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PayPal turns to QR codes for mobile commerce venture

| November 16, 2012

 

PayPal sets sights on QR codes

Commerce giant PaQR Codes Mobile Commerce NewsyPal continues to look for ways to engage the ever growing mobile consumer population. The company has had a keen interest in mobile commerce for some time, and has been eager to offer services to consumers that are interested in making payments using their mobile devices. Initially, PayPal had plans to make use of NFC technology to provide these services to consumers. The technology proved to be less than ideal for the company. Now, PayPal is setting its sights on QR codes.

Codes beginning to see traction in mobile commerce

QR codes are most often used in advertising as a way to provide consumers with information on products. The codes can be scanned by simple barcode scanning applications, making them easily accessible to consumers. Recently, QR codes have been getting more attention for their possible uses in mobile commerce. Retail companies, such as the UK’s Tesco, have begun experimenting with the codes in so called “pop-up” stores — virtual stores that use QR codes to sell products.

PayPal campaign to use QR codes in shop windows

PayPal is set to launch a new mobile commerce pilot project in Amsterdam that revolves around QR codes. The project will take place in the shopping district, De 9 Straatjes. More than 30 retailers that are located in this district have teamed with PayPal for the initiative. These stores will serve as host to QR codes that will be placed in shop windows. When these codes are scanned, consumers are directed to a mobile website where they can see all the products the store offers. Consumers can then purchase their desired products through PayPal and have their purchase mailed to their home.

Company expects mobile commerce to become more popular

PayPal has an acute interest in mobile commerce and believes that mobile technology will be play a major role in the lives of consumers, especially where spending money is concerned. Already, many consumers have become reliant on their mobile devices to pay bills and search for products online. PayPal expects that this trend will gain momentum in the coming years.

Retail industry sets sights on mobile commerce

| November 15, 2012

 

Mobile commerce will be key for holiday season

The holiday season is rapimobile commerce retaildly approaching and that has major implications for the retail industry. Retailers are preparing for the busiest and most important time of year, in terms of business, and have targeted mobile consumers as a key demographic. More consumers around the world are becoming reliant on their mobile devices for shopping and daily activities. As such, these consumers present a promising opportunity for retailers looking to establish a constant level of engagement. Thus, the retail industry is growing more interested in mobile commerce and how it can be used to enthrall consumers during the holiday season.

New survey shows mobile penetration is high in the US

According to a new survey from Pew Internet, a leading non-profit research firm, shows that mobile device penetration has grown at a rapid pace. The survey suggests that 88% of all American adults now have a cell phone of some kind, with 63% of these people using their device to wirelessly connect to the Internet. With so many people relying on their mobile devices to connect to the Internet, retailers have seen an opportunity to establish a constant connection with these people. Many retailers believe that mobile commerce initiatives will entice these consumers to make purchases through their mobile devices.

Mobile commerce still unfamiliar for many people

Though many consumers have shown interest in mobile commerce, initiatives designed to get them to spend money through their mobile devices have had trouble getting any attention in the past. Mobile commerce is still a new and unfamiliar concept to many. It also comes with its own security issues, which could put the financial information of consumers at risk of exploitation. Moreover, some mobile commerce services rely on NFC technology, which is limited in terms of availability.

Successful mobile commerce initiatives could net major gains

Despite some of the problems mobile commerce faces, the retail industry is still keen to leverage this concept in an effort to engage mobile consumers. Those that can successfully attract the attention of these consumers may find that many of these people are willing to pay a lot of money to get what they want.