eBay census: 40 percent of all online transactions take place in smaller cities

India’s leading e-commerce marketplace, eBay today unveiled the 4th edition of the annual eBay India Census. The census studied the e-commerce patterns across the nation from the period of July 2010 – June 2011 and threw light on some interesting facts. It documented the key trends in online buying, importing, selling and exporting across Indians in the top 20 e-commerce hubs, 28 states and 7 Union Territories. It also revealed export trends to 189 countries, as well as import trends from 120 countries.

Mr. Kashyap Vadapalli, eBay India, unveiling the eBay India Cenus 2011

The census affirmed the fact that e-commerce is fast becoming a nationwide phenomenon. And, if you thought it was just the metro areas that topped in e-commerce, then you will be surprised to know that Tier 2 & 3 cities contribute about 40 percent of transactions, while the metro cities contribute to 51 percent. While rural India contributes to 9 percent of the transactions. For three years in a row Delhi maintained its position as the top e-commerce hub, while Maharashtra topped the list when it came to top ten states.

Kashyap Vadapalli, Director – Category Management, eBay India, says, “Compared to last year we have seen a rise in the transactions from the rural areas as well as the tier 2 & 3 cities. Another trend seen is the rise in the number of the women shoppers, who are lapping up handbags, cosmetics, jewellery, fashion apparels, fitness equipment online. While gadgets continue to be popular and rule the roost with 50% of all purchases, the lifestyle category contributes to over 45 percent.”

Making it to the top ten traded product category were Cell Phones, Watches, DVD’s, Pen Drives, Headphone with mic, PC video games etc. Top ten exported products included Solitaire Pendants, Wrist Watches, Indian Movies, Stamps, Natural & Homeopathic remedies etc. On the other hand cell phones topped the list of the top ten imported products, and also making it to the list were Blu Ray DVDs, Netbooks, Digital Cameras and laptop batteries. In terms of brands, Sony emerged as the top brand followed by Nokia, Samsung, Apple, Reebok, Seagate, Casio, Micromax, LG and Canon. Top products bought in rural India consisted of Dual SIM phones, Tool Kits, Calling Cards, Designer Pens and Body Soaps.

You can find detailed key findings of eBay Census 2011 on www.ebay.in/census/