opinion

E-Commerce: Western Europe Takes Lead

North America used to lead the way in e-commerce sales, but today Western Europe is the leader. According to a recent study conducted by Collins Stewart, the UK is leading the way and is currently the “most mature” market in all of Western Europe; however other countries are increasing their contribution to the overall market within the region. The study also showed that Europe will continue its dominance in the market at least through 2012, reaching a threshold of $200 billion. Attaining your share of this revenue is really as simple as fine tuning your payment options and speaking with experts on how you should succeed in this undertaking.

An analyst at eMarketer.com also stated that the population of shoppers that make purchases online in the Western Europe has risen steadily in the last few years. However, she noted, there are definite key differences in the various markets throughout the region.

These differences are marked by generations of differences between the behaviors and infrastructures between Northern and Southern Europe. For example, consumers in Germany and France have a much higher online sales and overall e-commerce activity than users in Spain and Italy, where e-commerce is still just a mere fraction of overall sales. In Germany, online purchases comprised 6.9% of the total retail sales volume in 2009, yet Italy had less than one percent, in at 0.8% of their total sales volume.

Unfortunately, the global economic downturn has made differences between countries in Western Europe even more diverse. For example, in the UK, France and Germany, e-commerce sales were already an established part of the economy well before the recession became a factor. This helped to encourage shoppers that were looking for discounts or deals to turn to the Internet for budget pricing. However, because e-commerce didn’t have a chance to really penetrate the retail markets in other countries such as Italy and Spain; consumers still don’t have a lot of confidence in e-commerce shopping. Did you know that you can bill non-card holding online customers in UK, France and Germany with Webbilling.com direct debit?

The data suggests that online retailers trying to tap into smaller European markets might want to focus on encouraging sales and increasing consumer confidence in smaller countries. Spain is a good choice, as the overall e-commerce sales figures are low, but over two-thirds of the country did purchase something online between July 2008 and July 2009. Webbilling.com also bills Spain through direct debit, so add the capability to your credit card options and capture more joins from the same traffic.

Please contact me for information on billing Europe – tap my network and let’s generate more revenue for you. Contact JoeD at: traffic at giant sense dot com .

Related Posts

Webbilling.com in NATS

Do You Really Bill the United Kingdom?

Maintain that Growth Curve[!]

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Kraig McGee Blends Family Biz Experience, Creative Background at TAF Distributing

Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.

Colleen Godwin ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Ethically Market to LGBTQ+ Communities

Every June, the rainbow floodgates open. Suddenly, pleasure products are “Pride-themed,” companies change their logos and brands rush to show just how inclusive they are — at least for 30 days. But as a queer, nonbinary marketing strategist who works with adult brands year-round, I’m here to say: Rainbow dildos alone are not progress. They’re often just noise.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Retailer's Road Map for First-Timers' Anal August

Anal August offers a prime opportunity for brands and stores to capture new customers and drive growth in a category that’s gaining mainstream momentum. As consumer interest in anal play continues to rise, now is the time to meet first-time buyers where they are, with approachable products, trusted education and a clear path to pleasure.

Matthew Spindler ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Optimizing Your Leadership Through Wellness Practices

For many of us, 2025 has proved intensely stressful — and we’re still only halfway through the year. In times like these, it may seem counterintuitive or even irresponsible to talk about seeking pleasure. Yet pleasure, presence, joy and connection can help you return to a mental and physical state that allows you to face and handle stressors.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Falcon/NakedSword Suit Up for Sin in 'To the Nines'

Collabs aren’t just for content creators. Established studios are joining forces and blending brands for large-scale, expectation-defying productions aiming to take porn to the next level. The latest such project is “To the Nines,” the first-ever collaboration between Falcon Studios and MenAtPlay.

Christian Cintron ·
opinion

Chastity Play Is Trending: Why It Should Be in Your Marketing Strategy

From chastity fetishes to power play, erotic control — once considered an esoteric niche within the world of BDSM — is now entering the mainstream. Google searches for “chastity cages,” “chastity fetish” and “orgasm denial” have exploded over the past year, with interest especially high for beginner-friendly models.

Naima Karp ·
Show More