Public Servant Lifestyle

A major survey into consumer attitudes to e-commerce - conducted for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - shows that 12 million people in the UK say they have bought online during the last year - some 26% of the population.

"Many Internet users prefer online shopping, because it is quick and convenient," says consumer minister Melanie Johnson. "It's ideal for hard-to-find items, and a great place to find bargains.

"Shopping online can save time and money," adds e-commerce minister Douglas Alexander. "More people shop online, here in the UK, than in any other country in Europe."

However, the survey shows that despite its popularity, the Internet is still regarded with suspicion by many shoppers, even among Internet users. 47% said they were concerned about credit card fraud, and 32% were concerned about giving out personal information.

Security Risks

But, the survey demonstrates, perceptions of security risks on the Internet turned out to be far worse than actual experience. 44% of Internet users said they had heard rumours or press reports about credit card fraud on the Internet, but among Internet users, only 3% say they have ever had personal experience of card fraud on the net, compared to 5% of them who say they have experienced credit card fraud elsewhere.

In response, the government has issued new Internet Shopping guidance, to help us buy online with confidence.

The guidance, issued by the DTI, includes a simple-to- remember checklist, reminding us to:

1. Use sites we know, or are recommended.

2. Get the phone number/postal address of suppliers.

3. Keep copies of e-mails, and order forms.

4. Check our cooling-off rights.

5. Understand that the law protects us against card fraud.

Survey Findings

The accompanying survey unearthed a series of fascinating facts about our Internet likes, and dislikes, in different regions.

These show that (in Scotland):

22% of people shop online
21% of Scottish consumers use the Internet for searching for information
11% use it to buy CDs/music, or listen to music
Scottish consumers were most concerned by Internet credit card fraud (34%) and having to give out personal information (23%).

In Wales:

14% of people in Wales shop online
11% of Welsh consumers use the Internet to search for information
5% use it to bank, or buy clothes
31% of consumers in Wales are concerned about credit card fraud, followed by 18%, who are concerned by the fact that they cannot see what they are buying.

In North East England:

27% shop online

21% use the Internet primarily for searching for information

12% buy CDs/music

46% of consumers were concerned about credit card fraud

26% were concerned about not being able to touch/feel what they are buying

In North West England:

23% shop online

18% of consumers use the Internet to search for information

11% use it for banking

9% buy books, or flights

Consumers most concerned by credit card fraud (34%) followed by the fact that you cannot see what you are buying (23%).

In Yorkshire & Humberside:

32% of consumers use the Internet to shop online

27% of people use the Internet to search for information

12% buy CDs/music

40% of consumers are concerned about credit card fraud, as well as 28% who are concerned about giving out personal information, or not being able to see what they are buying

Shop Online

In the English East Midlands:

29% shop online

28% of consumers use the Internet to search for information

12% use it to bank, and 11% listen to music, or buy computer components

41% of consumers are concerned about credit card fraud, while 30% worry about giving out personal information

29% are concerned they cannot see what they are buying

In the English West Midlands:

26% shop online

The most popular use of the Internet is to search for information (28%) followed by banking, buying books or listening to music (12%)

Consumers are concerned about credit card fraud (34%) but they are more concerned about giving out personal information (40%)

In South West England:

17% shop online

25% use the Internet to search for information, and 7% use it to buy books, and go to chat rooms/discussion groups

37% of consumers are concerned about credit card fraud, and 31% are concerned they cannot see what they are buying

In Eastern England:

30% of people use the Internet to shop

34% of consumers use the Internet to search for information

13% bank online

12% buy air flights

People most concerned by credit card fraud (51%) and 30% are concerned about giving out personal information

Air Flights

In London:

35% of Londoners shop online

27% of people use the Internet to shop online

16% use it to bank

14% use it to buy books or air flights

28% of consumers are concerned about credit card fraud

24% are concerned about giving out personal information

In South East England:

27% of people shop online

21% use the Internet to search for information

12% use it to buy books

35% of consumers are concerned about online credit card fraud followed by 22% who are concerned about giving out personal information

More information available in Careers, DVD / Home Video, Music, Home Computing, Home Electric, To Your Door