M-Commerce Twice the Cash Value of E-Commerce
Do you even know what M-Commerce is?
Well you better learn fast. Predictions in Europe for
M-Commerce, the second largest market behind Asia, are for a
spend of â¬7.4 Billion in 2006 that’s over $8 Billion. That’s
twice the predicted spend of traditional web services!
So what is M-Commerce? It’s very simple, mobile / cell phone
based sales. Usually relating to content such as games,
wallpaper, ringtones etc. But there’s much more to it than that.
Keep reading.
What’s the big deal? More people own a mobile phone than a PC,
they’re better integrated in to daily life. People are very
comfortable using them. They are now in fact heavily relied
upon, as the phone feature is only a small part of what can be
perceived as a miniature multi-purpose multi-capable portable
computer.
Mobile Growth Mobile growth already outstrips all other
communication channels. Half of all Americans are mobile phone
subscribers. In the UK the ownership of a mobile phone is
equivalent to 1.5 phones per head of population. According to
research, mobile content services will be worth $121 Billion
worldwide by 2008. White label distribution of ringtones,
images, games and other promotions will drive up to 1/5th of the
revenue generated. It’s estimated 1.5 Billion people worldwide
own a mobile phone.
With more and more technology add-ons to tempt the consumer
these devices are now Cameras, MP3 players, game consoles, voice
notepads, picture albums, diary organiser, PDF readers etc etc.
In fact I’m writing this article on my PDA / Phone whilst sat in
the sunshine in the garden. With two taps on the screen I can
hook up to my home wireless network and check my emails, browse
the net, update my Blog or edit and publish article submissions
on one of my sites all via broadband.
We are not that far away from always on Net connections. Once
this arrives it will allow anyone to do this almost wherever
they are. Certainly in the major cities around the world. When
this happens there will be a third Internet boom as Joe public
try’s out the Net connection again that was always too shoddy to
use in the past.
And what will they want? Content! ringtones, wallpaper, games,
MP3’s etc
But I’m getting ahead of myself. The real money isn’t even going
to be made via a Net sale. The real money will be made via
SMS(Short Message Service), MMS(Multimedia Messaging System) and
this ones a goldmine…Micro payments.
Recent research has shown a doubling of worldwide revenue from
streaming TV and sports bulletin subscriptions. 380 million
people worldwide are expected to subscribe to similar services
in 2005. Including TV show bulletins particularly from ‘reality
TV’ shows, News bulletins or Soap updates.
Big deal you’re not a TV network how can you make some money out
of this boom? I’ll go into that in a second but first I want to
go back to those Micro payments I mentioned earlier. The real
gold dust.
Micro Payment Profits Micro payments have been around for a
while here in the UK. A smaller land mass has allowed for a
quicker rollout of mobile technologies here. Nationwide Network
coverage is easier to achieve. I believe the first example in
the US to take it mainstream was by the ‘American Idol’ show.
Viewers voted for the acts on the show via their mobile phone.
They where then charged a small premium for their vote on top of
their networks regular SMS charge. Think of the millions of
votes that the show attracted and the revenue generated.
That’s micro payments in action.
The beauty of this is that people don’t feel like they’re
spending money because they don’t need to whip out their credit
card, it’s an easier payment method, usually involving a simple
text to a small number and the payment is small. They also trust
their mobile for making payments unlike an online transaction.
Any payments made will appear on their next phone bill. People
are already used to paying in this way, they’re comfortable with
it. Whether it’s to vote for an act on a TV show, for a game
download or to grab the latest ringtone.
What have you got that you could take micro payments for? You
should be considering how you can utilise your current website
network to tap into this market. Do you offer subscriptions? Is
there a service you offer that you could convert to
subscriptions.
How Can You Make Some Money? Here’s a quick example. Your
newsletter. Would your subscribers be willing to pay a small
premium to have your newsletter delivered directly to their
mobile? Wherever they are, without the need to be sat in front
of a PC. Thus bypassing the SPAM filter problem and guaranteeing
they receive your valuable content. You could sell it as
valuable service for your customers with added content not
available on your site or via your regular newsletter.
Or offer them up to the minute breaking news in their industry,
which they receive as it breaks and not when they check their
email five hours later when it’s to late to take action.
Digital artists sell your wallpaper designs direct to the
consumer via the mobile phone. New bands forget the record
company contract sell your music via MP3’s direct to the
consumer. Investment advisors get subscribers to your ‘Hot Tips’
bulletins. Store owners offer a sale bulletin service etc etc
The Future The omnipresent Google are moving forward with major
mobile initiatives. Spending vast amounts of money to stake a
claim in this fledgling market. There’s the mobile version of
Froogle for one and they’ve also developed mobile business
listings specifically for the potentially huge ‘local search’
market. They also offer a free SMS based information service
http://www.google.com/sms/ and http://www.google.co.uk/sms/
Another major company Real Networks, creators of Real media
Player, recently bought Finnish mobile phone game developers Mr
Goodliving for $15M. Essentially buying a back catalogue of high
profile mobile games.
