Mobile Shopping Shifts

A recent survey of end users shows a significant shift of mobile device commerce types. In the past, it mostly has been virtual and digital goods that people have bought directly from their mobile devices.


Games, ring tones, songs and other content are prime examples. Over the last couple of years, though, the amount of physical goods purchased directly from a mobile has shifted.


More users are buying physical goods than ever before. Also, in terms of change, the biggest growth is physical goods and the biggest decline is purchasing of ring tones. 


There are many potential repercussions. The volume growth could suggest the emergence of a "mobile commerce" behavior and therefore a  business opportunity that is distinct both from online commerce and "brick and mortar store" retailing. 


Also, since most digital goods are small transactions, while physical goods will range widely in price, the methods of payment are likely to change. In the past, it probably has made most sense, for most people, to use simple billing direct to a mobile service bill for such small purchases.


That won't make sense for the wider range of physical goods people now are buying. But the big trend is the emergence of a distinct mobile commerce business.