Majority of online retailers 'ordering more stock for Christmas'

More Christmas stock is being purchased by the majority of online retailers this year in anticipation of higher sales, says online auction site eBay.

A spokeswoman for the company said more people are using a broadband connection to do their shopping and so many online retailers are expecting increased sales as more web users look for cheaper prices than those available on the high street.

In addition to offering cheaper prices, there is also frequently greater choice on the internet, while online retailers are easily able to match high street levels of customer service.

The spokeswoman said: "eBay believes there are three factors which are crucial to increased online sales: selection, value, and trust. People shop online because they can access a far wider selection of goods more conveniently than on the high street."

While more people may be choosing to shop online to save money, VoIP solutions can also enable web users to communicate cheaply on the internet.

Nearly 30 per cent of businesses will be ordering at least 15 per cent more stock in the build-up to Christmas this year than in 2008, according to figures from eBay.