Tag: uk mobile commerce

London’s public transit is growing more accommodating of mobile payments

| July 9, 2014

Transport for London introduces new rules barring cash payments for bus fare

Those using public transportation in London will no longer be able to pay their bus fair with cash. Transport for London, the city’s public transit authority, has begun implementing new rules that bar bus drivers from accepting cash, meaning that passengers will have to make use of prepaid cards or concessionary tickets. This also open the way for the use of mobile payments, allowing travelers to pay their bus fare with nothing more than their mobile device.

Mobile commerce and public transit are beginning to grow more closely together

Mobile commerce and public transportation synergize well. Digital payments are often praised for their convenience, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services relatively quickly. This is why mobile commerce has become quite popular among commuters, as it allows them to make purchase wherever they are and at any time. Because so many people have mobile devices, the idea of combing mobile payments and public transportation seems natural.

New rules are not likely to affect the majority of those making use of London’s buses on a daily basis

Mobile Payments - London TransportAccording to Transport for London, the majority of consumers will be unaffected by its new rules. An estimated 99% of people using the city’s buses already pay their fare through the use of prepaid cards or tickets. These rules are being considered another step in London’s ongoing “payment revolution,” which is personified by those using alternative payment methods and abandoning cash. The demand for mobile-centric payment services is on the rise as well, with more businesses opting to support mobile commerce alongside more traditional forms of commerce.

New service introduces more convenience to the public transportation system

Transport for London has also introduced a new service that is designed to make public transportation more convenient for people throughout the City. The One More Journey service allows people to make one more trip if they do not have enough money on their prepaid cards to cover bus fare. Some 44,000 people have benefitted from this new service since its introduction in June.

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.