Reasons Why Flower Shops and Restaurants Should Accept Online Payment

Electronic payment becomes more convenient nowadays in both the perspective of merchants and

customers. Customers don’t have to write a cheque, swipe a credit card or handle any cash. All they have to

do is enter their information and with just few clicks, they can already complete their payment transaction.

However, despite the benefits of electronic payment, online business isn’t further developed in UAE.

Compared to other neighboring countries in Europe, South East Asia and even in United States, online

business in UAE isn’t booming.

Although online shopping is still in its infancy stage in UAE, several businesses are starting to accept

online payment to expand their revenues and offer a flexible method to their consumers. With the high

demand for floral delivery in the country, flower shops can benefit from electronic payment setup. Flower

delivery has increased its revenue because of the increase in population and different festivities.

The floral market isn’t restricted to UAE alone since the demand for flowers doesn’t decrease in which

bouquets, and garlands are marketable all throughout the year. Accordingly, 30% of all household in the

UAE bought freshly cut flowers at least once a year. More so, the income from bulk delivery takes up to

27%. The flower industry in the UAE is experiencing a steady increase of market consider the strategic

location of the country being in the crossroads of Asia, Kenya, India, Ecuador and Iran. Hence, many took

advantage of this and setup flower delivery service in UAE.

On the other hand, the food industry is also gaining its own share of increased revenue. According to the

Foodservice in Middle East-the UAE, 205-2006, the UAE food services market is estimated to have grown

at 11% in 2005 and 2006 and is expected to experience a steady growth in the coming years. More so, 26%

of UAE residents dine out at quick service restaurants at least once a week with the frequency of the visits

at 65% higher among expat Arabs. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are accounted for 80% of total food service

demand among the seven Emirates.

With the impressive growth of both flower and restaurant industries, it is just about time for these

industries to offer a flexible payment method. This is in answer to consumers who wanted a faster and

more convenient transaction. Online payment portals are growing in UAE in which they assist businesses

that offers online shopping experience for customers.

If the business’ website offers an e-commerce platform, flower shops or restaurants can offer online

payment to their customers, thanks to online payment gateway. One of the biggest benefits of online

payment is its accessibility. It only takes few seconds to access the web to pay orders online. Businesses

can be virtually available online 24 hours, 7 days a week. Mobility is also one of the advantages of online

payment in which a customer can pay their orders at their own pace and time. More so, the identities of the

customers are also looked after by online payment portals for security and confidentiality purposes.

Businesses are assured that their customers aren’t inconvenienced with security risks.

Online sales among businesses are a cheap way to market expansion. With more and more consumers

demanding online shopping alternatives from their favorite stores, online shopping will likely have a wider

penetration in UAE considering the businesses’ expansion of revenue streams at manageable costs.