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Overview of eCommerce Companies in New Zealand

The Kiwis have rather been stepping up their game in the eCommerce industry. During the month-long lockdowns in several areas in 2020, many industries were crashing rapidly. This has driven up the number of top eCommerce companies in New Zealand.

Let's take a broader view of things first. In 2019, global eCommerce made $3,354 billion in sales. 2020 skyrocketed that number upto $4,820 billion. We don't know if we have any statisticians reading this, but there's definitely something happening with those numbers.

The eCommerce industry has been expanding at a steady rate in New Zealand too. The country ranks at the 39th spot in the largest eCommerce markets race. In 2020, there was an increase of 31% in New Zealand's eCommerce market. This alone lifted the international eCommerce market rate by 29%.

Talk about making a difference! A sudden albeit steady progress is evident in the eCommerce businesses of the Kiwis. This has made competition tough to select the best eCommerce business in New Zealand. ClickPost, however, is here to save the day! For you today, we've searched and hand-picked the 10 best eCommerce companies in New Zealand!

15 Best eCommerce Companies in New Zealand

New Zealand has some of the best eCommerce companies available. With such good competition, you’ll have to be careful with what you select. Curating from all options available at hand, this article will look at the best companies in New Zealand.

We will consider the overall eCommerce business. We will also look at their unique approaches to customer service and satisfaction.

1. Trade Me eCommerce

Trade Me is New Zealand's largest eCommerce business for classified and auctioning. The company was founded in the twentieth century. It offered users various products such as cars, property, boats, collectibles, and more.

Trade Me has seen international recognition because of its dominant presence in the market. It is also due to its being ahead of rival eBay. According to Alexa, the company also ranks as the most popular eCommerce platform in New Zealand.

The site is one of the best eCommerce companies in New Zealand. The multi-category platform had about five million active users last year and more than half a million daily visitors. When it comes to payment methods, traders mainly use banking or Ping- the company's instant payment service.

2. SlyGuild In New Zealand

SlyGuild has a wide range of clothes to choose from and a classy website. This online retailer is targeted at all the men of New Zealand. Male Kiwis can buy clothes at a good rate here.

Appealing to the men of New Zealand, it also adds a first order discount if you sign up and buy. Consumers who wished to stay safe from the pandemic also bought stylish masks from this eCommerce retailer.

Overall, the platform offers a ton of different clothing options for men. It has all that you would want from a clothing eCommerce platform.

3. Countdown eCommerce In New Zealand

Countdown is a New Zealand-based online store which allows users to order mainly groceries online. Occasionally, the platform will also let out discount coupons. These can be used to avail of decent deals.

Whether it be ready-made food waiting to be cooked or simply raw veggies for salads, Countdown has it all. You can also get unlimited deliveries for 30 days if you apply for the delivery saver option on their website.

Overall, Countdown has happening discounts, good prices, and a wide range of groceries. This makes them a good competitor for any other ecommerce site in New Zealand. 

4. FishPond Ecommerce Platform

Unlike the name, Fishpond is an online store for buying books. In fact, it is one of the oldest online booksellers in New Zealand. Books at affordable rates are the main appeal here.

But you can also buy other valuable products such as electronics, household essentials, jewelry, toys for kids, etc. They have a massive range of 25 million products on the online store. This is far greater than several of its local competitors (offline and online).

There are unique deals put up daily that you can look out for to gain good discounts! Did we mention the shipping’s free too? All in all, FishPond is an excellent platform for all book enthusiasts or your everyday online customers. 

5. 1-day eCommerce In New Zealand

1-day is New Zealand's largest daily deal website. Products portfolio of 1-day consists of electronics, clothing, home improvements, stationery, toys, games, books, and so much more. As its name suggests, the products are on sale only for 24 hours and start at noon daily.

In 2020, they partnered with a subsidiary of The Warehouse -The Market, New Zealand. 1-Day stocks and sells a range of products from $500 pet crates to $2 gadgets. The idea of 1-Day is to sell thousands of a single product in a day at a discounted rate.

What accompanied the selling only 3 items a day rule was excess inventory. To solve this issue, 1-Day started the Crap Sales to clear these products. They also came up with the Bags of Crap for $11. The shopper could purchase a mystery bag, the value of the mixed contents being at least $11.

6. Mighty Ape Ecommerce

Mighty Ape found its beginnings as a video and computer game store. Today, this platform enables shoppers to purchase a variety of products, from pasta sauce to dog toys. Buyers have the liberty to filter the product's brand, type, and price range.

An intriguing aspect of this site is its filters.Researching your target audience and their interests can help you sell products quicker through descriptions and tags. This can be helpful to get businesses like yourself in the spotlight quickly.

A notable feature is the Mighty Ape Marketplace which began in 2011. Users could list items for re-sale on this platform and ship it directly to buyers. Mighty Ape handled the payment processing of this facility via pseudo escrow till the item was received. While they took a 9% commission, they offered 100% refund (subject to conditions) and Marketplace Safety Guarantee.

