ETO TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO ENGAGE IN E-COMMERCE

Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce (ETO) President Metin Güler announced that the results of their e-commerce research report have been completed. Based on the findings, ETO will prioritize e-commerce projects and encourage members to adopt digital marketing strategies.

ETO has published the results of its e-commerce potential and trend research report. The study was conducted to understand the perspectives of traders in different professional groups on e-commerce, identify barriers to participation, and work to eliminate those barriers. For the research, 2,044 ETO members from sectors such as clothing, leather goods manufacturing and trade, furniture and wood products, bridal wear and furnishings, telecommunications and IT, durable consumer goods, stationery, software, printing, advertising and photography, and wooden furniture trade were surveyed regarding their views on e-commerce.

Cost and competition are the main concerns for e-commerce participants

According to the report, 74.4% of members surveyed believe e-commerce is an effective sales channel, while 25.6% have a negative view of e-commerce. Of the respondents, 65% are actively engaged in e-commerce, while 35% are not. The most common complaint from members participating in e-commerce was the high cost, followed by challenges in competition and marketing. Other concerns raised by ETO members involved in e-commerce included difficulties in photography and catalog creation, as well as a lack of digital security.

Members need technical support for e-commerce

The research also revealed the areas in which ETO members need support when engaging in e-commerce. Among the respondents, 24.4% stated that they require technical infrastructure support, 22% indicated a need for digital advertising assistance, 19.5% for marketing, 12.2% for export and customs processes, and 9.8% for financial management. Additionally, while 24.4% of members reported no shortage of qualified personnel, 75.6% indicated a lack of skilled staff.

E-commerce will be a priority for ETO

Speaking about the research findings, ETO President Metin Güler noted that the study helped them understand their members' perspectives on e-commerce and identify their needs and priorities. Güler emphasized that ETO will focus on projects aimed at encouraging members to engage in e-commerce and will provide training and support for adopting digital marketing strategies. He also highlighted that e-commerce is currently experiencing a golden age, not only globally but also in Turkey, and ETO aims to help its members keep pace with this change.