(1) Consumption characteristics
The consumption habits of American consumers are fundamentally different from those of Chinese consumers. The following are some typical shopping habits of American consumers.
① Overdraft consumption. Americans basically do not save money. They spend whatever they have. They even like to overdraft consumption in advance. The main reason why Americans do this is that they want to maintain their current quality of life and do not want to reduce their quality of life due to low income. Therefore, American banks encourage American consumers to pay in installments, and some banks provide a 45-day interest-free overdraft period. Americans live in the present and enjoy life.
② Focus on spiritual consumption. American consumers will invest a lot of money in exercise, fitness, health care, travel, and nutritional supplements. They pay more attention to spiritual investment. They believe that only health and enjoyment of life are the true meaning of life. Therefore, American gyms are always full, the outdoor products market is booming, and health products are hot.
③ Focus on quality and quality. Americans attach great importance to brands. Their favorite stores are brand discount stores. Americans believe that brands are a guarantee of quality. They would rather choose high-priced brands than choose cheap goods without brands. The tip for sellers is that if conditions permit, they should try to register their own brands and promote them appropriately. It will be relatively easier to target the North American market if they have a certain level of brand recognition.
④ Treat packaging as an important reflection of quality. When it comes to product quality, packaging comes second, and finally price. Packaging plays a big role in the minds of Americans. In their eyes, packaging and product quality are equal. Good products must have good packaging, otherwise the shopping experience will be disappointing. Sellers should work harder on their product quality and packaging for the US market.
(2) Payment methods
North America is the world’s most developed online shopping market, and consumers in North America are accustomed to using various advanced electronic payment methods. Online payment, telephone payment, electronic payment, mobile payment and other payment methods are not unfamiliar to American consumers. In the United States, credit cards are the most common payment method used online. Generally, American third-party payment service companies can process VISA and MasterCard credit cards in 158 currencies, American Express cards in 79 currencies, and Diners cards in 16 currencies. At the same time, third-party payment is also an electronic payment method that Americans are very familiar with. Chinese merchants must be familiar with these electronic payment methods and must be accustomed to using a variety of electronic payment tools.