Delivery issues in E-commerce: The case of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of internet has turned the growth of E-commerce into a global phenomenon including both, in the developed and developing countries. Several studies have been conducted in the perspective of consumer level Ecommerce adoption for different developed countries. There felt a need to look into the adoption of E-commerce on other countries, especially the developing countries. This study aims at investigate the delivery issues on E-commerce, and how does it concerns consumers. The delivery factors (cost of delivery, duration of delivery, and the ability to deliver products to any destinations) are involved in the study in order to find their importance in consumers’ decisions in online shopping. Saudi Arabia, like many other developing countries, has – to a certain extent – acceptable delivery systems. However, the delivery situation is not as strong as it is in the developed world, thus, examining the delivery systems in developing countries could provide different results. This Study verified the importance of the delivery factors in consumers’ decisions with regard the preference and willingness of purchasing from online stores. Additionally, the study identified the importance of the delivery factors in purchasing different types of products. In general, delivery factors are highly important in purchasing expensive and sensitive products. These results assist all players in E-commerce (governments, business, and individuals). Further, the study provides extensive details about online shoppers in Saudi Arabia which would help in improving E-commerce in Saudi Arabia. Generally, the situation of the delivery system in E-commerce in Saudi Arabia is not as bad as it is in other developing countries.