Although internet retailing is becoming more popular among younger generations, its presence is still limited in Thailand. Young people’s lack of access to credit cards is hampering growth. The products that are most frequently purchased via the online channel are apparel and cosmetics. The purchasing of consumer electronics products is less common. Many people use websites to find information or product specifications, then make a purchase at a bricks-and-mortar retailer. This is advantageous for chained consumer electronics retailers, which have branches all over Thailand. Although the purchasing of consumer electronics products is not popular in the online channel, accessories and gadgets related to consumer electronics products, such as smartphone stands and cases, HDMI cables, etc, are widely purchased on online channel.
Restaurants start to use tablets to streamline the dining experience
In 2015, tablets started to play a major role in the foodservice industry, with such devices being used by waiting staff to take orders. PDAs are used in some restaurants for this purpose. Some restaurants have used tablets for ordering by customers themselves. Their use has had a good response from customers. MK is an example of a restaurant which uses tablets as an electronic menu.
Outlook
As well as the foodservice industry using tablets to help in the business, tablets are expected to become popular in other industries. For example, insurance businesses can use tablets to present insurance packages to prospective customers.
Moreover, if the sale is successful, the customer can pay via a credit card reader which connects to the tablet. Such digital payment methods are also suitable for direct sellers of various consumer goods.