European online consumers believe Brexit will lead to slower online delivery and less choice of UK goods, according to research by Whistl.
The delivery management company is warning e-tailers to make sure they partner with delivery companies that can ensure seamless delivery to and from post-Brexit Britain to protect their markets.
Whistl surveyed international online consumers on how they think Brexit will affect their international purchasing behaviour after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
The European respondents to the survey believed Brexit will mean slower delivery of products from the UK, particularly those in Germany (34%), France (27%) and Ireland (24%). T
The UK respondents were equally split with 22% believing there will be no impact or there will be slower delivery.
Australian and US respondents mostly had no clear view either way. However, in each of these countries more respondents thought product delivery from the UK will not be slower after Brexit versus those who think that it will.
Consumers in Europe strongly felt that Brexit will lead to less choice of UK goods to buy online, according to the research.
However, UK respondents were equally split with 23% thinking there will more choice and 23% thinking there will be less.
In each of the EU countries surveyed, significantly more thought British products will become more expensive versus those who thought they will become cheaper.
More UK online shoppers assumed products from outside the UK will be more expensive post-Brexit compared to those who thought they will become cheaper.
Australian and US respondents mostly had no clear view either way, although more Australians believed British products will become more expensive versus those who thought they will become cheaper.
Melanie Darvall, director marketing and communications at Whistl, said: “With the end of the Brexit transition period at the end of the year, international e-tailers must keep updated with the trade negotiations not only with the EU but also markets where free trade deals are being discussed, for example in the USA and Australia.
“Our research shows UK e-tailers will have to work hard to hard to convince European consumers that UK products will continue to be good value and the range of goods will continue to be available.
In the case of the USA and Australia, if free trade deals are struck, there is the opportunity to highlight the increasing choice and better value of goods purchased from UK merchants.
“It is important for e-tailers to work with delivery partners who understand international delivery and who can make the process as easy as possible. For example, at Whistl, working with UKP we can provide seamless customs clearance into the UK speeding up the time from despatch to delivery to the consumer.”
