Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 30 October 1997

Launch of website to advise consumers about shopping on Internet

Electronic shopping is the focus of National Consumer Day which is being celebrated today.

Fair Trading Minister Doug Shave marked the day by launching a website which provides consumers with information on how to overcome pitfalls when shopping on the Internet.

"Developed jointly by fair trading agencies throughout Australasia, the website also looks at electronic banking, buying via direct-marketing and using smartcards," Mr Shave said.

In July this year there were 1.21 million Internet users, but by the year 2001 this figure is expected to increase to 4.67 million, according to a report by the International Data Corporation.

The report also predicts that by 2001 each user will spend approximately $6,250 on Internet shopping. In 1996, transactions performed over the Internet equalled about $702 per user.

"Once you had to go into a shop to buy goods and you usually paid cash," the Minister said.

"Apart from doing your banking and paying bills over the phone or computer, now you can also buy products from anywhere in the world and carry out all sorts of electronic transactions.

"This has really changed the marketplace and consumers need to inform themselves of the do's and don'ts of shopping in the electronic age.

"The theme for the day is 'You are not the consumer you were yesterday' and I believe people need sound, reliable information to help them adapt to technological changes.

"The National Consumer Day website does just this, giving tips on how to avoid common problems and informing people of their rights.

"Problem areas may include not receiving a warranty with goods, no refunds, buying products which could be illegal to import and freight costs that can cause costs to escalate."

Mr Shave said a new brochure explaining what precautions consumers needed to take when making purchases using new technology, had also been produced by the State Government.

The 'Shopping in the Electronic Age' brochure can be obtained from the Ministry of Fair Trading's Perth and regional offices, as well as from community libraries throughout the State. The Perth office number is 1300 13 40 54.

The National Consumer Day website can be found at http://www.consumer.gov.au.

Media contact:
Anabel Gomez
Tel: (08) 9366 0300 or (08) 9222 9595