Thus, microbilling companies are currently engaged in a ferocious battle of hype, all trying to lure those first few crucial clients by promising slicker software, better service, back rubs, whatever. Qpass, for example, argues that its slate of high-profile clients gives it more credibility than the others. The stakes will get higher if micropayment takes hold in wireless. We're releasing enormous pent-up demand. But while the market numbers sound large, microbilling companies only take a small fraction of these payments as their revenues.
Many analysts argue that microbillers face a steep climb towards that goal.
Clay Shirky, a partner with The Accelerator Group, argues that people on-line are overwhelmed by the idea of keeping track of multiple small purchases. Micropayment has never taken off, and it's because it's annoying. Even some players admit this is no cakewalk. Still, the denizens of e-commerce are finally buying in. If microbilling is ever going to take off, now may be its best chance.