Geopost report: Usage of C2C platforms and e-shopping through social media is evolving in Romania

6 out of 10 Romanian regular e-shoppers are using C2C platforms. Although the lower usage level than their European peers, they use C2C platforms more frequently. Most of them are buyers, while only a third of Romanian regulars are using those platforms to sell products. In parallel, almost 7 in 10 of Romanian regulars shop directly from social media, which is above the European average.

The usage of C2C platforms is a less developed habit for Romanian regulars than European average, but the trend shows a promising sign: 6 out of 10 regular e-shoppers are buying and/or selling on C2C platforms, most of them buying and only a third are selling products, according to to E-SHOPPER BAROMETER 2023 report released by Geopost.

The frequency of purchase from C2C buyers has increased this year. Economic reason remains one of the first driver of using these platforms. For buyers: to save money. For sellers: to give-up the unused items, free up space, and earn extra money.

Question: Do you buy and/or sell on second-hand platforms (online platforms where individuals, mostly private but sometimes running small businesses, can buy and sell their own goods, often second-hand; e.g. Depop, Ebay etc.)?

Question: How often do you buy on second-hand platforms?

Questions: Why do you buy on second-hand platforms? And how do you usually choose to be delivered?

Question: Why do you sell on second-hand platforms (e.g. Depop, Ebay etc.)?

Social media are widely used for shopping purposes, by 9 out of 10 regular e-shoppers: First to find inspiration, and to buy directly, mainly from their acquaintances’ recommendations. Almost 7 in 10 shop directly from these platforms.

E-Shopper Barometer 2023 – Methodology
Sample
18+ y.o. European e-shoppers who have ordered physical goods online since January and then, received at least one parcel, identified within a sample representative of the national population in age, gender, and SEC. For the consolidated results at European level, a weight was applied to each country in order to reflect the right proportion of e-shoppers between the European countries.

Key targets

Regular e-shoppers: E-shoppers aged 18 to 70 years old, who buy at least one product category every month online.

Aficionados: 15% of the total e-shoppers with the highest number of annual online purchases.