Australians chose to shop online from overseas retailers based on price (74 per cent), followed by availability (52 per cent) and better selection (39 per cent), according to research conducted by global technology company, Pitney Bowes. 

Pitney Bowes’ second annual Global Online Shopping Study showed Australian shoppers are the most likely consumers to buy products online from overseas retailers (63 per cent). 

Approximately 12,000 adults across 12 countries were asked in August 2015 about their online shopping behaviour. Consumers were polled in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Looking specifically at product categories, Australian shoppers are the most likely to purchase books, videos and music (51 per cent), apparel (41 per cent) and consumer electronics (28 per cent) online. Their favourite place to shop is the US (86 per cent), followed by the UK (74 per cent) and China (37 per cent).

The majority of Australians (81 per cent) prefer to buy directly from a retailer’s online store, rather than a marketplace. Whereas consumers in Russia (78 per cent), China and the US (both 76 per cent) prefer to shop from online marketplaces.

“Australians are well known as avid online consumers and this research highlights the current opportunities for local and international retailers to further capitalise on this,” said Nick Smith, managing director ANZ of Pitney Bowes Software.

“In order to remain competitive in this rapidly growing marketplace, retailers need to put consumer experience first and overcome the barriers to growth, including high shipping costs, additional fees, delivery timeframes and trust.” 

High shipping costs (76 per cent), additional fees owed at time of delivery (48 per cent) and product delivery taking too long (39 per cent) are three key turn offs for Australians buying from international retailers.

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