It’s been some time now since the iPhone entered the scene, and changed the way we all look at touchscreens forever. It’s also been a while since the smartphone and all of its basic functions have risen to levels that might have been difficult to predict just five years ago. Does this mean wholesale will benefit from the smartphone’s rise? Many experts are saying that it will not only prove to be a benefit, but it will also provide exciting new platforms for sales to be made.

It starts with a turning point. By the second quarter of 2008, there were 15 million subscribers using online services through their handheld devices. However, in the second quarter of 2009, the figure jumped almost twice the past year’s numbers, as it rose to 26 million.

Top research firms predict that mobile devices will overtake basic feature phones by the end of 2011. According to Nielsen, smartphones were used by 25% of the US mobile phone audience in the second quarter of 2010, which is a figure that is up from 23% the previous quarter and 16% in the second quarter of 2009. In the past, online sales were regarded with skepticism and doubt. These days, there is undisputed evidence to a proven success record from companies that adopted an online model early in the game, and this could be very true for those who attempt to capture a burgeoning market like the one that is forming the growing online mobile user community.

More owners of smartphones means more people using online mobile services. The jump in ownership is driving continued growth for the mobile internet industry, and overall usage. Forecasts are indicating that by 2014, there will be about 142 million users, representing over 53% of the US mobile user population, who will access the Internet using mobile browsers or applications. There will undoubtedly be interesting numbers generated in other countries, as their mobile user community grows as well.

Buying online can become a common, everyday practice for owners of smartphones, and the wholesale and retail industries could benefit nicely from appealing to this kind of consumer, if they position themselves to take full advantage of the technology. It will also be crucial that they invest in partnerships and services to promote security. Verification and screening will b valued highly by consumers and businesses alike, in the continuing search for ways to improve the user experience, and the safety of transacting over these kinds of networks.

Mobile banking, as a growth market, will experience tremendous escalation alongside the further adoption and acceptance of smartphones. Studies of smartphone users in the USA show that they spend an average of 4.5 hours per month on the Internet, compared to a figure of over 26 hours per month for all American Internet users. However, this figure is growing rapidly, and the expected outcome will be similar to what already exists through conventional online sales today.

Wholesalers wanting to capitalize on this explosive market can expect to see some new technology and user interface developments that make selling a more interactive experience, right from handsets. The notable surge in applications for handheld devices that allow buying and selling from mobile handsets is encouraging. With so many new methods of engaging customers and making sales, the future looks quite promising for anyone who seizes this technology.

Recent studies indicate that mobile usage growth is in direct proportion with advanced features and functions. With these increases, consumption is quickly evolving from only brief, surface-level transactions, such as checking up on the latest weather news or travel plans, to time-intensive interaction with Web sites that are optimized for mobile transactions. This also shows great promise in the area of online sales and wholesale business becoming a reality from a customer’s handset.

The mainstream appeal of smartphones was made a reality by the overwhelming adoption of Apple’s iPhone 3G. While it’s gaining greater acceptance with more consumers than Blackberry, and even the original iPhone, the newer iPhone is still found appealing to people with incomes over $60,000 USD.

It’s no secret that mobile banking will eventually take off, and remain a mainstay in consumer buying cycles and habits. However, many experts in the industry agree that current smartphone costs, and costs for cellular phone Internet connectivity, are too cost prohibitive to encourage faster and more complete adoption. Mobile banking needs to wait for the technology to become more widely available, which should happen by next year.