Foreign e-shops are cheaper, ranging from 17% to 78%, in some product categories compared to domestic online stores. Due to price, Greeks are turning to international online stores in Russia, China, Germany and Great Britain.
According to data collected by PayPal, Greeks who buy from the US can buy electronic products up to 37% cheaper than in Greek stores, games and toys up to 52% cheaper, as well as cosmetics 30% cheaper and clothing approximately 50% cheaper.
In Germany, games and toys are 40% cheaper than in Greek stores, clothes are up to 25% cheaper, while electronic products and cosmetics are sold at prices from 17% to 31% lower than in Greece.
Great Britain offers similarly competitive prices for clothing, almost 50% lower than prices in Greek online stores and big discounts also on cosmetics (-24%), games and toys (-35%) and electronic products (-24%), while in China buyers can make the most advantageous purchases on toys (up to -78%) and clothing (44%).
According to the relevant data, payments made via PayPal by Greek users during the period 2012-2013 were directed mainly to stores in Russia, China, Germany and the UK. The largest increase was made to Russian stores, which recorded an increase of 68% compared to the previous year, with Russia developing into one of the most popular online shopping destinations for Greeks and now ranking ahead of the USA and China. Greek purchases in Chinese online stores increased by 44%. Significant growth was also recorded via PayPal by Greek users towards German stores, of the order of 18%.
LOWER PRICES ON ELECTRONICS
According to the analysis of PayPal, which provides online payment services via mobile devices and in stores, electronic products are always among the top preferences of Greeks who buy online.
Regarding new technology products, Greeks are still searching for iPad Air WiFi and can order it from the US (at no additional cost) for approximately 30% lower price than that available in Greek stores.
The company urges Greek consumers to research American, British and Asian markets for cameras, as a Sony Alpha A58, for example, costs 120 euros less, that is, approximately 370 euros instead of 495 euros.
Regarding game consoles, a search in the American online market may also be beneficial, as the Sony Playstation 4 500 GB is available for about 100 euros below the price it sells for in Greece (about 400 euros).
As for other product categories, quite attractive price differences are observed in clothes, when one decides to buy abroad. For example, a pair of Lacoste Rayfords shoes can be purchased in the UK for 85 euros compared to 125 euros in Greek online stores. Correspondingly, a classic Levis 501 costs 18 euros less in Germany and 10 euros less in China, while its price in the US is half its price in Greece.
Report: Natasha Frangouli
Online profit 7/3/2014 7:45
