Key Factors Influencing Online Shopping Decisions: Insights from VML’s Future Shopper Report 2025

Web Editor

November 13, 2025

Introduction

The “Future Shopper Report 2025” by VML, based on a survey of over 25,000 online shoppers across 16 countries including Mexico, sheds light on the crucial factors shaping consumer decisions in the digital marketplace.

Price: The Dominant Influencer

Price remains the most influential factor in online shopping decisions, according to 92% of respondents. This underscores the importance of competitive pricing strategies for e-commerce businesses to attract and retain customers.

Contextualizing Price’s Importance

In the post-pandemic era, e-commerce growth has slowed down from its exponential pace. Despite this, price continues to be a paramount concern for online shoppers worldwide. This highlights the need for businesses to maintain cost-effective operations and offer competitive pricing.

Family Influence: A Growing Trend

The report reveals that 22% of online shoppers are influenced by their families when making purchasing decisions, making it the leading source of influence. This statistic suggests that e-commerce platforms should consider family-oriented marketing strategies to tap into this significant consumer segment.

Understanding Family Influence

As more consumers seek advice and opinions from their loved ones before making online purchases, businesses can leverage this trend by creating content that emphasizes product benefits and value propositions. Additionally, offering family-friendly promotions or bundles can further encourage families to shop together online.

The Rise of Condensed Shopping

Fifty-eight percent of global consumers aim to transition swiftly from inspiration to purchase, a phenomenon known as “compressed shopping.” This shift indicates that online retailers must streamline the purchasing process to accommodate consumers’ growing desire for speed and efficiency.

Adapting to Condensed Shopping

To cater to this trend, e-commerce businesses should prioritize user experience and website optimization. Implementing features such as one-click purchasing, saved payment methods, and personalized product recommendations can significantly enhance the shopping experience and encourage quicker conversions.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: What is the most important factor influencing online shopping decisions? A: Price remains the dominant factor, with 92% of respondents agreeing that it significantly impacts their final decision.
  • Q: How does family influence online shopping behavior? A: Twenty-two percent of online shoppers are influenced by their families, making it the primary source of influence.
  • Q: What is “condensed shopping,” and why is it relevant? A: Condensed shopping refers to the growing trend of consumers swiftly transitioning from inspiration to purchase. E-commerce businesses must adapt by streamlining their purchasing processes and prioritizing user experience.