Millions of people use online appliance comparison sites. Why do they use them, when in most cases they will probably still make their final purchase at an appliance store? Is it just idle curiosity or do they find value in looking for appliances online? Do they actually make their purchases online or are they still wary about online shopping, as they have been in the past?

Comparison dot com, Australia\’s largest online appliances and other home products site, had those very questions and recently conducted a survey, asking their site visitors why they used their site. The large response rate itself was encouraging, because people only bother to fill out surveys if they feel at home at a website. The results were even more interesting.

The survey asked the question: \”Why did you visit us today?\” and tick boxes gave respondents the choice between five answers:

1. I want to buy an appliance online today.

2. I am researching to buy online later.

3. I am researching, but to buy at a local store.

4. I am looking for more info about an appliance I already own.

5. Nope! You didn\’t pick it. I\’m up to something else.

In past years, similar surveys have shown that the majority of visitors to online appliances comparison sites went to them to research products to buy at a local store. Only a little over a third (35.2%) of Comparison\’s respondents were at their site looking for appliances online in preparation for buying at a local store. A little less than a third (32.7%) of respondents were planning on buying online later, but another 9% wanted to buy that day. In total, 41.7% of respondents to Comparison\’s survey used their online appliances comparison site to make purchases.

This survey told Comparison that online buying was increasingly becoming a way of life for Australians. This was very welcome news, because it told them they were doing things right. People will only make purchases online if they feel confident that they are getting what they want at the best possible price. Past surveys have indicated that while millions of people were willing to do their research for appliances online, they were hesitant to actually make online appliance purchases. Reputable comparison sites have turned the tide and now more consumers use appliances comparison sites with the intention of buying online than just doing research and driving to a \”brick and mortar\” retailer to make their purchase.

This upward trend is likely to continue. The challenge for product comparison sites has always been one of trust. They created sites that make it easy for consumers to find a full range of appliances online, but many people were still hesitant to make their purchases over the internet. Reputable sites like Comparison are changing that attitude. As word gets out that online appliances comparison sites are both informative and trustworthy, more and more consumers take that final step and do their shopping the easy way – online.

Author Bio: Dan Stewart is a writer and researcher for Comparison.com.au, Australia\’s largest product comparison website. Find all your home appliances online at Comparison.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: appliances,online appliances,appliances online,appliances comparison