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What is M-Commerce?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
M-commerce is a term that is used to refer to the growing practice of conducting financial and promotional activities with the use of a wireless handheld device. The term m-commerce is short for mobile commerce, and recognizes that the transactions may be conducted using cell phones, personal digital assistants and other hand held devices that have operate with Internet access. While still in its infancy, the concept of m-commerce has been refined in recent years and is beginning to become more popular.
One of the basic examples of m-commerce has to do with receiving sales promotions via the hand held device. The most common application would involve the service provider sending text messages to the subscriber that promote new product offerings, free trials on additional services, or other types of promotional campaigns. The subscriber is not charged a fee for the text message, and often can respond with a return text message without incurring any type of fee. Several major cellular services off subscribers to opt into this type of m-commerce, or be excluded from receiving the messages.
Offers that are received through the use of m-commerce may be accepted and paid for using the hand held device. For example, if a customer chooses to respond to an offer, there are usually several payment options available. The most common option is adding a charge to the monthly invoice for services rendered. However, many companies that engage in m-commerce also offer the option of paying for the item by the use of a credit card that is linked to the SIM card on the hand held device.
Currently, the use of m-commerce is more prominent in Europe and Asia. However, with the launch of enhanced services with cell phones and other mobile devices, the concept is beginning to become more common in North and South America as well. Currently, m-commerce is growing in Canada and the United States on a steady basis, while Brazil is leading South America in embracing this enhanced technology.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![The most common type of m-commerce application involves the sending of text messages that promote new product offerings, free trials or other types of promotional campaigns.]()
By: bloomuaThe most common type of m-commerce application involves the sending of text messages that promote new product offerings, free trials or other types of promotional campaigns. -
![Mobile commerce increasingly includes the use of banking apps to make purchases and payments.]()
By: AmmentorpMobile commerce increasingly includes the use of banking apps to make purchases and payments. -
![Today, more customers than ever before are utilizing m-commerce storefronts in smartphone apps and mobile browsers.]()
By: Denys PrykhodovToday, more customers than ever before are utilizing m-commerce storefronts in smartphone apps and mobile browsers.
Discussion Comments
can you please also tell us what are the advantages and disadvantages of m commerce?
You are right, this is a growing problem for many people. Part of the issue is even though the text message is sent to the phone number, the message does not always route through the same equipment as the audio signal on some networks, even though the message is received on the same device as the audio signal. I understand several service providers are working on a solution. Until then, if your service charges a fee for each text message sent and received, make sure you complain to your service provider about the unwanted messages. You should not have to pay for business solicitations.
Wow, they really think of a name for everything! What I want to now is how to stop unsolicited m-commerce from reaching my phone. I know T-Mobile for example doesn't have the capability to block text messages from numbers that their customer identifies as "spam," yet they can block particular phone numbers from calling in. They need to catch up with the times!
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