Brexit and Online Shopping 2019
The Competition & Consumer Protection Commission commissioned Ipsos MRBI to conduct research on online shopping behaviours. This research was carried out on Omnipoll, Ipsos MRBI’s telephone omnibus service. The data obtained was weighted in line with the known profile of the population according to the latest CSO estimates. Fieldwork was conducted between 1st and 14th August 2019.
Summary Findings:
- 72% of respondents have shopped online from a company based in the UK in the past 2 years. Those who shopped online from the UK more than 10 times during the past 2 years, were highest amongst 15-24 year olds and ABC1 social class.
- 3 in 5 (60%) of those who shopped online from the UK, frequently purchased clothing online (60%), followed by electronics (30%) and footwear (19%).
- 2 in 5 (40%) of those who shopped online from the UK, have returned something they have purchased online. This is highest amongst females (50%) and those who live in Dublin (48%). ‘Product did not fit me/suit my needs’ was the top mention for returning (55%).
- Three fifths (60%) of respondents are aware that their rights are different when purchasing goods online depending on whether the company is based in the EU or outside the EU. This is lowest among those aged under 35.
- Almost two thirds (65%) of those who bought online from the UK in past 2 years say that their rights are different when purchasing goods online depending on whether the company is based in the EU or outside the EU. This is highest amongst those aged 55-64 (81%). Those who said their rights are the same (29%) is highest amongst 15-24 years olds (47%).
- Respondents who are aware of differences in consumer rights between companies based in the EU and companies based elsewhere were asked to identify these differences. Just under a quarter (24%) stated there are ‘More consumer rights/protection/regulations in the EU’ followed by ‘Returns policy is different in the EU’ (17%).
- As a result of Brexit, 31% of respondents who shopped online from the UK report that they will ‘Buy more from websites in other EU countries’, while a quarter stated they will make no changes (25%).
Attachments:
Online Shopping Brexit Research
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