Consumers turn to internet before buying

19 August 2008 15:46 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Who would have thought it? Turns out that consumers keen to bag a bargain on the highstreet turn to the Internet before they shop.

However if that sounds like old news, research out today from BT has found that rather than wait to get home to do their research on their desktop computer, consumers are using mobile broadband, internet email devices and other gadgets to search for the latest information when out and about.

The research showed that 45% of those questioned had browsed for goods or services when out and about, while one in three have price checked or searched for a review of a product/service.

"Broadband on the move is bringing about a change in consumer behaviour", said BT Futurologist Ian Neild. "The days of the internet being something for the home are over."

Worryingly, the research also found 34% says that their mobile device has improved their social life.

Full tags

Phones, Mobile phones, Surveys, BT