NTL a cable TV company here in the UK recently streamed the
Grand National, the biggest race horse meet here in the UK, live
to Nokia owning subscribers.
This is early days and that’s a small glimpse of the future.
The M-Commerce Market is very different from the online market
in terms of what content consumers are currently paying for. The
biggest revenue generators online, 70%, are porn and dating
sites. A similar percentage via mobile is for games, music and
video. Films, that’s another one, Nokia are now distributing
Hollywood movies via memory card!
The technology specifically 3G, an always on network with
transfer rates of 384kbs a second, is here and trickling into
mainstream culture. These devices are in fact capable of
1920kbs. Compare that to GPRS at 56kbs. You don’t need these
speeds to take advantage of this market but you should keep them
in mind to realise the full potential of where mobile
communication is going.
Here’s a brief, eye opening, wish list from consumers for future
mobile phone payment abilities:-
10 Use your mobile as a key 9 Marketing communications 8 Retail
checkout payments 7 Vending machine payments 6 Flight check in 5
Credit / debit cards 4 Season tickets 3 Loyalty cards 2 Parking
Meter payments 1 Mobile Coupon redemption
Getting Started How do you Accept Payments? Reverse SMS is very
popular at the moment. It provides the ability for you to direct
consumers to secret download links on your site whilst taking
payment through a premium SMS message. Another method known as
‘WAP Push’ sends a link via SMS that automatically launches when
the message is opened. You will need to set up your own WAP /
SMS Gateway on your server which will require server
administrator access to use both these solutions.
But there are other easier solutions a number of websites are
springing up that allow you to upload your content available for
download, games, video, wallpaper, MP3’s etc . A small fee is
taken from each paid download by the SMS Gateway company.
I’ve compiled a list of useful links to a number of the above
solutions and I’ve also thrown in a couple of links to
‘mobaphile’ websites were you will find some interesting
predictions for the future development of mobile phones along
with some real off the wall ideas for making money with mobiles.
http://www.how-to-make-money-online.info/m-commerce-resources.php
To paraphrase a strap line ‘The future’s bright the future’s
mobile’
Darren Yates
http://www.articlesbase.com/ecommerce-articles/mcommerce-twice-the-cash-value-of-ecommerce-1093.html
Can someone give me some pointers on the candy and gum ball vending?
machine business? I have just had some given to me by someone and I need to know the particulars and where is the very best wholesale bulk place to buy the candy. Give me your suggestions, please!
If you want to be a vending operator, then you will need to contact vending wholesalers which you can find online for a local wholesaler. Bulk pricing is available to operators. But keep in mind, it depends on how many machines you have on your route.
I don’t know where you are located but search vending wholesale or cash & carry wholesale online. Depending on the type of candy, you may find them also at the club warehouses.
Satisfy Your Cravings: Set-up Your Own, One-of-a-kind Candy Stand
This article is about something that could help you set-up your own small-scale business. General overview is given on the many aspects of entrepreneurship. Partly, a brief history is shared so as to inform the reader of the business’ origin. Body: Throughout the years, candy and chocolate lovers around the globe have become patrons of candy stands. Back in the 1800s, Henri Nestle searched for an alternative to breast milk and discovered that chocolates make for a good substitute. This brought about the emergence of candy and chocolate stands that we now see and enjoy.
If you are a fanatic, then putting up a candy stand will be just right for you. There is nothing more rewarding than to have a business that you enjoy. If you need help on this, you can surf the net for companies, which offer services pertaining to entrepreneurship. Be keen on details and don’t be misled. Make sure that your source is reliable and try to get feedback also from the people who are already engaged in the business.
Locations, displays, marketing initiatives are some factors to be considered when venturing in this industry. Check for competitors in and around your target area so as to strategize your course of action. There are many and inexpensive ways to maximize the profitability of the business you intend to set up.
Aside from candies and chocolates, popcorn and cotton candy stalls likewise pose great earning potentials. Finding a popcorn machine or one that produces cotton candy is also a big help in turning your investments to profits. Each machine is designed specifically so it can serve its ultimate purpose and you being an amateur in this should take everything into account. Whether you’d be setting up in a carnival, a quiet neighborhood, or at a local store, having the right tools surely will make a difference. Service warranties and machine guarantees may also protect you and your business from going caput even before it shoots off to unexpected heights of success. Coming up with promotions and offers are plus factors too, just ensuring that what you suggest to the followers are irresistible enough that they can’t turn their backs on. Remember, your goal is to make profit, create repeat customers and for your business name to be a conversation must-have.
