According to a recent survey, UK online shoppers are showing a significant decline in shopping from European websites due to concerns about customs and border delays following Brexit. The survey, which was conducted among over 7,800 consumers, found that only 31% of UK consumers shopped internationally in 2021, a decrease of 14% compared to the previous year.
One of the startling findings of the survey was that UK consumers are now more inclined to shop from countries as far as China (42%) and the US (30%) rather than from neighboring European countries such as Germany (10%), Italy (7%), or Spain (6%). In contrast, 56% of European shoppers still prefer to shop internationally, with only a slight 5% decrease compared to 2020.
Despite the decline in international online shopping, the UK still remains among the top five countries from which European consumers make online purchases, with 16% of consumers having ordered from the UK in the past year. However, UK consumers cited several concerns when it comes to cross-border shipping. Expensive delivery costs (62%), potential customs charges (49%), and poor returns policies (47%) were identified as the major deterrents.
The survey also revealed that these concerns have steadily increased in 2021 compared to the previous year, indicating the impact of Brexit on international shopping. Delivery costs were a significant deterrent for 51% of UK consumers in 2020. Customs charges and returns issues were deterrents for 38%, highlighting the additional barriers created by Brexit.
The survey specifically pointed out that EU custom surcharges, Brexit-related delivery delays, and COVID-related product shortages have led to a decline in spending in Europe. Since Brexit, imports from the EU to the UK have remained flat, while global imports have risen by 19%. Furthermore, new shipping requirements and additional VAT charges have resulted in a 50% decrease in shipments from the EU to the UK in the first three months of 2021.
Addressing the findings of the survey, Rob van den Heuvel, co-founder and CEO of Sendcloud, stressed the importance of a seamless transaction and delivery process for customers. He urged both UK and EU retailers to streamline their international shipping in order to meet the changing expectations of consumers. Van den Heuvel emphasized the need for retailers to partner with reliable shipping providers to ensure a successful post-Brexit environment.
In conclusion, the survey highlights the challenges faced by UK online shoppers and the impact of Brexit on cross-border shopping. Retailers need to address these concerns and provide an efficient and convenient international shipping experience in order to retain customers and remain competitive in the post-Brexit landscape.
Useful links:
1. Retail Gazette: Brexit delays, cost, and returns struggle put UK shoppers off European sites
2. This is Money: UK retailers struggle as European shoppers shun Britain
