Tag: Walker Sands

Consumers are still wary of mobile payments

| March 23, 2015

Report shows that consumers may not be ready to embrace mobile payments at this time

Many consumer still have reservations about mobile payments, according to a new report from Walker Sands. The report shows that mobile payments are becoming more popular, but either out of 10 consumers still have doubts about the sector. Much of this doubt is centered on security. Mobile payments platforms are not typically considered the most secure option when it comes to commerce, which is why consumers, in general, tend to avoid using their mobile devices to pay for products.

Many people prefer cash, but want to make use of a digital payment platform that offers them good features

The report shows that cash remains the most favored way for consumers in the United States to pay for products, but it is on the decline. According to the report, 59% of consumers carry less than $20 on their person. Many consumers noted that they were waiting for a secure mobile payments platform, saying that they would use such a platform if it existed. Approximately 4% of consumers said that they used Apple Pay, though 18% said that the launch of the new platform made them more interested in mobile payments.

Peer-to-peer services are becoming more popular among young consumers

Mobile Payments - consumer uncertaintyThere is also increasing demand for peer-to-peer payment services. The report shows that nearly 50% of those between the ages of 18 and 25 want to use services that allow them to send money to their friends and colleagues. Such services could become more popular if they can offer these consumers a convenient experience.

Loyalty to singular platforms remains quite low among consumers

Notably, consumers have not yet expressed loyalty for a singular mobile payments platform. Instead, consumers are likely to move from one platform to the next in order to find features that they enjoy. While some payment platforms, such as Apple Pay, have managed to acquire a great deal of support, these platforms have not found mainstream success, as consumers are less inclined to use one platform over another for any significant period of time.

Consumer behavior about mobile commerce is changing

| March 13, 2015

Study highlights the changing support that is coming from mobile consumers

When it comes to commerce security, Bitcoin may be safer than mobile wallets, according to a new study from Walker Sands. Security has become a major topic among consumers since the advent of mobile commerce. More people are using their mobile devices to shop for and purchase products, which has highlighted the security risks that exist in the digital space. When it comes to protecting financial information, the study shows that consumers believe that cryptocurrency is the safest way to stay protected.

Cyrptocurrency is considered more secure for mobile commerce than mobile wallets

Cyrptocurrency is a medium of exchange that leverages cryptography to make transactions more secure than they would be on their own. Bitcoin is one of the more popular forms of this currency, but these currencies are not generally well supported by government and banking organizations. The study from Walker Sands shows that 3% of consumers believe that Bitcoin, and similar currencies, are more secure when making transactions online. By comparison, 1% of consumers believe that mobile wallets are safe to use.

Mobile commerce has become a target for malicious groups that want to steal financial information from consumers and businesses

Consumer opinion about mobile commerce changingMobile commerce has become a very attractive target for malicious groups that want to exploit the financial information of consumers. Some mobile wallets have been targeted by these groups, some of whom are exploiting the security flaws of mobile commerce platforms. Not all platforms are dangerous to use, of course, and those that are targeted tend to become more secure in a very short amount of time after a malicious attack.

Businesses are becoming more active in making mobile commerce more secure

The study shows that the majority of consumers (56%) believe that cash is still the most secure way to make a purchase. Credit cards follow behind cash. The study has taken note of the changes in consumer behavior, especially concerning security issues. The study also shows that retailers and other businesses are taking steps to make mobile commerce more secure and attractive to consumers.