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~ Boxberry International ~
GET TO KNOW
YOUR RUSSIAN
CUSTOMERS
– AND WIN
THEIR HEARTS
Text: Alex Krasnov, Boxberry International CCO // Photos: Shutterstock
The Russian market is a major growth opportunity for foreign eCommerce players. However,
to win your Russian customers’ hearts, you have to understand the way they think. In this
article, we will sum up the Russian mindset features that affect buying behaviour.
1. Dislike long waiting time and buy spontaneously citizens of Moscow and Saint Petersburg do not forgive
Russians usually have a busy schedule, especially in large mistakes – the biggest motivator to write a review is poor
cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg (where most quality.
active online buyers are located). They are used to buying
spontaneously, and so expect their orders to be delivered as Encouraging your customers to write reviews may be
fast as possible. beneficial: customers are both willing to share their opinion
and examine others’ reviews.
Delivery time from abroad is approaching a domestic
timeline. For instance, Boxberry International delivers parcels 3. Love discounts and special offers, actively use
from the USA starting at 4 days. loyalty programs
Russians are generally price-sensitive and do not take losing
2. Rely on customer reviews when making a purchase money lightly. Following this, Yandex & GfK 2019 research
decision. However, positive reviews are rare shows that 71% of customers purchased a good at a discount.
According to Data Insight, 91% of Russian customers Among all promo activities in online stores, Russians prefer
read online reviews before a purchase, and for 21%, it is free shipping and discounts on products (46%) (Yandex &
the deciding factor. Customers treat reviews from their GfK, 2019).
acquaintances, friends or professionals in the industry
the same way, as long as the review covers the reviewer’s Waiting for discounts will likely become a normal part of
experience using the product. buying behaviour.
44% of Russian customers are motivated to leave a review 4. Unforgiving when it comes to broken promises
when the product’s quality is especially good. However, When creating content for your Russian-speaking customers,
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