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7 reasons why online shopping is only going to get more mobile
In recent years, people have more or less gotten adjusted to the idea of technology and all the changes that come along with it. The advancement in digital arena has helped break the barrier where online shopping has become so easy and powerful that billions of dollars are now being spent online. The gradual surge in online shopping is directly proportional to the advancement in technology that is used in smartphones, all major mobile phone vendors such as Samsung, Apple, Sony, Nokia are now producing mobile phones that are secure and fast enough to perform functions on par with desktop computers. If you still have not adapted to the idea of online shopping using your smartphone, you should go through following carefully compiled reasons.
1. It’s more secure
Using your smartphone for online shopping brings various security benefits to the table. You’ll have immediate access to your 2-step authentication credentials, you can more easily conceal your details if you’re typing them from a public place, and many merchants and credit card providers give you the option to receive alerts of suspicious activity by phone.
2. It’s faster
Mobile sites load faster, and are usually optimized for a more streamlined experience. You’ll be able to find everything you need in just a few swipes and taps, and considering you likely already have your billing information saved after the first purchase; it basically becomes a 1-click process to buy anything. Although, depending on how much you enjoy shopping, this might be more of a downside than a benefit for your wallet.
3. You’ll never miss a good deal
If you can check your favorite stores from your mobile phone, you’ll never miss those time-sensitive deals that many online retailers have to run. Some promotions literally only last an hour, but this will never be a problem for you when all you need to do is take your phone out of your pocket and tap a few times to make a purchase. Plus, if you’re using an app for logging/tracking prices, you can easily check whether the current discount is something you’re actually interested in, or if you should wait until a more attractive price reduction rolls around.
4. You can easily share deals with your friends
And if you ever run across a great deal that someone in your circle of friends might be interested in, you can easily send it their way and help them get in on the fun as well. If the other person is also using a mobile device to do their shopping, they’ll be at the merchant’s website in a matter of minutes, just like you. Some shopping apps even have special connectivity and sharing features that allow you to send the best deals you’ve discovered to all your friends in one click.
5. Widespread support and adoption
Many merchants and payment providers have their own mobile apps nowadays and are putting some serious effort into their development, and more are joining the trend by the week. If you’re a fan of some major store, chances are they have an app you can use for an even faster shopping experience. These apps are usually specifically optimized for the services of that given company, and sometimes give you access to extra features that the regular website doesn’t have.
6. Special discounts
On that note, you can sometimes also get various special discounts that are only available to mobile users. This is becoming a very common practice among many retailers, and it’s a situation that benefits both sides. As long as you have your phone in your pocket, you’ll not only get a chance to benefit from some exclusive special promotions, but you’ll also be among the first to find out about them! In some cases, you’ll get coupons and vouchers that you can redeem at the regular desktop website, but you’ll only receive them if you’re using the retailer’s mobile app.
7. Utilise location services
Sometimes, a better deal is waiting for you right around the corner. There are many price comparison apps nowadays that can tell you if you’re about to miss out on something like that, and if your phone has location services (most smartphones nowadays do), you can easily find out where the best deals in the area are. Combine this with the ability to stay informed about discounts at all times, and you have a very powerful tool that allows you to always get the best value for your money, no matter what you’re looking to buy.