Online shopping has become a natural part of our lives and a huge commercial resource the whole globe has tapped into. But how do different regions, cultures, and values affect global shopping trends? In North America, we are accustomed to using online shopping as a resource to purchase products, look at product reviews, and research prices when deciding to buy online or in-store. So for all store owners shipping internationally, is there a different mentality overseas that affects shopping trends and products sold for overseas customers? Yes and no.
- In most regions across the world, 8 out of 10 people equipped with Internet access have shopped online at least once. The only exception to the rule is Africa and the Middle East, where 5 out of 10 people with Internet access have shopped online.
- This hints that technology has globally advanced far enough to offer the same services across the world for those who have access to it.
- Interestingly, a slightly higher percentage of online consumers in Asia and the Pacific have shopped online compared to consumers in North America.
- When one thinks of eCommerce, there is a high tendency to think of shopping online for products. But trend wise, this is not the case. Travel and hotel bookings play a huge part in global eCommerce trends, where at least 3 out of 10 people make plans to book travel and hotel reservations online.
- Global spending trends East and West remain the same. Half of consumers everywhere tend to spend less than 5 percent of their income online, meaning most shoppers East and West are careful with their money online.
- It also suggests online shoppers target buying certain products and services online before making a purchase. Global eCommerce operators will have more success promoting certain products and popularizing a product or service with the public.
- Product reviews are popular with consumers, but you’re less likely to find honest and straight up criticism here compared to other places.
- North America and Europe go easy on the critical factor, whereas as Asia leans heavy on dishing out criticism. This reveals an intriguing look into shopping expectations in different continents.
- Consumers are also more likely to voice a negative experience when it comes to consumer electronics, a car, and software. The more expensive the item is, the more likely product reviews will affect its "saleability."
For all you visual thinkers, My Coupon Codes put together this nice infographic showing global spending and shopping trends and statistics.
What have you noticed shopping internationally?
