ROYAL MAIL'S SME ONLINE RETAILERS STUDY

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One in ten (11%) UK SME online retailers do not import or export goods, according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail.

One in four (23%) don’t import any goods and 30% don’t export. But Royal Mail said that: “Despite this, there is a keen appetite for exporting with almost two thirds (64%) aiming to increase international sales revenues in 2018.”

Royal Mail added: “In December 2017 alone, the value of UK exports and imports was £29.6 billion and £39.1 billion, respectively, according to HM Revenue & Customs. Targeting overseas customers presents a huge opportunity for UK SME online retailers.

“The study also found that eight in ten (38%) UK SME online retailers have a physical store as well as a presence online. However, there are additional popular ways to sell goods including via a catalogue (14%), over the telephone (21%) and via exhibitions (12%).

“When it comes to how UK SME online retailers sell their products, eight in ten (78%) sell via their own website and over half (54%) sell on a marketplace. Looking to the year ahead, over half (52%) are planning to sell through new channels. In 2018, 15% intend to list products on a marketplace while 18% will use additional marketplace sites.”