Bigcommerce marks the increasingly popularity of mobile commerce
Mobile commerce has been a very beneficial force for Bigcommerce, an e-commerce platform catering to small businesses. The platform represents some 30,000 small and medium-sized businesses around the world, many of which have become increasingly interested in engaging mobile consumers. To this end, these companies have been adopting new mobile commerce services. As these companies put more focus on mobile commerce, consumers are becoming more apt to use their mobile devices to shop and purchase products, according to Bigcommerce.
10.2% of 2012 sales were made from mobile devices
Bigcommerce notes that 10.2% of all sales for the companies it represents are coming from smart phones and tablets. This accounts for approximately $84 million in online sales throughout 2012. Sales make through Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, registered $46 million, representing 84% of all online mobile sales during 2012. Bigcommerce notes that the Android platform saw $13 million in sales during the same time period.
Retail industry continues to be a strong supporter of mobile commerce
Mobile commerce has become especially popular within the retail industry. Many retailers had been made aware of the potential gains they could see through engaging mobile consumer several years ago, hence the nearly universal adoption of mobile marketing. Mobile commerce could further these benefits, especially as consumers become more interested in using the smart phones and tablets to shop.
Android may be more plentiful, but not necessarily popular for mobile commerce
The information from Bigcommerce conflicts with information concerning smart phone ownership. Android devices account for 52% of all smart phones in use, while iPhone represent roughly 34%. Bigcommerce notes that the higher number of Android devices available is due to the fact that the platform is licensed to many groups, while the iOS platform is almost entirely exclusive to Apple. Even though the Android seems to be more prevalent, that does not mean that it is more popular in terms of mobile commerce.
The Apple voice controlled service has been linked to movie times and locations as well as ticket selling.
The latest surprise technology news from Apple Inc. has included a new feature for moviegoers, as the latest iOS operating system (version 6.1) has included a new connection between Siri and the Fandango m-commerce app.
When asking about movies currently playing in the theater, Siri displays show times and nearby theaters.
Apple mobile device users with Siri voice technology personal assistant will be able to ask about the latest movies that are playing so that they can receive information about the films and local theaters that are playing them. Should they wish to purchase their tickets, they can do so through Fandango’s online ticket seller m-commerce app.
The Fandango m-commerce application is opened directly by Siri so that the tickets can be purchased.
If the app is not yet installed on the Apple device, the user will be prompted by Siri to perform the download so that the tickets can be purchased through m-commerce. The tickets can be purchased in a paperless way and stored within the Passbook mobile wallet. That produces a QR code which can be displayed to the ticket takers on the mobile device screen, and then scanned to allow entry.
According to the Fandango president, Paul Yanover, “Fandango is committed to innovating across all platforms and helping shape the future of moviegoing.” He added that “With this new Siri feature, movie fans can quickly and easily discover the nearest theaters, find the most convenient showtimes, and buy tickets through Fandango to help make movie night perfect.”
What is not yet known is whether or not there is financial benefit provided to Apple out of this partnership with Fandango. The company has been asked whether it is taking a percentage of the Siri generated movie ticket sales, for instance. However, both Fandango and Apple have not provided any answers or information on the financial nature of the relationship.
Fandango did release a statement by way of their vice president of mobile strategy, Mark Young, in terms of the m-commerce connection with Apple. He stated that “We have been working closely with Apple since our first iPhone app in 2009.” Young later added that “…given the popularity of Apple devices, the iPhone and iPad are certainly a top priority for Fandango”
