Delays at the virtual checkout are putting shoppers off, according to a new survey carried out by an online payments firm.

A study by Moneybookers found that people ordering parcel deliveries online are sometimes put through a lengthy series of questions and hurdles before they can actually pay for their goods.

The Daily Mail reports that such delays are costing internet retailers as much as £420 million a month.

Some 63 per cent of shoppers found lengthy checkout processes frustrating, while 74 per cent were put off by giving out personal details.

Moneybookers chief executive Nikolai Riesenkampff told the newspaper:

"Retailers who don't make every effort to ensure their customers can confirm their order as easily as possible, are putting themselves at a real disadvantage."