International E-Commerce: The Wild, Wild East

What to Consider Before Launching an E-Commerce Site in China
China’s large population is dispersed throughout the country, with the vast majority of citizens residing in nonurban areas. Most consumers lack access to the brick-and-mortar retail outlets located in the large urban areas. Mobile and internet penetration continues to grow in China — more than 15 percent per year — presenting a rich opportunity for e-commerce in the market because it fills the gap efficiently and affordably through low-cost delivery couriers. In fact, B-to-C e-commerce sales in China are expected to rise to $223.6 billion by 2015, a growth rate of more than 3,140 percent from 2010.