​​​​​Nearly 70% of Gen Zs in Southeast Asia choose e-commerce as the platform for discovery and research

Singapore – Around 70% of Gen Zs in the region saw e-commerce platforms as important entrance points for their purchasing experiences, and that they use these platforms extensively for researching their purchases. This is according to the latest data from Shopee and Kantar Profiles

The majority of Gen Z respondents (73%) said they conducted their product research and discovery through alternative channels, but they made their purchases on e-commerce platforms. Remarkably, 56% of people who use social commerce platforms for research at first would rather finish their transactions on e-commerce platforms.

A number of important variables contribute to consumers’ choice for e-commerce: a large product selection (79%), high product quality (77%), and easy payment options (59%).

One in three members of Gen Z said in the study that they would spend at least five days researching their purchases. This includes things like viewing product demos and reading reviews (27%), looking over price details (14%), and researching the features and specs of the product (24%). Even with their research methodology, they rank next-day delivery services and a return and refund procedure as their top priorities when making purchases.

Moreover, eight out of ten Gen Z respondents to the survey stated that they are looking for interesting and enjoyable purchasing experiences. This shows how content touchpoints like Shopee Live are to their purchasing experience. 

Ian Ho, vice president of Shopee, stated, “Gen Zs in Southeast Asia highly value using e-commerce platforms for product research and purchases, emphasising their need for a smooth, reliable, and integrated shopping experience. From enhancing service levels to providing new types of shopping entertainment content, our latest initiatives draw on shoppers’ feedback.”

He added, “As the leading e-commerce marketplace in the region, we are fully committed to continuously innovating and enhancing their experience to meet their evolving needs. We look forward to continued support from our valued customers.”