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Are we on track to become a cashless society?

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Australia and New Zealand have some of the lowest rates of cash used in the world, so what does it mean for businesses as consumer behaviours shift?

Bob Dylan once penned a famous song called “The Times They Are A-Changin'” back in 1963, and that title could not be truer 60 years later.

With the ability to move – and transact with – money without needing to have it in your hand, things have been progressing towards a cashless society.

Goods and services can be purchased at the tap of a card or a beep on your phone, and this trend has been noted in FIS Global‘s annual report, the Global Payment report.

“What we’re seeing at the moment is a clear trend of consumers moving towards digital alternative payment methods,” Senior Vice-President & General Manager, Global eCom, APAC at Worldpay from FIS Phil Pomford described to Ticker News Insight. “Customers are really looking for choice and convenience.

“If you look at the Buy Now, Pay Later scene, there’s been huge growth over time, and continue to maintain a sort of market share – around about 14 per cent – in the next three to four years.”

Pomford notes a transition from even using credit cards to having a digital wallet.

“Digital wallets have really overtaken credit card usage, especially online,” he adds. “And they’re now around about 31 per cent in Australia versus 28 per cent in the credit cards, and we think that trend will continue.”

So, what does the future of the cashless society start to look like a few more years down the track?

“We’ll see an evolution of the Buy Now Pay Later space with some regulations, obviously, coming down the pipe as well,” Pomford revealed.

“It will still remain a really strong popular choice to consumers.”

If that’s the consumer side, what about business merchants? How are they preparing their companies for this new ‘way’ of doing things without exchanging physical cash or swiping cards?

“I think it’s critical that businesses merchants, as we call them, really do stay ahead of the trends,” Pomford asserts. “They need to be aware of what, and where, consumers are moving towards.

“For example, making sure you’re providing the right wallets for your consumers to use in your market – that might be Apple Pay or Samsung Pay just to name a few.

“It is also ensuring you invest in your technology, making sure it is a seamless, safe and convenient experience for the consumer.”

For more information about FIS Global, head to their website, or view more information about the report here.

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Effective payment solutions to overcome e-commerce challenges

E-commerce faces challenges from low consumer confidence, high costs, and the need for better payment solutions to drive growth.

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E-commerce faces challenges from low consumer confidence, high costs, and the need for better payment solutions to drive growth.

E-commerce businesses face challenges due to weak consumer confidence, limited margins, and increased costs.

Improving payment solutions can support growth without adding to expenses.

Saran Talasila from exactly.com discusses the integration of payment solutions.

One major challenge businesses encounter is negotiating competitive commercial offers. Rising inflation has made it difficult for consumers to make purchases.

Merchants need access to cost-effective solutions to navigate current economic conditions.

Market uncertainties also hinder e-commerce growth as new businesses struggle to establish themselves and manage costs associated with payment options.

Different countries require various payment methods, necessitating flexibility in payment systems to accommodate diverse consumer preferences.

The concern over low margins and high acquisition costs arises when businesses expand into new markets. Establishing local companies can help reduce these costs, as companies focusing on Europe face higher fees.

International payments can increase profits by allowing businesses to target global markets beyond the UK.

Exactly.com is a rapidly growing payment solutions provider in the UK, regulated by the FCA. They offer a range of payment options including Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, as well as alternative methods tailored to specific countries.

For more information, visit exactly.com or follow them on all social media platforms.

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Dining, travel, and entertainment are merging for the ultimate cultural experience

Dining, travel, and entertainment converge, reshaping experiences and prioritising personal connections in a post-COVID world.

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Dining, travel, and entertainment converge, reshaping experiences and prioritising personal connections in a post-COVID world.

In Short:
Dining and tourism are merging to create unique experiences that foster personal connections, as people seek meaningful interactions and memorable outings. Despite rising costs and challenges for owners, initiatives like Menu Club aim to craft engaging culinary adventures that tell cultural stories, catering to consumers’ desire for intimacy and immersion.

Dining, travel, and entertainment are merging to enhance food and tourism experiences.

Melissa Pepers from Menu Club discussed these trends, highlighting a growing desire for personal connections within dining and travel.

People are choosing intimate, off-the-beaten-path experiences and seeking meaningful interactions with chefs and venue owners.

While the pandemic didn’t create new trends, it accelerated changes, emphasising the importance of memorable outings, especially amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Many consumers are now less inclined to dine out regularly, choosing to stay home unless dining experiences justify the expense.

Owners face challenges such as rising costs and staff shortages, leading to menu homogenisation, making dining feel less unique.

The decrease in dining frequency points to a shift in consumer priorities rather than a lack of interest in dining out.

Menu Club aims to address these changes by creating engaging dining experiences that tell the stories of various cultures through food.

As diners seek deeper connections and more immersive experiences, Menu Club’s unique approach—akin to ‘Disneyfication’—offers intimate experiences that transport individuals to different worlds.

By weaving cultural stories into meals, the initiative encourages diners to connect with chefs and engage in meaningful culinary adventures.

In a landscape where consumers desire exciting and memorable dining options, creative and thematic meals can provide the escape they seek.

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How AI can enhance rather than undermine brand communication

AI transforms brand communication, urging businesses to balance efficiency with authenticity to uphold credibility, says expert Jasmin Hyde.

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AI transforms brand communication, urging businesses to balance efficiency with authenticity to uphold credibility.

As AI transforms communication, businesses face the challenge of ensuring technology enhances rather than undermines their messaging authenticity.

Jasmin Hyde, founder of Hyde and Seek Communications, emphasised that while AI offers cost-effective and efficient content creation, an over-reliance can harm brand credibility.

AI-generated content may lack uniqueness, leading to a perception of sameness across posts, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. This “press release déjà vu” effect can erode audience trust, making it crucial for brands to maintain their distinct voices.

Businesses should leverage AI to polish, not replace, their messaging. Hyde suggests that brands treat AI tools like a junior team member, providing context and direction to ensure outputs reflect their authentic perspectives.

While some may hesitate to adopt AI tools, Hyde urges companies to stay informed and engaged with these advancements. Understanding AI’s role in the industry is critical to avoid falling behind competitors who are already utilising it effectively.

For those looking to explore AI in communications further, Hyde invites interest through her agency’s website or her LinkedIn profile to continue the conversation on this important topic in modern business communication.

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