It might seem temptingly easy to shop online. But a UK-wide survey of 102 companies shows the service might not be as good as in the high street. Officers say some of the biggest names in retailing are not getting their customer service right. It was because systems crashed, companies vanished, items were out of stock or orders simply forgotten.
Examples highlighted include a company which took credit card details and then disappeared.
A national flower delivery firm that failed to deliver but took the money from the credit card anyway. And a confectionery company whose chocolates arrived crushed. Noel Hunter, the director of Warwickshire Trading Standards, said shoppers would have had their products quicker, cheaper and with less hassle had they visited their local high street. Phil Dart experienced first hand how shopping online can go wrong when he booked a dream family holiday. The internet site featured an idyllic beach.