The 2021 business calendar to increase cross-border sales

Do you want to know how to sell online from the UK to customers in China?

Starting to sell online to customers worldwide (what financial technology experts call cross-border sales) has been one of the main demands in recent months. Since the digitisation of companies was accelerated in 2020, many businesses want to learn how to sell online from 2021 onwards as efficiently as possible. And in the search for the tools that can give their business eCommerce the greatest reach and output, many are realising the endless opportunities that fintech offers. These, of course, include selling to new customers from all over the world. However, this brings with it the integration of new payment methods, and campaigns, and offers tailored to the peak consumption dates of this new niche market.

One of the big bets when it comes to getting new customers in eCommerce is China. Why? Mainly because China has the largest number of online shoppers, with 782 million people using the internet as a regular shopping platform in 2020. China’s online shopping culture is such that it has more shoppers than the US and Europe combined and is worth a total of $826 billion (a figure that is expected to double by 2024). That's why having a good sales strategy aimed at the Chinese online consumer is key to increasing cross-border sales. We bring you this business calendar for 2021 that will undoubtedly give you an idea of approaching your future new Chinese customers better.

Nian Huo Festival (January and February)

These are the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. Nian Huo festival is the festive period when the necessary shopping is done, mainly involving food, drink, gifts for children, and household items. The country's main eCommerce platforms, such as Alibaba and JD, launch a campaign for about two weeks, launching specialised mega deals.

Valentine's Day (February 14th)

We know it needs no introduction. It is a worldwide holiday celebrating the day of love. Although originally born in the West to celebrate the day of lovers, it has spread to other countries (including China) and single people, children, or anyone who wants to make a gift to friends or family.

Women's Day (March 7th and 8th)

The increasingly popular Women's Day is also celebrated in China. However, to better segment the target customer profile, the campaign in China is subdivided into two: "Girls' Day" on March 7th, targeting generations from the '90s onwards, and "Women's Day" on March 8th.

Suning's 418 Shopping festival (April 8th)

The leading homeware eCommerce retailer Suning.com (which has a 20% market share in this sector) chose April 8th to launch massive promotions for this product type. So much so that Chinese customers wait for this date to purchase household appliances, electronic devices, smartphones... It is a day to consider for any business in the sector that wants to attract new customers in the Asian country.

Man's Day (April 24th to 26th)

Although it is not customary in Europe, China does have commercial dates dedicated to men's products. Launched by Tmall, "Men’s Days" are the expected dates for purchasing personal care products, food supplements, electronics, clothing, and even cars. When designing and launching the campaign, remember that many of these products are purchased by women.

Mother's Day (second Sunday in May)

As you may already know, Chinese culture places great value on tradition and family. The mother figure is one of the most respected elements in their society, which is why the main eCommerce platforms have taken advantage of this custom to launch campaigns to meet this need. Some of them are Tmall's "Love your mother by giving her the best," and JD focused on "Helping you make your mother happy."

May 20th holiday, or "I love you" day.

One of the most typical holidays in China. You probably don't know that the pronunciation of "520" in Mandarin is very similar to "I love you" in English. This is how "I love you day" on May 20th, also called Chinese Valentine's Day, originated. Like the original Valentine's Day on February 14th, it was mainly focused on couples in love but gradually spread to family and friends. The country's leading eCommerce have their own campaigns for this day: Taobao (part of Alibaba Group), launched "520 Expression Day" where they run promotions for couples and families, while Xianyu launched auctions for luxury goods, art pieces and cars promoting them with the image of influencers and celebrities, making it the platform’s biggest auction of the year.

818 Fever Shopping Festival (August 18th)

A new shopping date created by giant Suning.com, this time to celebrate its anniversary (August 18th), has established itself as a shopping day joined by competitors such as Tmall and JD.com. Discounts of up to 50% on all types of items: from food, smartphones, and household goods to back-to-school campaigns with thousands of stationery items on sale.

Double 11 (November 11th) and Double 12 (December 12th)

Double 11 was created in 2009 by Taobao, but given the huge conversion rate of this date (believed to have taken place in the months before Christmas), it has become one of the main commercial dates. So much so that Alibaba has turned it into its biggest promotional day (managing to break sales records).

Double 12 (given the success of its Double 11 sibling) was created as a kind of pre-Christmas finale. Although not as successful, it has joined the shopping calendar of giants such as Taobao or Tmall.

Reach your best online sales figures

At PayXpert, we are experts in financial technology. One of our most acclaimed tools is our payment technology. As a partner of AliPay and WeChat Pay (among many other alternative payment methods), we have the technology you need to increase your cross-border sales in China. Do you want to know how far your eCommerce can go? Contact us and start working hand in hand with our team of experts. We know we can do a lot together.