Why Sri Lankans Don’t Shop on Websites – They Use Facebook & WhatsApp Instead!

SHOCKING TRUTH: We asked 2000+ online sellers in Sri Lanka one simple question. The answer will surprise you!

The Big Question That Started Everything

So we asked over 2,000 online sellers across Sri Lanka:

“Where do your customers buy from you the most?”

These sellers had everything – fashion, phones, food, makeup, home stuff. All kinds of businesses.

The answer shocked us!

The Surprising Result

Most people DON’T shop on websites!

They shop on Facebook and WhatsApp instead!

Wait, what?

Yeah, you heard that right. While the rest of the world builds fancy websites, Sri Lankans are happily shopping on their favorite social media apps.

But Why? Here’s What We Found Out…

1. It Feels Real & Safe

When you shop on Facebook or WhatsApp:

• Real Person Contact: You talk to a REAL person (not a robot!)
• Social Proof: You can see their photos, reviews, and happy customers
• Word of Mouth: Your friend might say: “Aiya, I bought from them. Good quality!”

On websites? You never know who’s behind the screen.

2. Super Easy & Quick

Your daily routine:

• Wake up → Check Facebook
• Lunch break → Check WhatsApp
• Night time → Facebook again

Shopping becomes easy:

• See a nice dress on Facebook → Message instantly
• Want to buy → Just send a WhatsApp message
• Done!

No need to visit websites or download apps.

Here’s the REAL Difference

Shopping on a Website:

1. Google search: Search for shop
2. Create account: Fill personal details
3. Add payment details: Enter card information
4. Fill shipping info: Address and contact
5. Submit order: Complete purchase
6. Wait for confirmation: Check email
7. Hope everything works: Cross fingers!

Total time: 15-20 minutes

Shopping on WhatsApp/Facebook:

1. Send message: “Meka available da?”
2. Send your address: Quick location share
3. Done: Order complete!

Total time: 2 minutes

Which one would YOU choose?

The Sri Lankan Shopping Style

We Love to Chat!

Sri Lankans are social people. We like to:

• Ask questions: “Is this good quality?”
• Bargain: “Can you give a discount?”
• Get advice: “Which color looks better?”
• Voice messages: Send voice messages when typing is hard

Websites can’t do this. But WhatsApp can!

We Want Instant Answers

Customer: “Do you have this in size M?”

Seller: “Yes! I can deliver tomorrow”

Customer: “OK, I’ll take it!”

On websites? You submit a question and wait 24 hours for an email reply. Boring!

What This Means for Your Business

If You’re Selling Online

DON’T ignore Facebook and WhatsApp!

Your customers are already there, scrolling every day. Why force them to visit your website?

Start Simple

• Create a Facebook page: Set up your business profile
• Use WhatsApp Business: Professional messaging features
• Post good photos: High-quality product images
• Reply to messages quickly: Fast response times
• Be friendly and helpful: Personal customer service

The Magic Formula:

Good Photos + Quick Replies + Friendly Chat = More Sales

The Bottom Line

Sri Lankans have figured out the PERFECT way to shop online:

• Trust: Talk to real people
• Convenience: Use apps they already love
• Speed: Get answers instantly
• Fun: Chat, bargain, and get advice

Why complicate things?

Your Turn!

Question for you: Where do YOU like to shop online? Websites or social media?

Business owners: Are you getting more orders from Facebook/WhatsApp too?

Share your experience in the comments!

Found this interesting? Share it with your friends who run online businesses!