Safe Home Products announced the results of its survey titled, "2008 Online Shopping Habits: What is Affecting Your Spending?" The survey was conducted to learn how outside factors in the economy, fuel prices, and weather have and will affect online shopping habits for consumers in 2008.

"We gained some valuable information from the consumers who participated in this survey, for example over 56% of consumers believe fuel prices will affect their shopping habits in 2008, but the majority will not change their online shopping habits," said Barbara Staib, president of Safe Home Products. "This tells us that consumers plan to change their shopping behavior in other areas, but not in their online shopping. The majority of the consumers, at nearly 59%, plan to shop the same amount in 2008 as in the previous year. This is positive news to us as it means the internet retail economy should remain stable."

The following ten questions were answered by 111 consumers across the United States. Below are their answers:


1. Where do you live in the United States?

a. East Coast: 30%
b. West Coast: 17%
c. Midwest: 34%
d. South: 14%
e. Other: 3%
f. I do not live in the United States: 2%

2. Are you expecting to shop online more, less, or the same in 2008 compared to 2007?

a. 59% of respondents plan to shop the same amount in 2008 as they did in 2007

3. What percentage of your shopping do you plan to do online in 2008?

a. 63% of respondents plan to do less than 50% of their shopping online in 2008

4. Do you believe shopping online saves you money?

a. Yes, said 52% of respondents

5. Please choose the most accurate statement about your online shopping habits and the current U.S. economy.

a. 48% of respondents plan to do more comparison shopping online before making a purchase
b. 22% say the US economy will not affect their shopping habits in 2008.

6. Will fuel prices affect your shopping habits in 2008?

a. Yes, said 56% of respondents.

7. Please choose the most accurate statement about how fuel prices will influence your online shopping in 2008.

a. 47% of respondents say their shopping habits will remain the same as in previous years
b. 33% plan to shop online more to save money on fuel

8. Please choose the most accurate statement for you about being eco-friendly and shopping online:

a. 43% enjoy that the Internet offers more eco-friendly options
b. 29% want to save fuel by shopping online rather than driving to the store.

9. How did the weather affect your shopping habits this past winter?
a. Winter weather had no impact on 81% of respondents

10. What could Internet retailers offer to encourage you to shop more online in 2008? (select all that apply)

a. Detailed product descriptions and educational info: 55%
b. Advice Q&A column on best products for your needs: 23%
c. Newsletter announcements on new relevant products: 18%
d. Charitable contribution of portion of purchase price: 14%
e. Product discounts: 72%
f. Discounted or free shipping: 95%
g. Rewards programs: 38%
h. Other (please specify): 13%