| Series Title | European Voice |
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| Series Details | Vol.10, No.10, 18.3.04 |
| Publication Date | 18/03/2004 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 18/03/04 EU CONSUMERS are reluctant to shop online despite the massive growth in internet access in the Union, according to a new Eurobarometer poll. Unveiled to coincide with Monday's (15 March) European Consumer Day, the poll showed that just 16% of EU citizens make use of the opportunities e-commerce offers; while one-in-four consumers who do not use e-commerce do not trust the medium itself. David Byrne, the European commissioner for health and consumer protection, said: "Developing a thriving e-commerce sector is vital for the competitiveness of Europe's economy. We cannot do this unless European consumers are prepared to shop on-line. "This poll shows that 'trustmarks', or independent verification of a site as trustworthy, may have an important role to play in supporting consumer protection legislation and increasing confidence in online shopping." However, the Eurobarometer poll found that trust is not the only factor deterring EU consumers. A majority (57%) do not buy on the internet simply because they have no access to it. Many people prefer to go to shops and select the goods they want - 55% of those not interested in e-commerce gave this as their main reason. Consumers were also sceptical of the accuracy of information given to them on-line - with 44% of non e-commerce users citing this concern. The poll supports the findings of a focus group study published by the Commission in January, in which consumers indicated that codes of conduct together with trustmarks may be an effective way of increasing their confidence in e-commerce. Special Eurobarometer No.201, released in March 2004, reveals that e-commerce is still not widely used in the European Union, with a meagre 16% of EU citizens making use of the opportunities it offers. At the same time, consumers continue to be apprehensive about using the electronic marketplace. One in four consumers (25%) who do not use e-commerce do not trust the medium itself. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://www.european-voice.com/ |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry |
