The rise of online selling on social media, sustainable purchasing and cross-border online trade is the main finding of the studyOnline Shopper Trends Reportfrom DHL, the result of a recent survey of 12,000 buyers in 24 global markets.
“As e-commerce evolves, consumers are becoming more demanding when it comes to their shopping experiences. Convenience, transparency and sustainability are no longer just additional benefits, but essential elements in the customer journey. Retailers who cater to these preferences can increase their conversion rate, keep customers loyal and satisfied. Logistics plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, with 80% of shoppers saying that their provider influences their purchasing decisions,” said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, who is responsible for the report.
The research, which analyzes the habits of e-commerce consumers, details the three main personas that emerge from the study. Despite the differences, all are sensitive to prices. The report provides tools for online retailers to stand out in this competitive market.
Social Media Buyers-They are dynamic people, usually under 45 years old, who prefer the convenience of shopping through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. With 51% shopping online two to three times a week, they acquire clothing, beauty products, and household items. They value personalized experiences, exclusive products, and good service, with 76% considering sustainability important. They seek discounts (80%) and reduced prices (90%). Delivery options influence your decisions, and 64% have online shopping subscriptions.
Sustainable BuyersThey are environmentally conscious consumers, mostly under 45 years old. They buy clothes, beauty products, and household items online, with 31% shopping two to three times a week. They require high-quality and diverse images for informed decisions. Although they value convenience, 73% want to know the CO₂ emissions of deliveries and 43% accept longer delivery times to reduce the carbon footprint of their purchases.They also seek discounts (79%) and expect sustainable options to become a standard in the market.
Cross Border BuyersThey are adventurers, usually under 45 years old, seeking better prices, quality, and unique products abroad. Predominantly in Europe and APAC, 75% buy from international retailers monthly and 17% weekly. The most purchased products are clothing, electronics, and cosmetics. Costs and delivery options influence your choices, with 38% abandoning their cart due to high fees. They are sensitive to prices, with 54% shopping outside to save money and 46% seeking variety.
"At DHL Global Forwarding, we are committed to providing comprehensive international transportation solutions for the e-commerce sector. Our expertise in international freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, and integrated logistics allows us to optimize the entire supply chain, ensuring that products reach customers quickly and efficiently," says Eric Brenner, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding in Brazil.
Furthermore, our advanced IT solutions provide real-time tracking and load management, enhancing the experience of the exporting and importing industry. According to Eric, the company has been working on solutions that contribute to sustainable measures. "We also focus on sustainable practices, using alternative fuels and optimizing routes to reduce the carbon footprint. With these initiatives, we continue to support the growth of global e-commerce in a responsible and innovative way," concludes the CEO.
The full reportOnline Trends Shopper Report da DHL (dhl.com/online-shopper-trends) includes five chapters and 19 country studies (dhl.com/country-reports), addressing topics such as e-commerce trends, online shopping, deliveries and returns, cross-border shopping, and consumer profiles. Also access the chapter“Beyond the Cart” (dhl.com/beyond-the-basket)
