Insight: three in ten UK SME online retailers do not export goods
One in ten small to medium sized online retailers in the UK do not import or export goods, according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail.
The research found that one in four do not import any goods at all while 30% do not export. Despite this, retailers were revealed as having a keen appetite for exporting with 64% saying they are aiming to increase international sales revenues in 2018.
The study also discovered that 38% of the retailers surveyed had a physical store as well as a presence online. However, there were additional popular ways to sell goods including via a catalogue (14%), over the telephone (21%) and via exhibitions (12%).
Eight in ten of the online retailers were found to sell via their own website while 54% sold on a marketplace. Looking to the year ahead, 52% said they are planning to sell through new channels. In 2018, 15% intend to list products on a marketplace while 18% will use additional marketplace sites.
A spokesperson for Royal Mail Parcels said: “The ecommerce sector is becoming increasingly globalised and SME online retailers especially should look at opportunities to expand the international side of their business.
“It is a particularly good time for UK businesses to explore exporting options, given the current state of the pound.”