7. GrabOne Website

GrabOne is a New Zealand-based eCommerce marketplace. It allows users to check products, services, restaurants, travel, and much more at a reasonable rate.It provides shoppers the opportunity to opt from thousands of offers every day.

They cover everything from holidays, social activities, online shopping, and adventures across 13 regions. They have sold over 15 million products in New Zealand through partnerships with over 25,000 businesses.

The website claims to have about 2.9 million users visiting its platform every week. Altogether, GrabOne offers several insights about stores worldwide. It also helps users to compare packages and prices.  

8. Briscoes Homeware Platform In New Zealand

Briscoes Homeware is an ideal spot for homeware products. The ecommerce company has been famous largely due to its discounted price offerings. No matter the type of room, Briscoes Homeware has products for the entire home.

In fact, they even have exquisite items such as barbeque burners and sitting sets for outdoors. You can also get an e-gift card if you wish to send someone a present. A convenient feature is the provision to track your orders from their official website.

Shopping online at Briscoes comes with a range of perks such as standard shipping rates, guaranteed prices and free returns. They provide financial support to the New Zealand charity Cure Kids, which focusses on researching and finding solutions for illness that put Kiwi children at risk.

9. TheWarehouse Ecommerce Website

TheWarehouse, commonly known as TWG, is a New Zealand-based online site. It entered the eCommerce business in 2009. This group also consists of platforms such as 1-day, Torpedo7, Noel Leeming, and TheMarket. 

Today, it's the largest merchandise retail eCommerce company. They sell from various categories such as stationery, apparel, appliances, furniture, etc. This makes it a tough competitor amongst all eCommerce companies in New Zealand.

The Warehouse is also committed to providing their customers sustainable living and product choices.This includes access to affordable eco-friendly products, reducing waste through smart packaging, and protecting worker's rights and the environment.

10. PriceSpy eCommerce Company

PriceSpy is a popular site for comparing product prices to help users get the best deal. It started in 2002 and has been operational in seven countries ever since. This website checks numerous stores and their products to list them according to their cost. PriceSpy lists the packaging costs too.

Experts- written reviews and product comparisons provide useful insight. It also allows users who meet certain criteria to write reviews on products. This allows it to operate as a credible platform that educates users on products and help them make the right choice.

Moreover, this site also allows retailers to collaborate with the platform to showcase their stores on their website. This removes the need for exorbitant marketing costs. Retailers and distributors can also make use of the analytics tool. Brands can make it to the recommended or featured list at low cost.

11. Noel Leeming e-Tailer

Noel Leeming is an online electronics and appliance retailer. It sells home theatres, televisions, computers, digital imaging, phones, gaming accessories, kitchen and laundry appliances. The first store opened in Christ Church in 1973. Following a strong and steady growth, it became a part of The Warehouse group in 2012.

In 2021, Noel Leeming began a recycling programme for e-waste. They partnered with TechCollect NZ with the vision to divert e-waste from landfills. They set up 16 free drop-off points for recycling at participating Noel Leeming outlets. Key areas of focus are computers, tablets, printers, laptops, and peripheral and malfunctioning accessories.

12. Dick Smith eCommerce Company

With almost 400 stores in Australia and New Zealand, Dick Smith was a leading retailer of electronic goods, components and kits. Dick Smith and his wife owned a 100% of the business till 1980 when 60% was sold to Woolworths. The remaining 40% was sold shortly after.

Dick Smith was later acquired by Kogan and continued as an online brand. The brand gained a strong presence through wacky marketing acts and publicity stunts. Dick Smith once declared that he would bring an iceberg to Sydney from Antarctica. He said he would cut it into chunks and sell cubes for 10 cents apiece.

This turned out to be a huge April Fool's joke. What followed was a series of phone calls reporting sighting of the iceberg. The iceberg of course ended up being a barge with white sheet topped with foam.

13. Kmart eCommerce

Kmart has over 20 retail outlets in New Zealand as well as an online store with an exhaustive range of products. They design and manufacture over 80% of their inventory. The offer low pricing on everyday products. They support a 60 day return window on purchases made online through their eCommerce store.

Their core range includes tech,home, toys, health, beauty and fashion. They provide special services such as free delivery and ordering before noon for afternoon pick-ups. They also have a tracking bar on their website. They also stock seasonal and holiday products.

14. Farmers eCommerce Company

Kiwi-owned Farmers departmental store in New Zealand retails merchandise in the beauty, fashion, homewares, large appliance, and furniture category. They facilitate deliveries as well as in-store collection. When it comes to their goods, Farmers  follows an ethical sourcing policy.

15. PriceMe eCommerce in New Zealand

NZ Compare’s PriceMe is a product and price comparison website. This comparison shopping agent offers insight on games, gadgets, electronics, appliances, health, fashion, automotive and more. It allows users to make educated choices with regards to their purchase decisions.

How to Choose the Best eCommerce Companies in New Zealand?

