What percentage of online shopping is at local NZ websites vs. offshore sites?

The figure for Australia is 43 percent, and in New Zealand it’s 20 percent of all money spent online is spent on offshore ecommerce sites.

Why the differences? I’d hazard to say:
* Aust are more sophisticated online shoppers and know how to find what they want, whereever. NZer’s more cautious about doing business on another continent.

* Aust is a bigger market therefore more likely serviced by overseas sites offering delivery. NZ is tiny and not likely to even come under consideration for many sites, esp niche ones.

* Aust use eBay like we use TradeMe – and they have natural and easy access to overseas sellers there. NZ’s TradeMe has international sellers but it’s focus is very much local.

* In addition that eBay experience means that Aussies are more likely comfortable with PayPal and other payments methods whereas NZer’s are constrained by websites that don’t accept non-local credit cards (argh hands up who else gets mad at this).

*New Zealand ecommerce purchases by dollar value are weighed around flights/travel too which are usually sourced from NZ.

There are likely many more reasons…

P.S. source: The Aust. stat is as reported by Ebay. The NZ one is via The Warehouse annual report, and verbally confirmed by the lovely Tui Fleming at TWL to me today.

What do you think?  Does that ring true to you?  Why do you think that’s the case?  What do you think will happen in 12 months time?  2 years?

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Posted by roanne parker | October 25, 2010
Email Marketing Resources,GetSMART,Retail E-Marketing          , , , ,          Comments (1)
  • Ritu Munjal

    I thought the new global mantra is ‘Think global act local’! FIrst of all, I would like to assume, before I comment any further, that I have travelled much of the world and believe you me, Trade Me is one of the best online tools I have engaged in, in purchasing an item. It is far superior to the likes of Ebays. Secondly, whats wrong in supporting the local economy? Isnt it actually all about boosting our own economy? and the reason NZ doesnt even come under the radar is that NZ likes to keep a low profile and doesnt believe in chest thumping, which maybe a factor holding it back from becoming a business baron. Look at Singapore, as small as Taupo…its all in your hands.