In Russia, like in most countries around the world, online commerce sales are growing much faster than expected due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since March 2020, many industries offering online offers have experienced rapid growth, with major supermarkets offering delivery also benefiting from people's self-isolation. Other industries, such as online fashion, furniture and cosmetics stores, as well as e-learning and telemedicine services, are also reporting steady sales growth.
In global comparison, Russia's e-commerce share is 10%, well behind the US's 14%, but compared to China's 30%, the Russian online market has significant growth potential. The country has seen an increase in the proportion of internet users over the age of 16 in recent years, reaching 70% (2016), 75% (2018), and a staggering 81% in 2020. More than 69% of users surf the web as well. , you can also shop online. Internet affinity among the Russian population is mainly developed in the mobile field. This is because domestic mobile traffic is much higher than desktop access to websites. Shopping apps are becoming increasingly popular as they can shorten and simplify shopping in the long run with a single registration, ensuring a convenient shopping experience.
Access to online trading in Russia
The Internet has made it much easier for all market participants to develop new markets for their products and services. However, depending on your destination country, there are different rules and options that you should weigh carefully. It's a very favorable time to enter Russian online trading, and you can choose between two very different approaches.
Direct market entry into Russia:
Major online retailers such as wildberries.ru, Russian Amazon and other seller platforms have already established themselves in Russia. Commercial offers of clothing, technology, electronics, shoes and other general goods on these platforms can only be carried out through separate legal entities in Russia. This means that you will have to extensively adapt your online store to Russian law.
Shipping from overseas:
Another option to enter Russian online trading is based on shipping from abroad. Cross-border online shopping is carried out by sending goods to customers in Russia by post or courier. The advantage of this method is that it simplifies logistics, as there is no need to import products, operate a separate warehouse, or set up a local corporation. Additionally, there is no warranty if the product is intended for the customer's own use. This variant of market entry into Russia is more cost-effective and can be realized faster. However, buyers also tend to avoid shipping from overseas due to the time it takes.
Easier access to Russian content
In theory, some English vocabulary is enough to buy certain products online. However, potential customers feel better served if your store is available in their native language. Generally, when all the information is easy to understand, the purchase intent is significantly increased, and the service is more likely to generate long-term customer loyalty. Russian translations and other language services are performed by carefully selected experienced native experts, selected individually for each project. We work with experts from various industries and are happy to provide you with the best translators to help you successfully start your online shopping journey in Russia.
