An Post has published its annual eCommerce Index to highlight how Irish SMEs can do more for their customers.
The Index reveals that convenience (72%) is the key driver for online purchases and 40% of all online ordering is through retailer social media or marketplace websites and apps.
The Get Ready for Peak Guide outlines where and how consumers are spending online, their propensity to support Irish businesses and how purchase types vary depending on seasonality.
There are warning signs for Irish SMEs in the market as global players are setting eCommerce expectations on convenience and customer experience.
58% of consumers said they would make more online purchases if guaranteed delivery dates were available.
The research shows the opportunity that exists for Irish SMEs to maximise their eCommerce offering during the main selling window from October to December.
52% stated they would prefer to support Irish businesses during this period and 32% did not want to pay import charges on products coming from outside Ireland.
56% made purchases around Black Friday and the Christmas period based on an online offer or with a retailer discount code.
Other key findings in the report include the fact that 81% of all online purchases were under €100, subscription services are growing in popularity as almost half of 16–24-year-olds now have a subscription service including monthly beauty boxes and menstrual products and that clothing is the leading product category for online purchases at 62% followed by books (47%), Beauty Products (40%), Toys (30%), Consumer Electronics (32%) and Jewellery (20%).
“We appreciate the challenges that SMEs and business owners face when it comes to getting their hands on relevant market research and insights,” said Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director, COO, An Post Commerce.
“Irish SMEs can capitalise on the strong consumer preference for supporting Irish businesses and by understanding the importance of convenience to shoppers of all ages.”
