New Study Says Online Retail Sales Being Slowed by Privacy and Security Fears

[mandy]

Interesting new report from eMarketer-I only read the free first page because the subject isn't interesting enough for me to spend $695 for the full report.    According to the report, 60% of the US population age 14 and up (and 36% of Internet users) do not shop online.  Many of those who shun online shopping cite privacyand security fears as the primary reason.

The Online Privacy and Security report examines the proliferation of threats to Internet consumer privacy and security and their adverse impact on online business and e-retail.

Some of the threats are real, others are fears based on misconceptions. But the distinction hardly matters.

eMarketer estimates that more than a third of US Internet users, ages 14 and up, do not buy online. Concerns over the security and privacy of personal information keep many of them from becoming online consumers and, whether the danger is real or imagined, it's a huge concern for online retailers.

the report description (the actual report costs $$): http://www.emarketer.com/Report.aspx?pri...tail_apr06

A further comment on the report from Marketing Vox:

For example, to avoid online threats, consumers rely on large, recognized retailers - and small e-tailers suffer as a result.

full article: http://www.marketingvox.com/archives/200..._etailing/

[valleygirl]

For example, to avoid online threats, consumers rely on large, recognized retailers - and small e-tailers suffer as a result.

Listing your store on shopping comparison sites with ratings and reviews can eliminate part of that fear.