The transformation of purchasing habits caused by the boom in e-commerce at a regional level, forced companies to accelerate the process of implementing their plans, because now they must enhance their digital strategies and change their business culture.
In the specific case of Guatemala, the results of the "2nd National e-Commerce Study" prepared by the Chamber of Commerce, detail that currently 5 out of 10 consumers buy online at least once a month.
The data collected indicates that as of July there were 5,000 companies selling online in the Guatemalan market, and the forecast is that by the end of 2020 the number will increase to nearly 6,500 companies.
Regarding the consumer's perception regarding e-commerce, Juan José Castillo, manager of the Electronic Commerce Unit of the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce, told Prensalibre.com that "... the Guatemalan perceives the experience as a way to save time and it is simple'. The percentage of purchase intention has increased and for the first time the online purchase behavior is known geographically". It is estimated that 70% of online sales are made in the departments of Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango and Escuintla.
In Costa Rica, the beverage manufacturer Florida Ice and Farm (Fifco) had to adapt its business strategies to this change in consumption habits and transformation of the commercial reality.
Ramon Mendiola, Fifco's general manager, explained to Nacion.com that the pandemic accelerated plans to implement online sales, a process that can be divided into the customer's need to migrate to e-commerce and the business challenge of maintaining the relationship with the consumer.
Mendiola said that selling online requires "... a giant cultural change where the company puts all the technology at the service of the customer. We started this year, which we didn't have in mind, from the perspective that the consumer can get on the platform and ask the supplier for the products they want, not just ours. Then they take it home with Uber Eats or Rappi."
Of the total number of people in Guatemala who are looking to purchase products and services online, 27% are looking to buy electronic equipment, 14% are looking to hire an educational service and 13% are interested in purchasing a vehicle.
The interactive information system developed by CentralAmericaData, monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets of the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
In Central America about 2 million people are looking to buy some kind of pet supply online, and 13% of these consumers explore options for buying cat food.
The interactive information system, developed by CentralAmericaData, monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets of the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
In the new post covid-19 reality, most consumers will cut back on spending, save more and stock up on goods, and in the e-commerce field, most people who shop online will be willing to wait up to two days to receive their product.
The new commercial reality that emerged in an accelerated way due to the health crisis, forces companies to quickly understand the changes in the consumption habits of their customers and how to take advantage of the opportunities that derive from this transformation in business.
Less impulsive and more reasoned purchasing decisions and the search for product and supplier information on the Internet and social networks are some of the characteristics of consumers in the new business environment.
Given the spread of covid-19, health authorities in Central American countries have been forced to restrict the mobility of people and have chosen to close most commercial establishments.
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