International brands and retailers are still riding the wave of unprecedented consumer demand for online shopping, driven in large part by the pandemic. In record-breaking numbers, consumers in nearly every region have experienced for themselves the convenience of online shopping. More and more consumers are turning to cross-border brands to find the unique items they want and need.
But for cross-border e-commerce retailers, meeting the expectations of these new international shoppers is often challenging. There are many potential friction points along the customer journey that can turn off consumers. These barriers include the inability to pay in their local currency or with their preferred local payment method, unclear language regarding relevant duties and taxes, expensive shipping rates, long waits for delivery, and complicated, costly returns processes – all of which can have a negative impact on conversion rates. Brands can overcome these friction points by making data-driven decisions that enable international shoppers to browse, shop, and pay for the goods they want--on their terms.
To gain more insight into some of these barriers and how they differ according to where and what brands are selling, Flow has once again commissioned a multi-market research report. We conducted a similar survey in 2019; however, the events of the 2 years meant that our previous data required updating to reflect our new reality.
At Flow, we’re committed to providing the information retail brands need to help them achieve growth. The goals of this extensive research study include:
- Understanding how the pandemic has impacted consumer preferences for online shopping in the top eight global e-commerce markets: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, UK, US.
- Uncovering new opportunities for cross-border e-commerce brands in high-demand areas post-pandemic, particularly any changes in shopper preferences when it comes to localized experiences.
Our new international study, 2021 Cross-Border E-Commerce Consumer Report, offers a detailed look at what has changed for international online shopping since 2019. In this report, retailers will learn more about:
- Cross-border shopping behaviors and preferences by country, age, and gender
- Which global markets have seen the greatest increase in cross-border shopping activity
- How the top retail categories for cross-border shopping have changed since 2019
- How international consumers’ preferences have changed regarding customer service and shipping
- Retail website user experience and checkout preferences, such as currency and payment options
- The most significant barriers that stop global consumers from making cross-border purchases
Click here to download your copy of our new report. And get in touch today to speak with a Flow cross-border e-commerce professional about how to optimize your e-commerce website for international consumers.
