Since the onset of the pandemic, the world has massively embarked on online shopping, which trend has continued even today. Furthermore, the number of internet buyers continues to be growing day on day. This was corroborated through the National Bank of Serbia in the e-commerce in Serbia report.
The traditional method of shopping where a shopper physically goes to the shop, tries out what they are thinking about buying and drives there and back home is increasingly being replaced by shopping at home, or so-called online shopping. Due to greater opportunities provided by online shopping which did not exist before and to this kind of extent, individuals are now buying the desired products in droves by few clicks of a mouse button or using their smartphones. Data reveal that within the last two years (2023/21), a lot more than $ 30 million online transactions, paid by cards, took place. After a huge increase, recorded by the NBS, time continues to grow. Also, an increasing number of vendors are choosing selling many online.
The value of shopping online is astonishing. In 2023, it amounted to over 450 million euros, while in 2023, it recorded a huge growth and stood at 797 million euros.
The average value of one purchase this past year was 48.22 euros, even though the number of orders paid in dinars was higher than in other currencies.
The pandemic is different a lot, including people's habits, in addition to boosted rely upon shopping online, i.e. in safe transactions. In Serbia, shoppers usually buy online at domestic stores.
According to MasterIndex's data, the highest quantity of online transactions is related to paying the bills online. Buying items come in second place, followed by sports, household items, electronic devices and books. Groceries occupy the 7th place. It's interesting to note that the latter places are infamously occupied by subscriptions and training courses& education.
Even with regards to smaller businesses, a lot of them are moving their business online, because of digitalization, but the needs of the customers. By switching to the digital option, they are boosting your competition in internet business as well.
Consumer protection is among the increasingly important segments of e-commerce, as are system solutions that will include the civil sector, consumer protection associations and companies and local governments. The Serbian Secretary of state for Trade is involved with this method, so last year, the Law on Consumer Protection was passed, which come up with basis for further improvements in the functioning from the online business in Serbia.
E-commerce in Serbia is growing certainly which is likely to become even better and safer.
Shopping online results in a brand-new experience for consumers and provides a chance to quickly and easily have access to products and services, make a price comparison from various vendors, find discounts and cut costs and time. When internet buyers purchase from legal online vendors registered in Serbia, they enjoy all the rights stemming in the laws from the Republic of Serbia.
People who use shopping online state that not waste time may be the main benefit of such a kind of shopping. They also mention a time-saving price comparison as the second advantage, as well as home delivery and a wider selection of products and services.
