Mobile Commerce

Many consumers can buy things they want and need with their mobile devices through mobile commerce. They can do this by shopping from their mobile browser or paying for games and apps. They can also participate in mobile commerce at the point of sale using their phone’s built-in technology.

To set up an attainable mobile commerce experience, you need to take into consideration the mobile customers. Ask yourself what mobile tools they have and if they feel good shopping on the web. You also want to gather information on whether they have bought items using their mobile device. 

There are various physical, mobile, and electronic payment options available. Thus, guarantee that you reach your market through a wide range of options. 

What People Buy Online

Individuals purchase most things on the web, thanks to mobile commerce. Even if buying a car is not done online, most of the research and decision is done with the help of mobile web. The most popular products sold in mobile devices are apps and music. They are less expensive and safer. But other categories are still explored by other users. Aside from entertainment and content, consumers love online shopping for financial services, travels, clothes, and even healthcare.

Mobile Shopping and Mobile Commerce

The adaptability and promptness of mobile devices have made mobile shopping very mainstream. One-fourth of Chinese smartphones and tablet users shop online in 2014.That is about twice as numerous as the remainder of the world.

As long as they have a mobile web, users buy goods and services anywhere they are. They can also search different brands and variants, as well as compare prices. According to an eBay spokesperson, mobile users find it easier to shop with their phones than on desktop.

Factors that Affect Mobile Shopping Performance

Several factors influence a mobile shopper’s actions. Besides their own device and the interface, the context within online shopping is explored. 

According to Nielsen and Yahoo, here are nine mobile principles that affect a user’s mobile shopping experience. 

• Location of the mobile ads. In mobile commerce, the location of the potential consumer must always be taken into account.
• Killing time. When users are bored, they like to access content.
• Taking my time. Numerous customers like to take as much time as they need when performing tasks.
• Goal orientation. What is the information on the categories that users always search for? 
• Attentiveness. The user usually gives full attention to category information
• Urgency. Potential consumers experience a sense of urgency when completing a task.
• Routine. Users utilize the same method of accessing category information.
• Passin. Users become enthusiastic about certain category information
• Trust and security. Users need to access and trust secure sources.

Best Practices in Mobile Commerce

You need to prioritize the user experience over anything when it comes to mobile commerce. Mobile users are driven by purpose. They are search-oriented and clear on what they want to navigate. That implies you need to create it as simply as possible accomplish their objective.

Here are some versatile business pointers for you.

• Add a search bar and consolidate auto-suggest to make looking through simpler
• The menu should be short and clear. Goals over long lists of items, always.
• Individual product pages should be laid out simplistically. The most vital pieces of data ought to be at the top. Then, a clear ‘buy’ button should be visible.
• Add a wishlist button. This becomes essential when you have a full online store site. Clients would then be able to explore on mobile and audit the items they wish to purchase.
• Images help catch attention and illustrate products.
• Users should be able to search results to find what they want
• Users should not be required to register to buy products and services. Many will leave the process if they still have to fill out forms on their cell phone. 

Good security is necessary when building the payment system. This will assist clients with being consoled that their data is secured with you. Many consumers are afraid of transacting on mobile, so have a privacy policy and include info on security measures. 

Mobile Wallets and Near-Field Communication for Mobile Commerce

Using Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, the transferring of data over short distances using data chips is possible.With this component, clients can make installments on the spot. They can simply swipe or scan mobile devices with NFC technology. For this to work, there should be a chip in the user’s mobile device then the merchant has the hardware scanner. It’s common among smartphones as about 100 million mobile devices shipped in 2012 with this feature. The only downside is, it is not included in Apple iPhones. 

Mobile wallets, on the other hand, can help you store money for other payment methods. This can include credit cards or PayPal on your mobile phone. The most common system used for making transactions is NFC. You can also use mobile wallets for little purchases like movie tickets and snacks on vending machines. Public transportation tickets also employ this payment method. 

Mobile Ticketing Coupons

Mobile ticketing helps you to use your mobile phone for buying and getting tickets for commuting, parking, and concert seats.

A barcode, password, or other data piece is sent to your phone once your ticket is purchased. Then, you will present this SMS or MMS at the ticketing station. They are easy to scan and they are administered paperless. They are also cheaper and more accessible.

Mobile coupons are the same. Users will receive a coupon when they perform a certain action like subscribing to an SMS marketing list. They also receive it as a reward for completing surveys. These drive sales and offer free trials to retain customers. 

Mobile Currency

Mobile currency is a type of payment that allows users to make transactions through phone with e-currency or mobile voucher. Banking laws also govern these for each country. For merchants to maximize these services, online shopping has to be enabled and registered along with them. M-Pesa is one available option that is available in different African countries. It’s amazing for those who do not have access to bank accounts but have mobile phones.

© Image credits to  Emre Can