Smartphones Play a Major Role in Online Sales Growth

SmarterApps Confirms Study: Smartphones Play a Major Role in Online Sales Growth

Australian mobile app development company, SmarterApps, concurs with research findings, explains how they could be a very positive signal for businesses and mobile app developers.

Queensland, Western Australia (PRWEB) August 24, 2012

According to a Frost & Sullivan study, online sales are projected at $26.9 billion a year by 2016, with a total of $16 billion projected for 2012. The study has determined that a majority of the growth is coming from mobile devices, in the form of tablets and smartphones.

In the last twelve months, slightly over 57% of those who shop online report using their mobile devices more often to make online purchases than the previous year. According to Phil Harpur, senior researcher for Frost & Sullivan, “One thing that’s really stood out to me is mobile usage.”

According to the study, 62% of Australians in the 15-65 age demographic who use the Internet now own a smartphone. Users cited price comparison and finding store locations as primary uses for smartphones. This eventually drives many users to make their purchases online because they can get lower prices in many online stores.

Harpur sees the current period as one of unprecedented growth: “Online shopping has been here for ten years, but it’s only in the past two or three that we’ve seen a significant acceleration driven by the average consumer.”

Craig Aitken, Owner and Director of SmarterApps, explained what these increases mean to businesses and mobile applications developers: “The current era is doing for mobile devices what the 2000’s decade did for the Internet. The growth curve is very similar. If anything, smartphone use is growing even faster than the Internet did."

Aitken continued, “When the Internet first came into public consciousness, it was new. People had no experience. Some were cynical, and many dragged their feet. Worse yet, many people had a distrust for the Internet; they were afraid to make online purchases. With smartphones, though, people are already used to the Internet. They know that they are going to get what they pay for online. And smartphones have just made it a lot more convenient for them to shop online.”

Aitken went on to say: “What does this mean for apps? Everything. Apps make it easier for customers to do business with operation, large or small. From small businesses to retail giants, owners are starting to realise how important it is to have their own app. Restaurants can increase their bottom lines by having apps that help customers view the menu and order food. Retail outlets can let customers see prices and features, and increase sales with their smartphones or tablets.”

Aitken summed up: “The current era presents a lot of opportunity for those who stay on top of technology. As consumers, most of us are creatures of habit. Whether they know it or not, businesses are fighting a turf war for space in the minds and habits of consumers. Whoever gets their apps up and running the fastest and the most efficient, has the best chance of taking advantage of what appears to be the beginning of a mobile device boom.”

SmarterApps is a leading Australian mobile app developer and design services company. They specialise in Android, and iPhone and iPad app creation and development. They create apps that help companies maximise their potential in the marketplace.

For further information, SmarterApps can be reached at their website http://www.smarterapps.com.au/services or you may also call them at 1300 650 253.