Report: More concert, movie, tickets bought online in Aus

Image: Matt Corby’s official website

More Australians are buying their tickets to music and entertainment concerts and movies online, according to the 18th edition of Nielsen’s annual Australian Connected Consumers Report.

These figures have risen to 25% of online buyers from 18% in 2014, and are one of the four highest growths.

Nearly all online Australians use the Internet to purchase items, with one in four doing so at least once a week.

Aside from entertainment tickets, buying clothing has gone to 46% from 32%. Cosmetics, perfumes and skincare are 21% from 16%. Food grocery items (excluding fast food) rose to 24% from 16%. There seems to be a move away from purchasing travel-related items and services online.

The Nielsen report points out that while Aussie online shoppers are trying out new categories, the time of purchases has remained consistent. It happens most during the day, with a major peak in the evenings between 6pm and 10pm and a smaller peak at the start of the work day.

The traditional PC remains the key device used for online shopping, but it is in sharp decline as mobile usage increases – for both purchase and to research before they buy. “Huge opportunities exist for retailers and brands that can develop online sales processes and marketing campaigns that are more conducive to mobile devices,” pointed out Nielsen Associate Director Lillian Zrim.

Two thirds of online Australians use a form of contactless payment (PayWave or PayPass) with a credit or debit card in shops; an increase of 6% points from 2014. Regular usage of this form of payment has also increased three points to 33%, indicating further entrenchment of this convenient payment function.

The wider adoption of contactless payments may pave the way for the mobile wallet, (i.e. ‘tapping’ your mobile phone for payments) however security issues are still a concern for half of online Australians regarding this method.