E-commerce is a slowly expanding industry, hampered by a lack of energy infrastructure and widespread internet connection. Access Haiti, a company controlled by Americans, has had success with wireless ISPs (ISP). According to consultancy firm ProfIT, Internet usage will grow by 13% in 2020. However, issues with public perception and education, as well as those with digital security, impede the sector’s development.
Haiti’s e-commerce market is expected to expand by 19% to $800 million by 2022.
The fact that 42% of Haitians now have internet access is a critical factor in the country’s eCommerce business growth, which has led to an increase in online purchasing.
The most popular products to sell online in Haiti are personal and household care items, electronics, and clothing.
Amazon
Amazon Haiti’s “Amazon Cash” service, announced in November 2019, allows customers to complete Amazon purchases at participating shops without a debit or credit card. All online orders placed from participating retailers are subject to a surcharge of 40%, a customs fee of 30%, and a value-added tax (TCA) of 10%. The participating retailer accepts cash or credit card payments. Before it can be picked up at the participating retailer in Haiti, delivery takes 7 to 10 business days via a package forwarder in the US.
Online payment
The majority of businesses don’t have websites, although many independent companies run Facebook and Instagram pages. Some vendors use WhatsApp to advertise their businesses and solicit orders in the wake of the outbreak. The recommended modes of payment are checks, bank transfers, and cash payments. Only a small number of businesses accept payments by phone and online. Haiti does not have PayPal services.
E-commerce intellectual property rights
Electronic intellectual property rights are not currently covered by any laws. The nation is unable to stop the distribution of pirated goods. Therefore, theft and the violation of intellectual property rights are frequent. Haiti neither seizes counterfeit goods nor brings IPR breaches to justice.
Mobile e-commerce
A more safe and more dependable alternative to traditional banks, which are prone to service interruptions and street violence, mobile banking is growing in popularity. The two mobile service providers in the nation, Digicel and Natcom, make up this industry. Both service providers are using a bank-led collaboration to supply their mobile money services to their consumers following a directive from the Haitian Central Bank.
Social media
Haitians now frequently use social media, particularly WhatsApp and Twitter, to express their political opinions and follow breaking news. Social media may be used as a tool for information dissemination, and during emergencies and natural disasters, it can be very useful. Small businesses typically use social media platforms like Facebook to save on the cost of website maintenance. No less than 94 percent of smartphone users are connected to social networks, according to a Safitek Research survey released in April 2019.
E-commerce consumers in Haiti
In Haiti, women make up 50.2% of e-commerce customers while men make up 49.8%.
Top e-commerce websites in Haiti
- Facebook Marketplace
- Procure shop
- Haiti made
- Jetli Transfer
- Google Shopping
- Cassandra Online Market
E-commerce revenue statistics in Haiti
In 2023, the e-commerce industry is expected to generate US$1,074.00 million in revenue. A predicted market volume of US$1,929.00m by 2027 is the result of revenue growing at a projected annual rate of 15.77% (CAGR 2023–2027).
The largest market volume, estimated at US$1,396.00 billion in 2023, is produced in China. By 2027, there will likely be 4.7 million users in the e-commerce market. In 2023, there will be 29.7% of users, and by 2027, there should be 38.3% of users.
It is anticipated that the average revenue per user (ARPU) will be USD 306.00.
