Today In Data: Voice Payments Innovation

New technologies bring new ways for consumers to buy and pay for goods and services, such as using voice-activated devices to order groceries, takeout, digital goods and clothing. At the same time, retailers such as Sam’s Club are expanding delivery options to consumers with the help of Instacart. In addition, eCommerce shopping events, such as Singles Day, can bring in tens of billions in sales for Chinese eCommerce retailers, while online services like Scentbird are using the subscription model to sell designer fragrances.

78 percent: The percentage of consumers who cited saving time as the key reason why they used a connected device to buy something.

50 percent: The percentage of Sam’s Club locations that will offer Instacart-powered delivery by the end of October.

29 percent: The percentage of voice-activated, connected device owners who use them to make purchases. 

$25.3 billion: Alibaba claimed this amount in gross merchandise value (GMV) for its Singles Day event last year.

$18.6 million: The series A funding that Scentbird picked up in a round led by Goodwater Capital and joined by Y Combinator, Rainfall Ventures, FundersClub, Soma Capital, Scrum Ventures, ERA and others.