Author: BWild

WeChat mobile payments rolls out in Hong Kong

The popular messenger app has just launched this new wallet service to users in this market.

The exceptionally poplar messenger app has now announced the launch of a WeChat mobile payments service that is now available to be used as a wallet application by consumers in Hong Kong.

The WeChat Pay service provides Hong Kong consumers with the ability to pay for purchases within the app.

The idea behind the WeChat mobile payments features is that as consumers use the app, they can buy what they want without ever having to exit the application. Essentially, it means their mobile wallet goes where they do while they’re using their smartphone or tablet. According to the Tencent head of Hong Kong and Taiwan Office, International Business Group, Norman Tam, “We are so excited to bring WeChat Pay, a new mobile experience that allows users to pay on the go in the simplest way, to Hong Kong.”

Tam explained that WeChat mobile payments provide both seamlessness and security to m-commerce.

WeChat Mobile Payments - Image of Hong KongHe explained that the mobile app has been specifically customized for users in the Hong Kong market. He said that while WeChat Pay gives users a solid mobile wallet option, it also provides “our partners with the benefit of a direct connection to WeChat’s massive community that other payment platforms cannot provide. This is truly a triple-win for us all.”

In order to be able to use the WeChat Pay service, users must enter their Visa or MasterCard information into their accounts in the app. In order to boost the security level of the transactions, users are then prompted to create a unique six digit PIN that they will need to remember and use every time they want to complete a purchase transaction within the app.

The setup process is meant to be quick and easy. Once it is complete, users gain the ability to immediately purchase products and services by tapping their smartphones on point of sale reader devices. Upon the launch of the WeChat mobile payments service, users are able to buy transportation fares, tickets, and travel products. According to reports on the new feature, there will be additional categories coming soon.

Convenience is driving the growth of mobile commerce

Report shows that consumers favor the convenience of mobile commerce

BuzzCity, a global mobile advertising network, has released a new report that highlights the growing popularity of mobile commerce. Many consumers have become interested in using their smartphones and tablets to shop online. The reason this is becoming attractive to consumers is because of the convenience that mobile commerce represents. According to BuzzCity, convenience is one of the factors influencing the interest consumers have in mobile shopping.

More people are expecting to spend their money through mobile devices

The report from BuzzCity shows that one in five consumers expected that more than have of their spending will come through a mobile device of some kind. Consumers appear to favor small purchases over larger ones. Approximately 18% of consumers noted that the variety of products available to them through mobile commerce is also a reason that encourages them to make purchases through a mobile device. The fact that they can do this shopping at any time and wherever they may be is one of the most attractive aspects of mobile commerce for consumers.

Consumers favor mobile websites over those that are not optimized for mobile viewing

Mobile Commerce - Mobile Shopping ConvenienceAccording to the report, 19% of consumers said that they would not use retail websites that are not optimized to be viewed on mobile devices. These sites offer a poor shopping experience, making it difficult for consumers to make purchases with their smartphones or tablets. Notably, tablets are becoming a very attractive option for those interested in mobile commerce because these devices have larger screens that make the shopping experience more enjoyable.

Consumers remain concerned about the security of their personal information while using mobile commerce platforms

While consumers are showing more interest in mobile commerce, they are also concerned with the overall security of online platforms. Those participating in mobile shopping are not convinced that mobile commerce platforms are able to protect their financial information. Companies involved in the mobile commerce space are working to improve security in order to effectively protect consumers and new technology is being used to keep sensitive information safe.