False Statistics can be damaging

June 21, 2006 · Posted in Uncategorized 

A recent press release published from the European Consumer Centre claims that 1/3 of all products bought online are not actually delivered to consumers.

The IIA reviewed the research and it was distinctly spurious. It turns out that the headline finding relates to a sample of 222 complaints that the ECC in Dublin received relating to online commerce, and that of those complaints, 1/3 of complaints related to non-delivery of products.

The research was wildly misleading, and potentially damaging for us as an association. We were contacted by RTE to comment on the findings and after we discussed it RTE agreed that there was no stroy in it. Which is a pity as we would liked to have clarified our position.

For the record, the research was misleading (because of sample size and methodology used) for the following reasons; 

  • it bore no relation to the reality experienced by most online shoppers
  • it did not include purchasing of online services (flights, accommodation etc.)

All comments welcome.

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Comments

One Response to “False Statistics can be damaging”

  1. Michele on August 3rd, 2006 7:00 pm

    It was a typical media “spin” story. I buy a large amount of goods and services both for myself and the business online. I wouldn’t keep doing it if there was any truth in their allegations

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