Now if you opt to become the next big thing in the cotton candy retail business, this is as easy as putting up a popcorn stand. Again, what you have to look into are the same details mentioned above.
There are a multitude of selections up for grabs so be precise and decide on what you really want, because in any business venture, the key ingredient is having knowledge of what you’re getting yourself into. Consider the wide range of other moneymakers like vending machines. You can either get one for yourself or sell strategically to stores that are currently in their expansion stage.
The Internet provides us with a selection of establishments known for quality equipments like these and such data is readily available to you anytime.
It is not enough that you have the capital to begin with but rather equipping yourself with the basic information will definitely prepare you for your intended business. Return of investments shall be faster, easier ensuring that your enterprise will survive the test of times.
David H. Urmann
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/satisfy-your-cravings-setup-your-own-oneofakind-candy-stand-451414.html
How much should I pay a business who lets me have my Vending Machine on their property?
I am starting a vending machine business. I am writing up a proposal for my home owners association to ask if I can put in a vending machine in the pool area. This vending machine will get a lot of action in the summer months. When it is colder weather I imagine we will have less traffic; we will get the kids from the nearby school and people going to the gym. Should I offer them a percentage of my profit or a monthly fixed amount? If a fixed amount, how much?
Having a vending machine in the pool area is an amenity which benefits the HOA, and it should be presented as such. Whatever electricity you use is offset by the extra benefit to the organization. I would not offer any payment to them. If they ask for payment, reiterate the benefit they will receive. If they insist, offer a fixed amount that will just cover their electricity.
How do I go about selling my vending route?
I have an interested buyer but I never met this man before. How do I go about selling my vending route to him? I did tell him that I will never disclose the exact locations till after he buys the route and pays for it. Now the thing is If I will meet this guy in a public place and we reach an agreement, how will I accept like a huge amount of cash from him and be able to count it in front of everybody. Also how can I be sure that this is safe. Assume the amount is like $30k. Let me know all the details and the safest way to handle this without a broker. Thanks
Why all the questions and suspicions. It’s like selling anything else as i see it.
I just bought my own vending route from a private party.
Get everything from him you can for ID and get only a cashiers check from him or go to the bank with him and try get cash for the route. Or the bank/lending instution, will cut you a check right then and there.
What’s the problem with showing him the machines? If that really bothers you, show him pictures of the installed machines. There can also be suspicion on his part as well and you should offer all your ID and contact info to him to keep his suspicions down the a minimum as well.
Decide beforehand as well what he needs to pay you for the present inventory and who’s money is in the machines at the time of payment.
Put it all in writing as to what is agreed on during your meeting, with signatures.
Vending Machine what should I put in it?
I am currently on a 30 day contract for a office building to put my vending machine in there.I am 14 years old and this is a business venture I am on.With a little help with my dad I will be buying the vending machine but now the only problem is what do I put it in it such as snacks and drinks whats popular please help me out!Thank you
Snacks: Hershey Bar, 3 Musketeer Bar, Babe Ruth, Doritos’s, Cheetos, and a bag of mixed nuts.
Drinks: Dr.Pepper, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Gatorade, Powerade, and Snapple. These seem to be the most popular now a days, but you can always change it if you don’t sell enough of something.
do i need a permit to have little candy vending machines business?
i live in vegas and i wanna start my little vending machines business …i wanna put my machines in like markets or restaurants and im wandering if a need a permit
Check with the State of Nevada web site. Look for tabs that say something about starting a small business. You will likely need a way to collect and pay sales tax. There are also probably regulations about where and what type of vending machines you may use.
Is an office kitchen considered a commercial kitchen?
I’m trying to start a mobile vending business in Florida, but I want to make the product myself. I need a commercial kitchen, but the ones I’ve found are too expensive. I have found some affordable office spaces with kitchens, so I was wondering if that would be allowed as a commercial kitchen?
A commercial kitchen has certain requirements and regulations that are not met in a small kitchenette that you will find in an office. These spaces cost much more to rent for a reason. You really need to contact your states office that regulates food service (I cannot think what the heck they are called right now) and see what the requirements and regulations are for a commercial kitchen. This is the only way to be sure you are in compliance.
