A recent poll shows that more and more Israelis are shopping on the internet as online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in many countries. According to the poll, NIS 11.8 billion was spent by Israelis on internet shopping in 2016. This represents an 18% increase in comparison to 2015. Perhaps more significant is the fact that internet shopping via one’s smartphone has increased even more, by 51% in comparison to 2015, reaching NIS 2.73 billion. In fact, 74% of Israelis shop on the internet and according to all estimates, that number will continue to grow.

The survey was conducted by PayPal, which predicts in 2018, online shopping in Israel will reach NIS 15 billion which will include a one-third of all purchases made via one’s phone rather than one’s computer. PayPal reports many are purchasing clothing and electronics via the internet despite the time lapse between ordering and receiving the goods as in many cases, the lagging Israel Postal Authority is negligent in fulfilling its mandate to delivery parcels in a timely fashion.

According to the survey, which is revealed in part in Yediot Achronot, the increase in Israelis shopping on the net is in line with the growth in Europe, adding ‘Black Friday’ has lost some of its appeal as the ultimate shopping day in the eyes of Israelis. That said, it still leads as the single busiest internet shopping day around the world.

PayPal adds the greatest sales are available during November and December and these have become the busiest months for Israelis and online shopping. The price is the biggest factor but there are other factors as well, including the type of goods available, especially those not readily available in Israeli stores. There are items that are just available abroad, including quality board games which is in its infancy stage in Israel. In Israeli toy stores one will find very old games, low level, and with such a huge selection and quality in the world, more are being bought online.

The PayPal survey was conducted by IPSOS among 28,000 internet shoppers over the age of 18 from 32 different countries. According to the poll, 71% of Israeli who shopped online bought from companies abroad while 55% bought from Israeli and foreign websites.

The biggest fear regarding purchases from abroad is the product will not be the way it appears online (says 44% of those who did not buy from websites abroad) while others fear it will not arrive (40%), others fear they will not receive assistance if there are difficulties (39%), and fear of problems if they wish to return the item (37%). One the other hand, the monetary savings and secure transactions represent significant reasons people buy online while a large selection on a website is only the sixth consideration in the minds of shoppers.

53% of Israelis have purchased from companies in China amounting to NIS 1.57 billion. Second place is the United States (30%), with sales amounting to NIS 1.64 billion. In third place are UK websites (18%) with total sales amounting to NIS 475 million.

In most cases, the items purchased by Israelis online are small, under $70, simply for the reason they wish to avoid having to pay additional taxes in Israel when the item arrives, which makes buying online an unworthwhile option.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)