Large companies typically lead the way with tech, but mobile commerce platforms are being pushed by SMBs.
Corporations and massive enterprises have traditionally been the leaders when it comes to being on the very cutting edge of technology, but when it comes to mcommerce, a major push is being supported by small and medium sized businesses that are not held back by the solid infrastructures and red tape restricting their larger counterparts.
This flexibility and agility of SMBs makes it possible for them to test and evolve with mobile commerce.
SMBs often find themselves in a position in which they can move quickly, making it possible for them to try out various forms of tech, such as mcommerce, and to keep up with the latest developments over these channels. Because of this, businesses in this size group are starting to play an important role in driving innovation of shopping and payments through the use of smartphones.
Studies are showing that a large percentage of SMBs are using mcommerce and mobile payments.
Recent research by BIA/Kelsey determined that approximately 40 percent of SMBs are using mobile point of sale (mPOS) technology. These mobile devices are used in store to help consumers to make purchases outside of a traditional checkout counter. It is predicted that this number will only rise as SMBs spend more money on mobility over the next half decade.
Using smartphones and tablets to assist consumers with shopping and to be able to accept both orders and payments can help to simplify the operation of the business as a whole, particularly for small retailers and mom and pop shops. A growing number of analysts are predicting that throughout 2014, there will be a broadening trend of embracing this tech in many forms.
The more mcommerce technology is used, the more rapidly mobile commerce platforms will evolve as innovations are developed to improve convenience, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. This will help in areas including inventory, paperless inventory, online banking, and m-payments that give these entrepreneurs new and innovative ways to use digital means for transacting business. Overall, this is an appealing playing field for the SMB community.
As a result of an impressive mobile marketing plan by the company, the largest growth in sales figures was by far over this channel. That said, it was tablets – including the Hudle devices from Tesco, itself – that truly produced the largest share of results. In the three months that led up to Christmas, the company managed to sell 400,000 of their own tablet devices.