In Germany At one point or another 54 percent of teenagers or grown ups who are under or above 14 have bought something at an auction on the Internet. The most popular group are hobby and leisure items. Men are more active in the auctions , the result of the Forsa survey commissioned by the industry association Bitkom .
- 60 percent of male Internet users have already bought something on the web.
- For women it is 49 percent. Over half (54%) of German internet users aged 14 and over,
- Place about one fifth were interested in computers and computer accessories (21 %) and consumer electronics ( 20%).
- 27 million Germans, have auctioned goods and services at least once on the internet, according to a survey by Forsa for industry group Bitkom.
- Demand were particularly Hobby and leisure (31 %),
The high rise of on line auctions and shopping is due to an incredible rise in discount formats, with varying quality.
Changes in the German market
an immense consolidation process both on the supplier and retail side (especially in the food segment)
- a higher involvement of consumer goods suppliers on the sales-side (direct customer contact, especially in the clothing segment)
- a steady and strong growth in e-commerce sales
- a re-invention of segments and categories, e.g. in consumer electronics, sports equipment, and pet supply
- an increase in look-alike shopping centres and urban retail locations
- a lively discussion whether the German consumer is more price- or quality-oriented
Another finding : In online auctions , there is a pronounced East- West divide. In the new federal 62 percent of Internet users have purchased something already in the West only 53 percent.
Although young users are much more active in the auctions , including 25 percent of the 60 -year-olds have ever bought something at an Internet auction.
The most popular group is the investigation, followed hobby and recreational items of books , clothes and jewelry as well as computers and accessories.
