INFOGRAPHIC: Fast facts on online shopping in PH

MANILA, Philippines – Remember Multiply?

For Filipinos, it was the website that arguably brought e-commerce into the mainstream fore. “Multiply shopping” became such a huge part of the site, with more than 90 thousand merchants in 2011, that it eventually shifted to a fully e-commerce website. At that time, the Philippines was also said to be the largest and fastest growing market for Multiply.

Fast forward to the present, where e-commerce has grown and evolved in many ways. In 2015, there were already 44.2 million active Internet users and 47 million active Facebook accounts in the Philippines.

How does this affect e-commerce as a whole? What does the online retail landscape look like right now? Check out the infographic below.

Not just for the casual seller

While there are still a lot of buy and sell merchants on social media (particularly on Instagram), e-commerce has graduated from being the casual seller’s arena and is now enlivened by a number of big guns. One example is Lazada, an online shop that offers everything from clothing, to gadgets, and appliances.

Because the Internet is able to reach all kinds of people, it’s also a great place for stores with more niche markets. There’s Zalora, Asia’s leading online fashion destination, Sephora.ph for skincare and makeup lovers, and coupon sites like Ensogo and Deal Grocer for those looking for good deals.

For every serious shopper

Online stores don’t just pose advantages for sellers. Their main feature is being able to provide shoppers with a fun but convenient way to shop. Since they are not bound by geography, they’re able to bring international brands and experiences within reach. Myshoppingbox and LBC Shipping Cart, for example, allow you to shop from online stores outside the country by providing you a US address to plug in upon check out. They’ll also be in charge of shipping the products straight to you in the Philippines. Travel lovers will surely appreciate sites like Agoda for online hotel bookings as well as Expedia and Skiddoo, which take care of travel needs from flights to accommodations.

This same convenience is also apparent in the numerous modes of transactions available. E-commerce has made it easier for people to purchase the things they want with options like cash on delivery (COD), meet-ups, mobile transfer, bank deposit, over-the-counter bank payment, and credit and debit cards. 

Special promotions that are online and exclusive to credit cardholders also make for a better experience. In Zalora, shoppers using a BDO Credit Card can get a 12% discount if they spend at least P500. Agoda and Skiddoo have credit card promos, offering discounts, booking fee waivers, and raffles for free airplane tickets. – Rappler.com

Special promotions that are online and exclusive to credit cardholders also make for a better experience. Whatever your online shopping needs, BDO Credit Card offers year-round online deals that you can take advantage of.

The Internet and mobile are no longer niche technologies. Both have become integral to modern life so it’s not surprising that consumers prefer the Internet for the convenience it offers when shopping. With BDO online promos, cardholders can enjoy bigger savings from the top online shops in town. For more details, click here.