The sentiments from a small pool of SME e-commerce firms and their customers seem to point to pro-sustainability e-shopping habits

Based on an October 2024 commissioned online survey of 200 small- and medium- sized e-commerce enterprises (SMEs) and 300 of their consumers across 12 Asia Pacific markets*, an international express transportation and delivery services firm has shared some trends about APAC e-consumer and market trends.

First, 70% of the organizations surveyed expected year-on-year sales growth this festive season, with nearly 80% expecting this growth from within Asia — especially from South-east Asia.

Second, 57% of consumer respondents cited preferring shopping on e-commerce platforms, with 70% motivated by substantial festive discounts and promotions.

Other findings

Third, 87% of SME respondents cited leveraging third-party e-commerce platforms to broaden customer reach and enhance sales opportunities. Significant online shopping events like Double Eleven, Black Friday, Cyber Monday were cited as playing a key role in driving consumer engagement during the holiday season. Also:

  • 48% of the SME e-merchants in the survey were seeking additional support from logistics providers to manage peak volumes.
  • 65% of consumer respondents had indicated that free shipping options motivates them to finalize their purchases. However, late deliveries remained a significant concern, with 54% citing it as their top issue during the festive season. Some 60% cited expecting their orders to arrive within two to three business days, and 45% prioritized convenient delivery options to enhance their shopping experience.
  • 47% of SME respondents indicated a belief that customers seek a balance between sustainability and speed in their online shopping experiences, compared to 88% of consumers in the survey indicating that that they want to see businesses develop more sustainable online shopping practices to stand out from competitors. Also, 77% of consumer respondents cited being willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging when purchasing gifts.

According to Kawal Preet, President (Asia Pacific), FedEx, the firm that commissioned the survey: “As cross-border e-commerce continues to surge…  small and medium-sized businesses… are gearing up to maximize sales this festive season” and noted the growing opportunity for similar businesses to differentiate themselves in the crowded e-commerce marketplaces — by offering sustainability options.

*Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.