Many online retailers: Inside, with growing concern, at least the current annual study of the 2024 of the dealer association, which now raises the mood in e-commerce for the eleventh time. In particular, the persistent inflation and a noticeable purchase supply strain the industry heavily – for 64 percent of the 164 respondents, they are among the greatest challenges of the year.
The general satisfaction of the dealers: inside has deteriorated compared to the previous year. This is particularly evident in the extreme values. While the proportion of very dissatisfied has increased from 15 to 21 percent, the number of very satisfied from 11 to only 6 percent dropped. Although there is also a slight increase in the satisfied overall (42 percent compared to 36 percent in the previous year), but the general trend clearly shows down. The majority of the dealers: on the inside rates their situation more critically than in 2023.
One reason for this is the continued tense sales situation. Only 31 percent of companies were able to achieve growth last year. Almost every fifth (19 percent) stagnated sales. More than every second online retailer also had to accept declining numbers.
Christmas business disappointed – returns rise slightly
Even the traditionally strong Christmas business could not brighten the mood in 2024. Only twelve percent of the dealers were very satisfied with it. A decline compared to 18 percent in the previous year. Overall, 59 percent expressed dissatisfied or even very dissatisfied about the most important quarter of the year.
The returns show that there is a slightly negative development: the proportion of dealers: inside, which “very many” records recorded, rose from four to six percent. At the same time, the proportion of those who reported “few” returns fell slightly from 36 to 33 percent.
In addition to known challenges such as inflation and retention of buying, new legal requirements are also preparing the dealer: inside. The new product security regulation (GPSR), which came into force at the end of 2024, caused uncertainty. 43 percent of those surveyed report that the implementation of the regulations gives them considerable difficulties. The increasing bureaucracy is also perceived as a burden across the sector. Many dealers: Inside, in their individual comments, they were frustrated about the growing administrative effort.
In addition, 54 percent of those surveyed are faced with increasing competitive pressure. Topics such as legal certainty (40 percent) and online marketing (33 percent) are also worried. The proportion of those who find classic challenges such as delivery bottlenecks (17 percent) or payment problems are comparatively low.
Despite the many stumbling blocks, there are also cautious glimmer of hope: at least 13 percent of the dealers: inside look very optimistic about the new year, a slight increase compared to eleven percent in the previous year.