Philippine Retailing Newsletters 2018 PRA Newsletter 2018 Q2 | Page 9

World News 2ND QUARTER 2018 Free shipping, easy return policies to attract more Asian shoppers online: survey Addressing the demand for increased shipping, faster deliveries and easier return policies could increase online spending in Asia, according to UPS- commissioned survey. A total of 57% of online shoppers in Asia are satisfied with their online shopping experience, the lowest percentage worldwide, based on the report of the Pulse of the Online Shopper 2018 survey. The online survey studied 18,000 online shoppers worldwide. In Asia, 85% prefer to buy from merchants that offer free shipping. This knowledge could be advantageous for retailers who want to sell in Asia, the survey stated. “Analyzing the mindsets and motivations of thousands of shoppers around the world reveals that, far from being a sunk cost, clever shipping and returns solutions are actually an area where retailers can win and retain customers, drive repeat patronage, and encourage shoppers to add more items to their carts,” Sylvie Van den Kerkhof, Vice President of Marketing, UPS Asia Pacific said. The survey also showed 67% of the respondents consider free shipping on return when selecting online merchants. Only 47% of shoppers are satisfied with the ease of making a return. PHILIPPINE RETAILING In the Philippines, about 10 million people or roughly a tenth of the population transact online, according to Lazada CEO Inanc Balci. Despite being the most dissatisfied online shoppers, Asia has the highest global number of online shopping using their smartphones at 77% compared to 48% in the US. (ABS-CBN News, 04/12/2018) “As retailers in the Philippines look toward global markets, they can draw valuable insights from this study to fulfill the dynamic online shopping experience for consumers and their future shopping demands,” said Chris Buono, UPS Philippines Managing Director. India readies e-commerce policy framework India will come out with a framework for a national policy on e-commerce in the coming months to deal with issues including competition, regulation, data privacy, taxation and technical aspects such as localization of servers and technology transfer. The government will set up a task force to finalize the contours of a policy for the e-commerce sector, commerce secretary Rita Teaotia said. “Issues related to e-commerce including taxation, infrastructure, investments, technology transfer, data protection, regulations and competition were discussed... The objective is to come out with a framework for an e-commerce policy,” Teaotia said. think-tank on the framework for a National Policy on E-Commerce. The think-tank is chaired by commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu. She said the policy is important in view of issues faced by the domestic industry and to help India articulate its stand on e-commerce at the World Trade Organization. While India is participating in the technical negotiations on the issues at the WTO, it has opposed taking any rule- making and commitments on the matter. (The Economic Times, 04/24/2018) The decision to set up a task force was taken during the first meeting of the WELCOME NEW PRA MEMBERS! K Appliance Inc. Alturas Abenson Appliance Bohol Inc. Abenson Liberty Appliance Pinnacle Appliance Inc. are subsidiaries of the Abenson Group, a nationwide chain of retail stores in the Philippines offering appliances and furniture, information technology products and consumer goods. Is a business concessionaire for fashion & accessories products based in Pasig City. Caters to corporate clients by offering incentive and motivation programs thru the Benefits and Rewards Services, while their On-Site Services deliver tailored Integrated Facilities Management solutions in diverse segment industries. Develops, constructs, maintains, and operates airport. The company is based in Cebu and operates as a subsidiary of Megawide Construction Corporation. Is a mobile and web app-based full service logistics solution with advanced tech to deliver cargo and goods for businesses. Delivery vehicles include truck, L300, closed van, and economy vehicles. Offers strategic, creative, experiential, integrated and digital solutions that can be readily put to use to spur consumers into action at different points of contact and increase sales. Is engaged in providing business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions to local and international companies by working in partnership with the customers they serve to achieve optimum growth, seamless operations, and maximum productivity. Is the world’s leading air conditioning manufacturer with products such as split and multi type AC system, air purifiers, air filters, and refrigeration among others, sold in over 140 countries. Is an HR solutions company with services including Recruitment, Payroll Administration and Management, and Outsourcing and also provides talents in Sales, Marketing, Finance and Administration segments. 9