Suriname - eCommerce Suriname - eCommerce
Overview
Ecommerce is not yet widely used in Suriname. Local businesses do not use ecommerce as a marketing tool on a large scale due to limited bandwidth and low internet dispersion. However, several companies do provide some ecommerce services to customers. These companies may function as intermediaries offering consumers online ordering options. Cash transactions dominate trade. A small group of businesspeople and foreign visitors use credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. According to 2016 figures of Euromonitor International, 46.4 percent of the population uses the internet.
Current Market Trends
The government is working toward drafting legislation regarding electronic transactions and establishing a secured transaction network. In 2016, a modern multi-homed and multi-tenant data center became operational in Suriname.
Domestic eCommerce (B2C)
Local companies are increasingly using social media such as Facebook, Facebook messenger, and Whatsapp to approach and sell to consumers. Business oriented people also use LinkedIn to promote their services worldwide.
Cross-Border eCommerce
The United States, China, and The Netherlands are the primary countries from where Surinamers make online purchases.
B2B eCommerce
The B2B ecommerce is not widely used in the local market.
eCommerce
Customers can use Ebay to purchase products (not sell) and PayPal for personal accounts. Ecommerce is in the early stages of development in Suriname.
eCommerce Intellectual Property Rights
There is no legislation that pertains to ecommerce.
Popular eCommerce Sites
Customers predominately use eBay, Amazon, and Alibaba.
Online Payment
Customers use Paypal, Master Card, or Visa Card to make online payments.
Mobile eCommerce
Businesses in the service sector, such as telecommunication companies, use Mobile ecommerce.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is on the rise in the local market as businesses recognize the importance of this advertising technique and are focused on developing digital marketing strategies. Marketing service providers are specialized in social media services, ecommerce websites, internet campaigns, and mobile marketing.
Major Buying Holidays
In the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase of local businesses promoting the sales of goods on Black Friday.
Social Media
Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Youtube, and Instagram are commonly used social media platforms to promote, market, and provide information for goods and services.