Confidence in online shopping rattled by snow: Poll

One in six Britons failed to receive at least one product ordered online in the run-up to Christmas, dampening some enthusiasm for internet shopping, according to a survey published on Wednesday.

Consumer research specialist Intersperience said a poll of 1,000 shoppers showed 17% did not receive at least one online purchase by Christmas Day as bad weather hit deliveries, while 11% got a wrong item or something they were not expecting.

Although 81% of those surveyed shopped online, around a quarter spent less than they planned as a result of problems.

"Overall, online retailing failed to live up to people's expectations and the problems they faced receiving orders put them off further internet purchases," said Intersperience chief executive Paul Hudson.