Canadians are some of the most enthusiastic Internet users in the World, but we were always a little more hesitant than other countries when it came to purchasing online. That’s changing quickly as we get more comfortable with online shopping. The 2013 eCommerce Special Feature Report just released by Ipsos, indicates Canadians are spending more online than they ever have. The report’s most unexpected finding is that men are leading women in online shopping, unlike virtually every other category related to shopping.
“Clearly, Canadians have become quite comfortable with eCommerce and online shopping, and more and more are turning to the Internet to make purchases,” says Dave Pierzchala, Senior Vice President and Managing Director with Ipsos Reid in Vancouver. “Men in particular seem to appreciate the ease and convenience of online shopping, as they are outspending women by a significant margin.”
Statistical Snapshot from the Canadian 2013 eCommerce Special Feature Report
- 8 out of 10 Canadians who use the Internet have purchased something online in the past year.
- An average of $899 was spent by each Canadian shopping online in 2013, up from $639 in 2012.
- Canadian men spend an average of $1080 online.
- Canadian women spend an average of $725 online.
- 34% bought computer hardware accessories in 2013, up from 27% in 2012.
- 27% ordered software for offline delivery in 2013, up from 19% in 2012
- 15% of respondents said they bought a tablet device online in 2013, up from 8% last year.
- 45% of Canadians surveyed said they downloaded computer software this year, up from 35% in 2012.
“…Marketers would be well advised to ensure they have eCommerce capabilities on their websites and online shopping available, as well as convenient methods for shipping, as these are all bound to be a more prevalent part of the shopping mix for Canadians,” Mr. Pierzchala suggests.
Most Popular Online Shopping Destinations for Canadians
- Amazon
- eBay
- iTunes
- Sears
- The Shopping Channel
- Chapters Indigo
- Air Canada
- Future Shop
- Walmart
- AirMiles
- Westjet
Top 4 Online Purchases Ever Made by Canadians
- Books (60%)
- Travel (56%)
- Clothing (52%)
- Computer Software (45%)
Canadians Shopping Online Across the Border
- 54% of Canadians who used eCommerce to shop in the US, said they did so due to better selection by comparison to Canadian websites.
- 56% said they cross-border shopped online because the sites have a better selection than offline stores in Canada.
- 47% stated free shipping enticed them to shop online at US websites (25% said it’s a major factor in shopping across the border and 21% said it’s a minor reason).
I have to question the free shipping factor in cross-border shopping because most US sites only offer free shipping within their own country. However, it’s probably still less than the outrageous amount we pay to ship through Canada Post in this country. Postal rates in Canada are seriously crippling small businesses, which employ more than 98% of Canadians.
{Infographic supplied by Ipsos.com}
Taking your Canadian business online or upgrading your eCommerce capabilities has never been easier or more profitable. For most, eCommerce is a simple matter of getting a domain name and choosing website hosting with e-commerce / catalogue support (such as Yahoo, iPage, or Shopify Canada). There are also shopping carts that are available with Canada Post integration, such as the popular Enterprise Ecommerce Solutions and CoreCommerce
Will you be increasing your eCommerce activities in 2014? Please share your plans in the comments below.
Source: Ipsos Reid
✔ You may also be interested in reading:
Connected Canadians: eCommerce and Internet Use Statistics
Canadian Online Retail (eCommerce) Statistics & Tips
2013 Online Shopper Statistics Reveal Issues with Canada’s E-Retailers
Help for the 54% of Canadian Small Businesses Without a Website (Statistics)
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Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business/marketing education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.
Melody has worked with many businesses in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.
so much opportunity for businesses if they’d only get online. it makes me sad when all I can find are american sites to shop from. stop pretending the net has nothing to offer because you’re afraid of it and get online.
What’s taken them so long? I’ve been shopping online for years and I love it at Christmas. I’m glad Canada is doing black friday now too because I used to spend a lot in the US on black friday.
WOOT! That’s great news and it’s about time! Every year I find more Canadian websites with shopping and our sales increase online year over year too. Welcome to this century Canada.