ONLINE businesses are getting a boost in these tough times as consumers look to save money.
The online electrical goods retailer Big Brown Box said consumers were turning to the internet for savings.
"Australians have really embraced online shopping and we are encouraged by the traffic we're seeing," its general manager, Peter Krideras, said.
"More than 13 million Australians have access to the internet. Online consumer sales are expected to grow by some 24 per cent annually, with predictions of more than $30 billion in 2011."
The BigBrownBox.com.au website was launched six months ago and offers laptops, televisions, MP3 players and traditional white goods.
The site has also received a positive response from regional shoppers. More than 40 per cent of customers come from outside metropolitan areas.
Mr Krideras said research revealed online retail shoppers want recognised brands, free delivery, strong after-sale customer support and the latest consumer technology. "One thing we've found through customer feedback is that customers are sick of hidden costs and add-on selling from traditional retailers," he said.
"They hate being hit with a delivery charge for a large value product or being pushed into buying an extended warranty."
Meanwhile, the property website realestate.com.au has also smashed its previous records, announcing record traffic to its website.
According to its latest data, visits to the site peaked at 4.8 million unique users during the month of March, a 10.9 per cent increase from the same time last year.
The residential general manager for realestate.com.au, Peter Wright, said the latest data was good for both estate agents and people wanting to buy a home. "The increase in traffic suggests that despite the economic downturn, consumers are still actively looking at securing a home during 2009," Mr Wright said.
"We are confident it's only a matter of time before we crack the five million mark."
AAP
