Avid e-shoppers make more than 50% of purchases online

UPS has reported that avid online shoppers are “leading a retail revolution”, as the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper annual study finds for the first time in its five-year history that more than half (51%) of all purchases made by respondents are made online, up from 48% in 2015. UPS also found that avid online shoppers (those who make two or more purchases online in a typical three-month period) are shopping more with their smartphones and demanding a more seamless experience between virtual and physical stores.

“Consumers are skilled at using technology to their advantage and thrive on gathering information when shopping,” commented Teresa Finley, Chief Marketing Officer at UPS.

“This year’s UPS study revealed that 45% of online shoppers love the thrill of hunting for and finding great deals, and that physical stores continue to play an important role in that experience. The challenge is how to best engage with shoppers to fulfill their desires.”

On the delivery front, UPS found that free shipping continues to be the most important factor driving customer satisfaction when checking out online (73%), although consumers are willing to pay a premium for faster delivery. Half of shoppers (50%) would pay for faster shipping for personal reasons, such as birthdays and holidays.

“Home delivery is still the preferred location to receive packages,” commented UPS, “although more consumers are embracing alternate delivery locations. Preference for alternate delivery locations grew nine points (to 35%) in the last two years. More than half of shoppers are interested in an alternate delivery location with extended hours and lower fees.”

The UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper Study evaluates consumer shopping habits from pre-purchase to post-delivery. The 2016 study is based on a comScore survey of more than 5,000 U.S. online shoppers.

Click here for a link for downloading the UPS study.