eBay a Beacon for M-Commerce Growth

Posted on 05 October 2009

Global m-commerce is accelerating in global consumer adoption faster than the pundits anticipated. In my mind, nothing reflects this more than eBay’s recent announcement regarding year-to-date revenue derived from m-commerce: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=31936

News like this has the potential to serve as a game changing proof point for mobile strategy-hesitant domestic retailers that may also be heavy in Yankee provincialism. Just did the math…With the assumption that the current pace continues, the m-commerce channel for eBay will be 5-6% of revenue for 2009. This was achieved by eBay without an elaborately defined effort – just an experimental toe dip. Any guesses on 2011? I bet 20% is not outrageous as the user experience becomes refined and the reach of the mobile web expands its global footprint. Then again, given how dynamic their business model can cater to ‘mobile-first’ regions and the acceleration of mobile web access in those regions, perhaps all bets are off.

Category: Justin Souza, Mobile Commerce