Now you must have gotten a good idea of the potential eCommerce marketplaces where you can sell your products. Although, there are other things to consider as well when you are dealing with an online marketplace. One important step before setting up your store is to so your brand stands out and is easy for customers to remember.

Each business has its requirements. A few may wish to build their store. Others might like a platform to facilitate the trading of their products. Thus, depending upon the conditions, one can go through these points. We have listed those factors to help you navigate the most appropriate and best one. 

1. Flexible price package 

One of the first things you will have to check is the pricing packages of the platform. Businesses often miss out on scrutinizing the entire monthly costs. This includes factoring in additional ones like domain names. 

As a result, people miscalculate it and give away more than earning profits. In short, if an eCommerce website claims to provide a platform for sellers at a cheap rate, there must be some extra expenses in the future. Hence, it's wise to list all the costs before deciding.

2. Performance Analytics 

Let's take an example, say product A makes 5% more profit in a month than product B. This may seem vague, but it's crucial data for a seller. You need to be aware of how well your products are getting sold and aspects like their volume and range. Without this information, a retailer can become directionless.

Most of the listed eCommerce platforms today facilitate these analytics. However, these can come as a premium feature or you could be asked to pay a small fee. So which data is the best? 

The one containing must-have reports like a user's search history can give insights for better product optimization. Even so, be careful not to pick a website that provides too much information. Information overload will make it tough for you to understand and convert into profit. 

3. Ease of use and platform performance 

If a website is crashy, complex, or challenging to use, you can't expect it to attract an audience. This is obvious. But sometimes people assume that a popular eCommerce website will also be simple for users. This ofcourse is not a valid assumption. 

This can be a big blunder if you select a site that isn't straightforward. A site should be easy to navigate and use without many advertisements or banners that make it unlikeable. Apart from this, a website's performance and simplicity can be judged by the following:

• Quick loading 

• Fast response in mobile app

• Smooth navigation 

4. Marketing tools 

Typically, a brand has to market themselves to show the world they exist and what they offer. The same applies to an online site. This is where sellers successfully promote their store and products to reach their target audience. 

This needs lots of effort and intensive research. But there are online marketplaces that can do the job for you. Such websites help you advertise and send personalized emails with discounts or offers. SEO optimization can help users find your store online.

5. Built-in features 

Selling online has a big competition as advancements and inputs like digital marketing, SEO, content, personalized advertisements, etc. Also, these facets directly impact the results and affect the website. 

To authenticate or judge whether users should buy from a store or not. An online platform that lets customers add feedback is the one to look out for! Therefore, select an eCommerce site that integrates such essential settings.

6. Customisation settings 

One of the primary features that users first notice is the customization of the store. It can also be called the first impression of a customer when they click on your product. 

An ideal eCommerce marketplace will consist of a good range of free store templates and designs. Sellers can utilise these to make their online presence more prominent than their competitors. 

7. Integration of Google and Facebook 

In the era of social media, online selling platforms drive a majority of the traffic.Such handles send shoppers directly to either the market or listed products. This itself is an excellent reason to sync your online store with google merchant and Facebook.

To put it simply, Google Merchant allows retailers to display their product listings across channels. Whereas Facebook business account lets sellers showcase their items or catalogs. 

8. SEO

Search engine optimization is an essential requirement for online business and sites. See helps eCommerce retailers to rank better and increase brand visibility on the internet. Thus, to appear on search pages, you'll require a platform that allows you to:-

• Post blogs on your website 

• Select the domain name 

• Enables users to give feedback 

9. Scalability 

The most integral component of an eCommerce website is its scalability with your business size. Initially, your business will start slow. But as it grows, users' demand will soar too. This is an excellent opportunity for retailers. However, it can create problems if the platform cannot facilitate the same. 

Hence, choose an eCommerce website that can adapt and evolve as your business grows. Ensure it is able to provide more added features. Some platforms might give you these features only initially. Strictly avoid these sites as they will be a waste. You might not get to utilize advanced tools at the start.

10. Customer service 

When we talk about any business, customer service is a crucial aspect. It determines how well an eCommerce website helps users and solves their problems. Generally, sellers could face transaction portal crashes, bugs, or outages. 

These complications affect a business as its store is unavailable or users cannot purchase a product. Moreover, such incidents can give a wrong impression to buyers when they visit your store. Therefore, look for a platform that is there 24/7 to resolve technical and personal problems or have other communication systems to revert. 

Final Words 

Selling products online is a great way to reach a larger audience than you would if you were selling through brick-and-mortar stores. If you're thinking of starting an ecommerce company in New Zealand, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you'll need to choose the right platform on which to sell your products. There are many different options out there, so it's important to do your research and find one that suits your needs. However, there are specific criteria to be eligible as a retailer. Performing your research before selling or buying on an eCommerce marketplace is crucial.

Once you've found the perfect platform, make sure your website is optimised for search engines so potential customers can easily find you. Finally, create compelling content that will entice people to buy from you. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to setting up a successful ecommerce business in New Zealand.