Category: Mobile Commerce

Apple is looking to take another step into mobile payments

| November 16, 2015

Apple may be working with banks to develop a person-to-person payment service

Apple is reportedly in discussions with banks in the United States to develop a new payment service that would serve as a person-to-person platform. Such a system could further strengthen Apple’s position in the mobile payments space, where it has already established a strong foothold. While Apple may be in negotiations with banks, it is as yet unclear whether or not these organizations will be working with the company to develop this sort of person-to-person system.

Consumers are becoming more active in the mobile payments field

Many consumers in the United States are beginning to embrace mobile payments, but these consumers represent a relatively small portion of the country’s mobile audience. Should Apple acquire support from banks for this new initiative, it would be in a better position to compete with other organizations that have become involved in mobile payments. Apple Pay, which was launched a relatively short time ago, has managed to find some success, but still lags behind other payment systems in terms of adoption among consumers.

Demand for person-to-person money transfer services is rising quickly

Mobile Payments - AppleAs consumers become more involved in mobile payments, the demand for money transferring services is on the rise. Consumers want to be able to send money to their friends and family, a service that is featured in some payment systems that have already been well established. If Apple moves forward with its plans, its new mobile payments service is likely to be similar to PayPal’s Venmo platform, which has acquires strong support from a wide range of consumers.

How Apple will continue to generate revenue from mobile payments is uncertain

One of the concerns regarding the new service is how Apple will generate revenue through it. Apple Pay issues fees associated with every transaction being made, and these fees are imposed on retailers as a way to make the platform profitable. The new service may introduce fees on person-to-person money transfers, but Apple has offered any specific details concerning this. The company has not yet highlighted ways it could generate revenue through the service.

Canada’s commuters show support for mobile commerce

| November 13, 2015

Commuters are interested in shopping with their mobile devices

Many Canadians commute to work, and a growing number of these people are beginning to shop on their mobile devices while commuting. A new survey from Ipsos Reid shows that more people are becoming involved in mobile commerce. These consumers have found that they can shop in a convenient manner without having to visit a physical store and mobile commerce allows consumers to conduct their shopping while traveling.

Mobile commerce continues to gain traction with consumers, especially those with long commutes

This increasingly prominent trend has given rise to the term “commuter commerce,” which specifically refers to those participating in mobile commerce while commuting. The survey from Ipsos shows that approximately 14% of people engage in this form of shopping, with 75% of commuters noting that they would consider mobile shopping if they needed to but products. Those that did make purchases from a mobile device while commuting noted that they did so in a variety of manners.

Consumers appear to be most interested in purchasing tickets and clothing

Commuters & Mobile CommerceTickets for entertainment events were among the most popular products purchased by consumers on mobile devices. Clothes were also quite popular, with 62% of consumers noting they used their mobile devices to purchase these products. The survey showed that 70% of respondents said that they would like to browse their favorite stores while commuting. This may put more pressure on retailers, many of whom have not yet embraced the world of mobile commerce.

Mobile commerce continues to grow and place pressure on retailers to adapt

Mobile commerce is quickly becoming a powerful force in the Canadian retail space. Many merchants have found that their customers are becoming more reliant on mobile devices, using these devices to either research or purchase products while in physical stores. As this trend continues to grow, retailers are feeling the need to embrace mobile commerce in order to better connect with consumers. Retailers in Canada have, however, been slow to adopt new payment solutions, which has limited the growth of mobile commerce throughout the country.