Over the last several years, mobile commerce has grown at an incredible rate. This should come as no surprise, given that mobile devices account for more than half of all web traffic worldwide. As a result, mobile devices have had a big impact on current buying habits. There have also been significant advancements, such as the digital wallet, which has transformed the user experience.
What Is A Digital Wallet?
A digital wallet is a system that keeps payment information and passwords for a variety of payment methods and websites in a safe manner. Digital wallets can be used in combination with mobile payment systems, which allow consumers to pay for things using their cell phones. A digital wallet can also include information from loyalty cards and digital vouchers.
Google Pay, PhonePay, Apple Pay, and Amazon Pay are some of the most popular digital wallets by Leading Digital Payment Company. Many prominent financial institutions, like MasterPass (Mastercard) and Visa Checkout, have offered digital wallets in recent years.
History of Digital Wallets-
Google was the first to introduce a mobile wallet in 2011. It made use of near-field communication (NFC) to allow customers to redeem coupons, make payments, and collect loyalty points. The disadvantage was that it could only be used on one phone type and was only accepted by a few retailers.
With Passbook, Apple entered the fray in 2012, allowing users to purchase tickets, boarding cards, and vouchers. Apple Pay was introduced in the United States in 2014, and it was rapidly followed by the United Kingdom, China, and other nations. The popularity of the digital wallet has only grown since then.
How Digital Wallets Work
A digital wallet functions similarly to a traditional wallet in that it holds money and makes it available for transactions. Access is authenticated, and transactions are kept safe, thanks to a method.
Users must enter their debit or credit card information into digital wallets, which are subsequently encrypted, to avoid fraud. Only the consumer may access the wallet after creating an account and inputting the correct login credentials.
No one else can access the user’s wallet even if the smartphone is lost. On the other hand, as an authorized user, you may access and use the wallet from any device.
To make a payment, customers must keep their mobile device close to the card reader at a retailer’s point of sale. These counters have a contactless payment sign on them, indicating that the institution accepts digital wallet payments. The funds will be swiftly sent to the merchant after the payment has been approved.
Why Merchants Must Support and Accept Digital Wallets
Digital wallets offer several benefits for retailers-
· Faster service-
For most consumers, standing in long lines is a pet irritation. Customers may even avoid your business if the checkout process takes too long. According to industry research, 32% of customers would seek a more expedient checkout experience if the queue was too lengthy, while 11% would forego a transaction entirely if the wait was too long. Digital wallets can help you, service consumers, more quickly, enhancing customer satisfaction and preventing revenue losses.
· Declines errors-
Your cashier may inadvertently enter the incorrect amount into the card reader. Customers who are overcharged have an unpleasant experience, while those who are undercharged may lose money. Solutions for digital payment, especially if you’re using integrated payments, can assist you to avoid this by making payments error-free.
· Safe and secure-
Digital wallets are not only a safer alternative to cash or physical cards, but they also offer a high level of security. Merchants are less at risk from these transactions since they have built-in authentication and encryption measures.
· Delivers convenience-
In March 2021, 80% of internet buyers abandoned their carts before completing their purchases. Conflict at the checkout is one of the main reasons behind this. It might be difficult to enter card information on a mobile device, especially if the website isn’t mobile-friendly. Customers may avoid the checkout queue using digital wallets, making them a more convenient alternative.
· Marks the younger demographic-
Millennial and Gen Z buyers may be put off by traditional payment options. Because these groups have a lot of purchasing power, appealing to them requires a high level of technological knowledge. You may do this with the aid of digital wallets.
- International growth potential-
Merchants may reach a bigger international audience with e-wallet solutions. As a result, businesses may be able to use digital wallet services to grow into new countries and regions.
- Cryptocurrency payments:
Most e-wallet systems allow clients to transact in digital assets, with companies having the option to add a crypto payment channel into their platforms. Cryptocurrency payments are made without the use of intermediaries since they are made over decentralised blockchain networks, letting users send money and pay for goods quickly and cheaply.
How to Get Your Business to Accept Digital Wallet
Digital wallets are fast becoming crucial for companies who want to provide their customers with a smooth purchasing experience. Using a fully integrated payment terminal is the simplest method to begin taking and supporting them.
These all-in-one terminals eliminate the need for separate customer-facing displays, scanners, and cash registers. You may also just use them in combination with your existing software/apps (e.g., loyalty programs, inventory management, returns, etc.). This enables you to provide a superior customer experience, resulting in increased conversions and loyalty.
