One of the leading service providers for the e-commerce industry, Arvato, has prepared a reliable report on foreign markets regarding cross-border sales, the potential of cross-border e-commerce, and the behavior of international consumers.
The value of cross-border trade as a significant part of e-commerce is steadily growing. The report prepared by Arvato clearly shows that the factors shaping consumer behavior regarding online shopping in foreign stores are primarily better prices, attractive return policies, and free product delivery. The specifics of each country in terms of cross-border e-commerce are very important and extremely helpful when undertaking actions to enter foreign markets. Arvato found that the Benelux countries and other small nations, such as Cyprus or Austria, have the greatest potential for cross-border e-commerce in Europe. Residents of these countries shop abroad frequently because local e-stores are often unable to meet the demand for desired products. For Polish online stores, the greatest potential still lies in Germany and the UK. These are the largest and most mature e-commerce markets, and above all, our compatriots live there, driving sales in Polish e-stores.
– All the information contained in the report leads us to believe that cross-border trade will have a huge impact on e-commerce in Poland. We are observing dynamic changes in the international market and anticipate a significant increase in interest in Polish e-commerce, especially because we are distinguished by one of the lowest return rates globally and highly developed mobile payments – comments Lidia Ratajczak-Kluck, Director of Arvato SCM Solutions in Poland, member of the board at Arvato Polska.
The European cross-border e-commerce market is very well developed. In addition to the aforementioned Germany and the UK, France ranks in the top three with 66% of online shoppers and a market value of 77.6 billion euros. In Scandinavia, the Danish cross-border market is the strongest, with an emphasis on the tourism segment and credit card payments. One of the strongest cross-border e-commerce markets is also Austria – consumers pay by credit card, use pay-after-delivery options, and PayPal.
– The potential of cross-border e-commerce for Polish entrepreneurs is quite large. Thanks to this, e-retailers can reach new markets and respond to the needs of international consumers who are looking for the best transaction conditions for themselves. And although the biggest challenge for Polish entrepreneurs may be administrative issues and legal regulations, it is definitely worth investing in commercial expansion both to the West and to Eastern markets – adds Lidia Ratajczak-Kluck from Arvato Polska.
According to the Arvato report, the biggest risk for e-consumers is identity theft, which is why as many as 50% of them secure payments with a fingerprint, CVC code, and set up 3D protection, e.g., generating passwords via SMS. Poles expect 24/7 customer service availability, door-to-door delivery, and transparency of the sales process from cross-border e-commerce. The most popular shopping areas are Home and Garden, Multimedia, Clothing, and Textiles.