Mobile payments - An exploratory study of a solution in the Romanian market

The m-payment domain is relatively new and promises significant advantages for the multiple actors implied in its implementation and use. Despite this fact, its usage increase registers low rate. The purpose of this research is to examine the m-payments' evolution in a specific system implemented in several big Romanian retailers aiming to get in-depth understanding of the Romanian customers' behavior in regard with this new payment channel. The empirical study proves the users' precaution; m-payments being perceived as a novelty. The authors' research attempts to raise a discussion on m-payments specific characteristics and barriers in its extended use. The Romanian literature is scarce in regard with m-payments topic. From this perspective, the present paper signals the need to create at the smartphone user a solid mobile culture making him aware of the potential of the device and helping him benefit from the device's features in a secured manner.