Online Shoppers’ Confidence At All-Time High, Says Survey

Consumer confidence in shopping on the internet is at an all-time high, according to data published by Goldfish Guide. A survey carried out by QRS found that 77% of UK online shoppers are undeterred by dotcom risks such as crashing internet stocks and online hackers.

Those who have already purchased online are most likely to have bought a CD or video (43.3%). Books (38.9%), computer equipment (32.1%) and travel services (27%) were also popular choices.

A total 70% of consumers with internet access also said they would shop online in future, although 82% expressed some level of concern about giving personal and credit card information over the net.

The most popular reason given for shopping online was to save money. Men are twice as likely to shop online for computer equipment, and 1½ times more likely to be after music or videos. Women are 1½ times more likely to shop for clothes or household electrical goods and twice as likely to shop for groceries over the internet.

Peter Neden, director of Goldfish Guides, which is launching an online shopping guide site said, “Contrary to recent reports, we are witnessing a sea change in consumers’ attitudes towards using the internet to satisfy their purchasing needs. Consumers are readily adopting the web, but reliable guidance is the key to breaking down the confidence barriers from first time internet shoppers.”

Goldfish Guide: www.goldfishguide.com