The Ninja Van Group, in partnership with European parcel delivery network DPD group, has released its new “E-Commerce Beyond Borders” report, where they reveal the importance of e-commerce and logistics in expanding local businesses across Southeast Asia. The survey was conducted among 9,000 respondents across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
When asked about their online shopping habits, 92% of Filipino shoppers said they feel it is important to know who the shipping company is. They voted for “real-time tracking” and “delivery where I am located” as their top delivery preferences for a hassle-free delivery experience.
In 2021, Ninja Van delivered more than two million parcels per day across the region. As cross border purchases are already common across Southeast Asia, shippers are no longer limited to serving shoppers within their own country, but within the region too.
With cross-border parcel volume on the uptrend, the paper highlighted opportunities for sellers to invest in comprehensive logistics solutions to enable further growth. From sourcing and inventory to customs clearance and last-mile delivery, Ninja Fulfillment services provide end-to-end solutions that make it easier for sellers to tap overseas markets. Brands that already use Ninja Fulfillment to tap the Southeast Asian market include American and European wellness brands like iHerb and Manscaped.
This presents opportunities for Filipino sellers too, as the report revealed that 89% of Filipino online shoppers were already buying from foreign websites. Additionally, the Philippines ranked second out of the six surveyed countries in terms of average basket size, at US $33 per single purchase.
While the Philippines ranked last in terms of engagement with foreign websites at 48%, this remains a significant size, just slightly under the halfway mark – and signals to local sellers that customers look to an ever more diverse and international set of options for all kinds of online purchases.
However, the E-Commerce Beyond Borders report also revealed the two main barriers that inhibit sellers from utilizing the huge potential of e-commerce in their businesses: a fragmented regional market and the need for excellent logistics. It noted that cross-border delivery is still an area that must be improved, as only 24% of Filipinos believe that delivery and return options overseas have become easier and more transparent.
To address these, Ninja Van suggested that online sellers looking to expand beyond borders partner with online marketplaces which have established audiences in Southeast Asia like Shopee and Lazada, thereby addressing the barrier of extensive localization. Regarding the need for excellent logistics, the report concluded that partnering with an optimal delivery service is critical in building trust between sellers and online shoppers.
“During this period of accelerated growth for e-commerce in the country, Ninja Van Philippines reaffirms its commitment in providing simple and seamless shopping experiences for online sellers through hassle-free deliveries. As the leading Southeast Asian e-commerce logistics company, we aim to continue providing a platform for excellent customer service for logistic needs and parcel concern,” Perez added.
Read the E-Commerce Beyond Borders report here and view the full E-Commerce Barometer 2021 Report here.