Mobile e-commerce provides customers with options to pay for items in non-traditional ways. Not only can users shop websites that have a mobile version of the webstore, but customers can also use their mobile phones in place of a credit card or cash in many physical stores. As of November 2011, 38 percent of mobile users used their phones to purchase something. As the technology improves these numbers are expected to rise dramatically.

1. Ordering Process: Mobile phones provide a secure way to order products. Customers can validate their locations and quickly enter in their personal information using a mobile phone. With the limited screen real estate of a mobile phone, it’s important that user interface developers make the ordering process streamlined and simple.

2. Search Functions: Mobile e-commerce stores need to have effective search engines built into the application. Browsing by highly defined categories ensures that customers can find the products they need without having to type large amounts of text.

3. Mobile Apps: Stores must have mobile applications that users can download and use to find information on products. Users who install a mobile e-commerce application are more inclined to save their credit card information and purchase something later.

4. Dual Sites: Two sites are required for small businesses that want success. The first site must work on traditional computers and the second site must automatically detect when a mobile device accesses the site and serve a separate mobile website. Always provide a link at the bottom of the page to switch to the full website.

5. Coupons and Loyalty Cards: Users can download coupons and loyalty cards for use on their mobile phones. Customers then take these cards to retailers to receive discounts, promotions and points. The benefits often can be redeemed online and saved in an online account.

6. Brick and Mortar: Mobile e-commerce does not mean that the customer must stick to online services. Instead, customers can purchase gift cards for friends and send them to a mobile device instantly. Then, the friend or family member can walk into the appropriate retail store and purchase material goods immediately. This provides a great option for parents who need to send kids grocery money.

7. Digital Content Delivery: An increasing subsection of mobile e-commerce includes the ability to provide digital products such as music, movies, games and lifestyle applications.

8. Ticketing: Concert tickets, movie tickets and even bus passes are moving to mobile e-commerce. Consumers can now purchase tickets and allow the ticket-taker to scan their mobile device to gain entry. Additionally, stores are now providing ways for customers to scan merchandise in-store to find pricing and reviews of products.

9. Payment Methods: Mobile e-commerce makes it possible to shop without having any cash or credit cards on you. Consumers can load a mobile gift card at home and then use it to budget their expenses and avoid overdraft fees or spending more than they want to while shopping.

10. Store Front: The store front provides the first look at a mobile store. Mobile e-commerce sites have to be easy to navigate and user-friendly. Significant time should be put into finding the right user interface that works best on a mobile device.