mobile devices in daily life.

Internet calls are popular among consumers

According to the report, approximately 74% of Irish consumers currently own smartphones, with one-third of consumers owning tablets. This is somewhat higher than the global average; 67% and 24% respectively. Approximately 34% of Irish consumers use their mobile devices to conduct Internet calls, higher than the global average of 28%. Many consumers favor Internet calls due to quality services and the convenience such communication services offer.

Mobile Payments IrelandMobile payments have yet to win favor

Mobile payments have not received the same favor from Irish consumers as Internet calls have, however. The report shows that only 12% of consumers currently participate in mobile commerce. One-third of consumers claim they plan to make mobile payments within the next 12 months. While many consumers are not participating in mobile commerce, 48% of these consumers claim that they would be willing to switch providers if they are offered better mobile payments services.

Mobile commerce may play a major role in the future

In Ireland, mobile payments are primarily made for tickets for events and transportation. Some consumers prefer mobile payments for online shopping, but the majority of Irish consumers have yet to warm to the concept of mobile commerce. As mobile technology begins to play a bigger role in the lives of consumers, however, mobile commerce is expected to gain traction. Eventually, Ireland may see a significant spike in mobile payments, driven by the introduction of comprehensive and efficient services that meet the needs of consumers.

Report highlights consumer preference for mobile commerce

| April 21, 2013

mobile commerce consumer retailMobile commerce becoming a major aspect of retail

Accenture, a leading market research firm, has released a new study concerning the preferences consumers have in the realm of online shopping. The Seamless Retail Study highlights these preferences, showing that many consumers favor their mobile devices to shop for and purchase products online. Mobile commerce is growing increasingly common, especially in the retail industry, due to the convenience it offers to consumers. Many consider using their smartphones and tablets to shop online is simple more efficient than other forms of shopping.

Survey shows consumers are likely to use mobile devices to shop

The study includes a survey, which notes that 88% of consumers claimed to have participated in “webrooming,” a practice similar to showrooming wherein consumers browse for products on the Internet before purchasing products in a physical store. The survey also shows that approximately 43% of consumers have plans to shop online more frequently in the future, with 23% of these consumers noting that they plan to use their mobile devices to shop.

Mobile commerce offers more convenience to shoppers

The study suggests that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in a seamless shopping experience, wherein they can find and purchase the products they are interested online and pick up those products as soon as possible. Mobile commerce is somewhat accommodating of this trend, as it enables consumers to make a purchase from their mobile device and, in some cases, retrieve their purchased products from a physical store. Amazon has recently begun offering such a service, which has been well received by consumers interested in mobile commerce.

Retailers may have to work harder to engage a changing consumer base

The study claims that retailers may need to combine their store, online, and mobile shopping channels in order to appeal to a changing consumer base. More people are getting their hands of high-end smartphones and tablets, making them more mobile-centric. As such, retailers that do not appeal to consumers on a mobile level could stand to lose significant ground with these people as mobile commerce becomes more prolific.