Karen’s Two Cents – Week of 7/4

Friday, July 8, 2016:

Thought to provoke on this Friday. Is messaging the new browser? I just talked to a clever innovator who says it is. Proof point 3B people on top four messaging apps and something we all do every day – in fact, you are probably in the middle of a text right now. If yes, it will be another massive commerce opportunity – and disruption. Who stands to benefit and who could be most at risk?

Food for thought. Is messaging the new browser? All signs point to yes. #DAILY2CNTS: https://t.co/U11YgHXmSS

— Karen Webster (@karenmpd) July 8, 2016

Thursday, July 7, 2016:

Lots of innovations involve outsourcing things to consumers that otherwise cost solutions providers money to provide. Buy online pick up in store, for instance, is outsourcing delivery to a consumer who doesn’t want to wait for something to be shipped. Mobile order ahead outsources checkout to the consumer in exchange for not having to wait in line to get lunch or pick up morning coffee. Card controls outsource fraud detection to consumers who now see all transactions in real time and can shut off their cards the moment something is amiss. The trick is getting consumers to happily take those “duties” on board because they get value when they do.

Outsourcing stuff to consumers …Good idea? #Daily2CNTS: https://t.co/U11YgHXmSS pic.twitter.com/icMrmwdsMt

— Karen Webster (@karenmpd) July 7, 2016

Wednesday, July 6, 2016:

Checkout friction is alive and well at most online sites near you. Experienced the pain 3 separate times on sites that should know better over the holiday weekend. One question is why merchants even offer a mobile wallet when they still force consumers to go thru a “registration” or “sign in” gate – when all that consumer wants to do is pay for the stuff in their basket and get back to the beach. #checkoutfail

Too much #checkoutfriction, even with wallets – what’s with that? #Daily2CNTS: https://t.co/U11YgHXmSS

— Karen Webster (@karenmpd) July 6, 2016