Online pharmacy can make easier the purchase of medicine. These online platforms grow worldwide. Chinese health and medicine marketing have to deal with challenges. Indeed, because of the tremendous amount of fake pills that circulated in the country, the government tends to be more attentive and strict on the regulation. The question of security is very important but it does not represent a shackle to enter the market. A study from Sinohealth revealed that the Chinese e-pharmacy market grew significantly over the past 6 years. The sale of medication reached 28 million in 2016. Because this market knows a rapid expansion, it might become the world’s most important healthcare sector. Online pharmacies are very convenient because they allow the delivery of medication in front of the patient’s door. Many big cities in China are facing an increasing demand for products and services concerning healthcare.
Chinese digital eco system favours the online pharmacy market
The digitalization of health is actually launched. It is not just about the sale of medication but we can see that digitalization at different levels. Nowadays, you can have a diagnostic online, make an appointment, and of course, buy medication. This evolution can be justified by the fact that hospitals were too busy. So the government wants a certain fluidity. Chinese people are massive internet users. They are used to order goods and services on it. This is possible thanks to big e-commerce platforms such as T Mall and Jing Dong that keep growing. As a consequence, e-commerce development of e-pharmacy is easy not only because the demand is swelling but also because of the important place that takes e-commerce in Chinese society.
Need a cost effective TP (Tmall Partner) to sell in China?
We are an Official Tmall Partner e-commerce Agency. Our Services: E-Commerce, Search Engine Optimization, Advertising, Weibo, WeChat, WeChat Store & PR.
The increasing demand in healthcare
One could wonder why Chinese people are more demanding of medication. The reasons stem from the evolving Chinese way of life which tend to be a mix of western lives and their own cultural belief. In China, work has an important place in life because earning money is at the top of Chinese people’s concerns. Chinese people have short holidays, sometimes hard working environments, and very long days.
These elements explain why they need some medical support to follow the routine like dietary supplements. They want medicine to fulfill their needs for energy. The desire to boost their immune system, counter stress, fight delay aging, etc. Because they don’t have a lot of free time it is more convenient for them to use home delivery services provided by e-pharmacies. Chinese citizens don’t have much time to go to the hospital.
Consequently, they are always looking for self-service which means self-medication. Sometimes they can use traditional medicine with is very current in China. They are looking most of the time for rapid medicines. That is the reason why rapid deliveries are welcome. Sales on e-pharmacy showed that herbal ingredients are the most popular medicines. Chinese people don’t really purchase prescription drugs because they’re afraid of side effects and also because they have a true belief In the power of natural medicine. However, oddly we notice growing demand for products to fight allergies, colds, and dermatological products.
This trend can be explained by the fact that the air in China is extremely polluted and humid which can damage the skin. Because this product doesn’t have a direct impact on the stomach and other organs, they reckon that it is less dangerous.
Government legislation
The Chinese government is getting more involved in the regulation of this market. Sellers are in charge of the quality and the safety of the drugs they deliver to people so they must respect procedures in the transportation and storage of the drugs. Online platforms are required to confirm that sellers are legal drug producers, wholesalers, or chain retailers.
Key of online pharmacy success
The online pharmacy business is composed of big players such as Tmall Yao, Alibaba group. It is essential in this field to target effectively customers and identify what are their real needs. Even if, for medication, the brand’s image seems less meaningful, it is important to have a strong brand image and presence on social media platforms for example. It is also the opportunity to exchange with customers and collect their opinion about your brand and products. In order to perform in your sale, you may advertise your product on mobile phones throughout applications. If people write good things about you. Online pharmacy is a very flourishing market in China, however, because big players are very powerful, you need to adjust your strategy as well as possible in order to reach your target by being specific. Chinese social media have an important role in your success because people interact and spread their opinion about your brand GMA can provide you a good analysis of the market and an accurate strategy. For more information, please go to the contact section Read also: Key of e-commerce in China
