Shipping costs are preventing many consumers across the world from shopping online, according to a new survey by mailing services company Pitney Bowes Inc.
Sixty-four percent said they don’t shop online because shipping costs are too high. Forty-eight percent of respondents also cited additional shipping fees, while 39 percent said product deliveries take too long.
Among U.S. consumers, 30 percent described online return policies as a deterrent.
However, the research also found U.S. consumers are some of the most likely to shop online and use mobile devices for purchases.
Despite the challenges, shopping continues to drive growth in the shipping sector. The Postal Service’s package volumes alone have grown about 30 percent during the past five years.