Over the last five years the growth in online retail sales has vastly outstripped that of the high street, with an increase of over 350%. It is estimated that by 2010 the average consumer will spend nearly £900 per year in online transactions (REF). Although new regulations have introduced greater consumer protection measures for the increasing number of people buying online and by mail order, the practice is still not without its problems due to the anonymity of the web and the regularity of card fraud. As a result, the OFT have launched a market study to explore consumer confidence, whether levels of protection are adequate, whether consumers know their rights, and whether UK businesses understand these rights and comply with regulations.

The study will not look at four representative areas rather than the market as a whole. These sectors have been chosen because they represent markets of significant growth, and are: domestic electrical goods, music sales (including downloads), airline ticket sales and online auctions.

The OFT expects to publish its findings in spring 2007. Until then, consumers can refer to our Guide to Buying Online for further advice.

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