Online shopping avoids the crowds at Christmas but buyers need to be alert.
The internet retail business continues to grow with more consumers choosing to purchase goods online.
Cyber shopping means swapping crowded shopping centres and department stores for the comfort of home. With online shopping comes risks and shoppers are warned to beware.
It's fast, it's convenient and the message is buyers beware.
John McMahon sets out some of the dangers of using the internet for shopping and urges consumers to stick to reputable brands online. According to a recent survey on internet shopping, one in ten purchases never reach their destination. At present, buyers have little comeback when shopping online.
Dermot Jewell, Chief Executive of the Consumer Association of Ireland, points out that there are no international agreements that protect consumers. Any problems that arise are at the cost of the consumer. European shoppers buying from other states within the EU have more protections than those shopping outside the EU.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 December 1999. The reporter is Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
