Convenience makes comparison sites popular

16:18 15th December 2008

The convenience of shopping online has increased the popularity of price comparison websites, one expert has said.

Shopping for financial products, as well as other goods and services has been made easier thanks to the dominance of comparison sites, explained Toby Clark from Mintel.

The head of finance intelligence suggested that consumers appreciate the benefits of ecommerce.

Despite being "relatively new", comparison sites have "grown fairly quickly in recent years because it started from a small base".

"Although internet usage is staying relatively stable, broadband access is increasing really quickly, which makes doing any sort of transaction on the internet that much easier," he explained.

Online shopping comparison portals are also experiencing a surge in traffic as consumers research prices over the internet before making a final purchase.

Mr Clark added: "Online retailing is continuing to grow and the more people shift their Christmas present shopping online, the more likely they are to use price comparison sites before they make a purchase to know they're getting a good deal."

Figures from PayPal predict that online spending will reach £13.16 billion in the UK this Christmas.

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