Starting a small vending machine business with gumballs help?
okay, im 16, and i have a lot of free time as i do a type of homeschooling, and am almost graduating. i work with my family in their business but its the slow season right now being winter and all. I was wantin to make a little cash, maybe just for gas money or whatever, just like a hobby and make a few bucks. Well, i was thinking about going around the restaraunts and askin if theyd allow me to put a small gumball machine in the area after you pay, i always see people buying out of them. plus the machines are only like 80 bucks. the only thing, in indiana, do i have to have some sort of vending license? and..how should i approach it? should i approach it like "hey im just a 16 yr old tryin to make a few bucks and takin initiative, can i put it here?" or should i have a big business approach and offer a percentage of my earnings. honestly i dont think itll make a ton so idk why theyd want a percent, anyways, anyone who has experience or ideas..please. 
thanks
Idk how to help but – they’d want a percentage because they’re losing out on gumballs bought from their machines.
Is Cholesterol the Bad Guy? Have our Choices Been Killing Us?
Cholesterol is very important basic fatty substance that is essential for our survival. Over 85% of cholesterol is produced in our liver and we only need to get 15% from outside sources. The problem is that we are consuming way more cholesterol than what our bodies need from sources outside our bodies and that’s the beginning of the problem. Cholesterol’s only outside food source is the animal kingdom like bacon, sausages, hotdogs, butter and other dairy products, heavy creams, sour cream, cheeses, fatty cuts of meet or pork and lard. Coconut and palm oils are the 2 sources for cholesterol sources from a non-animal kingdom.
Bringing these 2 silent killers cholesterol and blood pressure are covered in an e-book titled âLifestyle Makeover: Defeat High Cholesterol and Blood Pressureâ
Moreover, we have become more than ever a largely physically inactive society. We are sitting throughout an entire 8 to 12 hour work day then go home and sit in front of the TV some 5 or 6 hours more while consuming large meals, snacks and beverages that are rich in fats (especially saturated fats), salt, and loads of sugar all of which contributing to more belly fat build up. Belly fat buildup causes the start of inflammation in our arteries contributing to plaque build up and insulin resistance and leading to heart attacks and diabetes. All of the daily unfavorable choices we are making every day are literally killing us.
People are also leading highly stressful lives and vent off by eating more sugar or smoking worsening the situation and mortality outcomes.
When people don’t read nutrition labels they tend to consume very dense food, snacks and sugary beverages that are nutrient deficient. These foods are available all over at fast food restaurants or vending machines and contain loads of sugar, fats and unwanted calories. For refreshments and hydration instead of water people’s main form of hydration are large SUGARY soft drinks, “lemonades”, “sweetened tea”, “smoothies”, “lattes and frappucinos” which contain loads more of sugar which turns in the body to belly fat (increasing waist lines and triglycerides levels that float in the blood to block more arteries.
That’s how people build their own time bombs by blocking their own arteries with their own unfavorable choices.
People are awesome at taking care of their home and family, awesome at business planning and forecasts, excellent marketers, excellent 1,3 and 5 year projection planners but their health (which is THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR) is in utter shambles and they may not survive these forecasts or may survive with major blows and debilitations to their vital organs due to all these risks factors that will tumble on their heads and make them magnets to all kinds of PREDATOR MANMADE DISEASES.
People spend a ton of money on outside looks and makeovers for their businesses, closets, their office, home but they neglect the most crucial makeover to their lifestyles which is the one that will protect their vital organs and spare their lives.
For someone who has cholesterol, lifestyle changes along with medication treatment and periodically monitoring cholesterol to track progress are essential for an effective Lifestyle Makeover and avoiding harms way.
If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol and if your doctor prescribes medications then take them as instructed every day. High cholesterol presents no symptoms just a sudden heart attack that can be deadly. I see it every day in my pharmacy practice that people believe that by taking medications they are safe and they can indulge and remain inactive. Along with medications you need to make balanced lifestyle choices, increase the walking you do every day, cut back on eating fried foods and sugars. Switch to water and limit all other beverages to a couple non-sugar containing beverages. Increase your intake of fiber from oats, whole grain bread, beans, brown rice and whole wheat pasta.
For more details on how you can bring your cholesterol and blood pressure under control log on to www.LifestyleMakeoverEbook.com and check out the e-book titled âLifestyle Makeover: Defeat High Cholesterol and Blood Pressureâ and other e-books to help you manage your stress, sexual health, consume alcohol in balance and quit smoking (if you’re a smoker).
Take a simple True and False quiz NOW and test your knowledge by clicking on the link above.
For more detailed information on any of these topics log on to: www.LifestyleMakeoverEbook.com and check out these information packed lifesaving book and e-book volumes: LIFESTYLE MAKEOVER FOR DIABETICS AND PRE-DIABETICS and four other e-books: Lifestyle Makeover: Sex, Stress, and Alcohol , Lifestyle Makeover for All Couch Potatoes , Lifestyle Makeover: Defeat High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure , and Lifestyle Makeover for all Tobacco Users . The author of this article is also the author of these volumes.
George Tohme
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/is-cholesterol-the-bad-guy-have-our-choices-been-killing-us-677960.html