New Report From Linnworks Shows Consumers Expect an ‘Effortless Economy’

Online commerce automation platform Linnworks released new findings from an international consumer study, which outlines consumer expectations with the rise of digital-first retail experiences.

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According to the report, “The Effortless Economy: A New Age of Retail” 74 percent of consumers desire effortless shopping experiences that integrate into their daily activities.

Once driven almost exclusively by price, today’s consumers are increasingly influenced by convenience and ease of purchase, which rank higher as purchase decision-making factors compared to product reviews, product selection, or brand reputation.

“The pandemic has changed commerce as we know it. Our data shows that 79 percent of consumers agree that commerce is more integrated into their lives today than just one year ago. Today, it’s imperative that brands are visible wherever their customers spend time online and provide a flexible, frictionless experience at every point in the customer journey.”

Callum Campbell, CEO at Linnworks

Key Findings From The Report Include 

Convenience is Key: Even After the Pandemic, Shoppers Will Stay Online

For today’s shoppers, convenience reigns supreme, as 76 percent of consumers cite convenience as a top priority when it comes to online shopping. Perhaps most surprisingly, 78 percent say they value ease and convenience now more than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic.

While consumers plan to return to stores to some degree, eCommerce will continue to serve as a preferred shopping method for most. In fact, 74 percent say the majority of their shopping will be done online moving forward because it is convenient.

And flexible shopping options introduced by retailers due to the pandemic have been so convenient that 84 percent expect brands to keep services like buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS), and curbside pick-up long-term. 

Frictionless for the Win: From Facebook to Your Front Door

In terms of what constitutes convenience, 81 percent of consumers expect brands to offer seamless purchasing across devices, and 51 percent say they have abandoned a purchase due to having to restart their order on a separate device.

Simultaneously, the number of platforms that consumers alternate between while shopping is only growing — and social media is increasingly vital in converting sales. Thirty-five (35) percent of consumers have made a purchase directly through a social media platform, and 27 percent say they haven’t yet but would try it.

When it comes to the final steps in the online purchase journey, 95 percent of consumers say shipping factors into their overall purchase decisions.

While 61 percent say they are more willing to shop with brands that offer next-day delivery, communication is ultimately key, as 72 percent say they have abandoned a purchase due to lack of transparency around shipping. 

Payments Unlock Potential: How They Pay Impacts How Much They Spend

New payment options offer even more flexibility and accessibility. In fact, 28 percent of consumers say they have utilized a buy-now, pay-later option when shopping online, and 24 percent say they’re open to the idea. Of those who have used flexible payment options, 89 percent say it makes purchasing decisions faster and easier.

Flexible payment options promise even more growth in eCommerce as consumers opt to purchase larger ticket items online — as 70 percent admit to making an impulse purchase due to having flexible payment options available.

What’s more, 84 percent say they are more willing to buy big-ticket items if given flexible payment options. Now and in the future, consumers expect brands to offer flexible payment options, and 79 percent are more likely to shop with brands if they do. 

The Future of Connected Commerce: The Marketplace Lesson

For consumers, online marketplaces have become the shopping malls of the 21st century. Nine out of ten shoppers (91 percent) now start their shopping journey directly on an online marketplace; however, 44 percent admit they’ve abandoned an online marketplace because they were overwhelmed by options.

On the flip side, direct-to-consumer (D2C) models also provide consumers with shopping experiences they crave, as nearly half (49 percent) have purchased from a D2C brand in the past six months.

Seventy-six (76) percent would prefer to shop with their favorite brand directly if they could offer the same conveniences as an online marketplace.

Bottom Line

The Linnworks report “The Effortless Economy: A New Age of Retail” confirms a long mantra in online commerce, Convenience Wins. In addition, the report also highlights consumer expectations have evolved to a higher bar that today’s online retailer and marketplace seller must meet to keep sales growing as the competition for shopper’s wallets intensifies.

But the key takeaway is that shoppers are ready to hit the buy button when online. Therefore, sellers and online merchants must make the buying process easy and provide transparent information about the product and service while the shopper is on the site or viewing a seller’s listing on a marketplace.