Tag: mobile commerce news

UK small businesses have yet to embrace mobile commerce

| June 30, 2014

Research shows on 2% of small businesses are using mobile POS solutions

Despite reports of the meteoric rise of mobile commerce throughout the United Kingdom, the country’s small businesses have yet to show any real enthusiasm for the mobile space. According to new research from the Kalixa Group, only 2% of the UK’s small businesses are making use of mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems. Large businesses, like prolific retail brands, tend to be more accepting of mobile commerce, but smaller companies have yet to see any significant benefit from engaging mobile consumers in an aggressive fashion.

Small businesses may not be able to justify cost of mobile POS

One of the major barriers preventing small businesses from entering into the mobile space is cash flow. Mobile POS solutions allow these businesses to accept mobile payments, but these solutions tend to be somewhat expensive. Small businesses can rarely justify the extra cost of solutions that may not represent a sufficient return on investment. While some studies have shown that mobile consumers are more inclined to spend money when shopping, this may only be the case with larger businesses that offer a wide range of products and not so with specialty retailers and niche businesses.

Companies are opting to focus on digital space rather than support mobile payments

UK Mobile Commerce - Small BusinessesSmall businesses are, indeed, interested in engaging mobile consumers, but are not yet willing to embrace mobile payments. Many small businesses are working to bolster their mobile presence by engaging consumers digitally, ensuring that their websites and other digital platforms are mobile friendly. While they are working on engaging mobile consumers on the digital plane, they are also beginning to focus more on mobile security to prepare for a potential future in mobile commerce.

Small businesses concerned about threats of the digital world

Kaliva’s research shows that most small businesses in the United Kingdom are primarily concerned with the security of mobile commerce. Many believe that the mobile space is simply not secure enough, leaving them exposed to significant financial risks. These businesses are beginning to take steps to ensure that they and their customers are sufficiently protected against digital threats.

Mobile commerce shows impressive growth in Australia

| June 27, 2014

ACMA report highlights the growing activity in the mobile field

Mobile commerce has experienced strong growth throughout Australia since 2010, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Consumers are becoming mobile-centric and more inclined to shop for and purchase products from their mobile devices. Australian businesses have taken note of this and are beginning to focus more aggressively on connecting with mobile consumers. The ACMA has released a report concerning the growth of mobile commerce in the country, highlighting the trends that are contributing to this growth.

Mobile payments grow by 448% since December 2010

According to the ACMA mobile commerce in Australia has grown by 448% since December 2010. As of December 2013, more than 3.4 million people throughout the country are making use of mobile payment platforms. People are beginning to use their mobile devices to manage their funds more easily, according to the ACMA report. The report notes that money transfers are the most widely used mobile service among consumers in Australia.

Smartphone adoption is powering mobile commerce activity

Australia Mobile Commerce GrowthThe report found that mobile commerce is most common among those between the ages of 25 and 34. This demographic tends to be more reliant on their mobile devices and more comfortable with mobile technology in general. The growing adoption of smartphones and tablets has also played a role in increasing mobile commerce activity.

Consumers remain more confident in conventional e-commerce than mobile shopping, but that may change in the future

While mobile payments are becoming more common throughout Australia, conventional e-commerce is still performing better than the mobile sector. The ACMA notes that e-commerce sales coming from PCs, in particular, are growing at a rapid pace. Currently, traditional e-commerce sales are 27% higher than sales being recorded from mobile devices. Shopping online from a PC is also more popular among a more diverse group of consumers. Many people have become very comfortable with e-commerce, having extensive experience with PCs and laptops. Mobile commerce may eventually outpace conventional e-commerce activity, but it could take years for consumers to become comfortable with the idea of purchasing products exclusively from a mobile device.