What is Driving M-Commerce in 2017 (And Beyond)?
The online (and offline) business owners of today are taking a keen interest in understanding and exploring the potential of mobile commerce, also referred to as m-commerce. This is because m-commerce is expected to grow to a 250 billion market by 2020. Nearly 4.77 billion people are expected to use smartphones, capable of making mobile purchases, by the end of year 2017. If you have an online store, or are planning to sell online, it’s time to get acquainted with the latest trends of m-commerce and prepare yourself for the huge leap.
Retailers are not only choosing for responsively designed “storefronts”, but also looking to create solutions that fit different screens and operating systems. The realm of ecommerce has gone beyond offering the best deals. Instead, it’s about providing an exceptional experience to users. As a result, mobile app development is the go-to for providing a seamless m-commerce experience, beyond just making your website responsive.
So, what are the trends driving m-commerce in 2017 and beyond? Let’s explore:
Smart Coupons
Thanks to GPS services, you are already receiving location-based messages from your favorite businesses right to your phone. However, with the advancements in augmented reality and wearable technology, this will be taken to a whole new level. With this technology, offers and discounts from your favorite brands can be a fully immersive experience. For example, you’ll be able to hold up your phone to uncover nearby businesses that are offering coupons and special deals, including their menu and rating.
Wide-ranging Purchasing Options
In this day and age, you don’t have to spend hours (or even minutes) in line anymore to make a purchase. Retailers are providing customers with an array of different purchasing options. Some offer the ability to buy online and have it delivered, some encourage “drive through solutions” once the order is placed on an app, and others motivate customers to pre-order so that they can avoid long queues. Retail giants like Amazon are also offering fast-track delivery by providing same day delivery through drones. They are also pioneering the “Just Walk Out” groceries by allowing customers to scan their own purchases with their phone and paying on the go.
Swipe n’ Shop
This year, retailers are starting to implement one-touch purchases and fast order-placement solutions. This technology will enable the shoppers to browse and make transactions with from their favourite store with the touch of a button. In essence, this gives retailers the opportunity to transform any piece of media (like a picture of video) into a sales catalogue. For instance, Instagram will allow certain retail partners to tag products in the photos they post. As Wired says, “If people click on these tags, they can get a more detailed description of, say, a new handbag or a pair of sunglasses, and if they click a second time, they can buy the product through the retailer’s website.”
NFC-enabled Payments
Through Near Field Communication (NFC), two devices – like a phone and a payment terminal – can communicate with each other in close proximity. NFC allows for contactless payments. The customer, then, just has to tap their phone (synced a payment card) on the payment terminal. This payment method is becoming more and more popular, and will go far beyond using your smartphone as a payment device. For example, Visa recently launched a pilot program of payment-enabled sunglasses. The glasses appear to be a regular pair of shades, but include a small contactless card that allows the sunglasses to work as a contactless payment method. It’s a great example of how NFC can make any object a “wallet”. Spending money is about to get even easier.