The German market is undoubtedly one of the most attractive e-commerce markets in the world. German consumers are increasingly willing and more likely to shop online. It is no wonder that more and more companies want to direct their offers to our western neighbors. In this article, we will present what characterizes e-commerce in Germany!
E-commerce in Germany – some basic data
Germany is:
- the most powerful system by reference and the most used in in Europe (and 4th in the world)
- over 83 million inhabitants
- More than 78.8 million people in Germany use the Internet
- 78.7% of the total population uses social media (data for 2021)
- E-commerce revenues in Germany reached an all-time high of EUR 95 billion in 2020 for B2C goods (Statista, 2021)
- social media platforms are increasingly becoming a point of contact between customer and seller
- buyers also choose sellers based on factors such as: positive buyer reviews, a wide range of payment options, fast shipping and a long, preferably free, product return period
Germans are very attached to domestic brands, but in search of originality, the quality they expect and attractive prices, they increasingly shop in foreign stores.
In June 2020, turnover in online and mail order trade increased by almost one third compared to the same month in the previous year (data – Federal Statistical Office).
E-commerce in Germany – what you need to know
Online shopping is all about convenience and saving time. German customers appreciate the wider selection of goods on the Internet, and the how to make money on dating sites and get internet income that they are independent of opening hours and can shop at a time convenient for them.
The strong German market is constantly developing dynamically, so retailers in Germany should keep up with trends in the digitalization sphere. It turns out that German entrepreneurs are attached to existing solutions, which is why they are relatively slow to decide to modernize, which gives an advantage to Polish entrepreneurs who focus on modernity.
The most popular suppliers on the German market and information about shipping expectations
When it comes to shipping methods in Germany, online shops most often choose DHL (estimated at 82%). Hermes is second, followed by DPD.
The most popular delivery method in andorra business directory is home delivery, but German buyers are increasingly open to other delivery options, such as Cilck and collect or delivery to parcel machines.
What is important to Germans when it comes to shipping? Delivery time, how the shipment will be packed (it should not only be as well secured as possible, but also as ecological as possible), tracking the shipment and the possibility of returns. Of course, the most preferred is for delivery and returns to be free. Foreign entrepreneurs who want to develop on the e-commerce market in Germany must take into account that Germans often and very willingly return. Therefore, to avoid losses, it is worth including this in the product price from the very beginning.
How do German customers want to be served?
The quality of service is very important. German customers want to have access to the necessary information about the product/service. If they have doubts, they will certainly call or write an email. It is worth remembering that they expect a quick response! Chatbots are increasingly being implemented on websites and online stores, but German customers still seem to prefer contact with a human being, not with software.