U.S. small businesses are shifting toward purchasing their computer equipment online as opposed to retail stores, according to a recent Access Markets International report.
The New York-based company found that although channel partners and retail stores still receive the highest share of small enterprise spending on basic computer products, direct market resellers and online sellers are gradually gaining shares of the market.
Many small companies are choosing to buy their IT products, such as computers, software and business projectors, online because they can save on unit costs and because they can order custom-made products more efficiently, AMI reports.
The new report also states that a major reason for the IT purchases shift is due to the PC and printer market being nearly "fully penetrated," which means that most small businesses that are purchasing computer equipment are buying replacements and do not need their hands held by a retailer - the small companies know their needs and can purchase products directly, saving them time and energy.
As the economy recovers and businesses gain confidence in the market, many will start to make new purchases and investments in IT, according to Gartner. The data information company said that it expects companies to spend 3.3 percent more on IT than they did in 2009.
