24 September, 2012 – eBay, a global leader in mobile commerce, is today celebrating its 100 millionth app download across its range of apps spanning the major mobile operating systems. Available in eight languages and in more than 190 different countries around the world, the eBay apps have been downloaded 25 million times in the last six months alone. This aligns with the milestone of 100 million listings via mobile, as a record number of sellers choose to list their products on eBay all through devices that didn't exist just a few years ago.
Australia is one of the fastest-growing regions for mobile sales, as mobile shopping has increased in popularity due to a combination of high smartphone penetration and tech-savvy shoppers. On an average day on eBay mobile Australia, a vehicle is sold every nine minutes, a ladies handbag is sold every four minutes and a pair of ladies shoes is sold every two minutes. The following table outlines the most popular categories for mobile commerce in Australia, with fashion dominating both the buying and selling sectors.
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Top Categories |
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Rank |
Buying |
Selling |
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1 |
Fashion |
Fashion |
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2 |
Electronics |
Home/Garden |
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3 |
Auto Parts |
Electronics |
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4 |
Lifestyle |
Lifestyle |
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Most Expensive items sold on ebay.com.au using a mobile device:
- Ensuite Van: $45,700 AUD, purchased 11 January 2012
- Perth Mint 10 oz Gold Bullion Bar: $14,500 AUD, purchased 23 Aug 2012
Most Expensive items bought on eBay.com.au using a mobile device:
- Chevrolet Bel Air 150/210: $87,500 USD, purchased 9 February 2012
- 40 Hermes Birkin Leather Handbag: $18,750 USD; purchased 19 Aug 2011
In the most recent eBay Online Business Index (March 2012), nearly half (46%) of the top Aussie eBay businesses said they would optimise online content for mobile, while 24 per cent said they would develop a mobile website and 21 per cent a mobile app. The survey underlines the reasons why over half the OBI respondents are looking to partner more closely with eBay to deliver on a multi-channel approach to their sales strategy, considering eBay’s huge investment in mobile commerce and proven success of its apps.
Deborah Sharkey, eBay Vice President, said: "Mobile commerce in Australia is growing exponentially as more retailers take advantage of our nation's high smartphone penetration and on-the-go consumer. In this year's OBI, 72 per cent of the top 3,000 Australian eBay sellers said mobile commerce would play an important role in their business strategy this year. We believe Australian consumers and retailers will continue to lead the global mobile commerce revolution blurring the line between online and offline commerce."
Globally, eBay expects to handle $10 billion in mobile volume transacted in 2012, which doubles last year's total. That figure is more than the annual GDP of 75 countries throughout the world[i]. With mobile commerce growing to a projected $119 billion across the globe by 2015[ii], mobile innovation is a key force behind eBay's vision to make buying and selling easier anytime, anywhere and on any device.