Companies that sell goods over the internet need to improve the level of trust they have with consumers, according to new research.

A new study has highlighted that online retailers need to improve consumer trust if they are going to succeed in the market.

Research by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has found that one in three internet users do not shop online, with 30 per cent of those citing a lack of trust as the key reason why.

The study sends a clear message to such retailers, who could boost the number of sales and parcel deliveries they make by tackling the issue.

John Fingleton, OFT chief executive, said online retailing is "the future" for a number of businesses.

He added: "If consumers are not confident online, demand will grow at a slower rate. So, we must tackle these concerns right now if the online market is to grow at its full potential."

Recent research by YouGov found that 36 per cent of people expect to increase their online shopping during the rest of this year.

Article Added: 12/05/2009 09:29:52