Gauging Online Consumers’ Out-Of-Stock Dilemma

Out-of-stocks are becoming a greater problem in online shopping, according to a May 2007 survey performed by the e-tailing group and BetweenMarkets, The Online Inventory Impact Survey discovered out-of-stock products significantly affect consumers’ behavior online. More than 950 adults (61 percent female) who shop online four or more times a year and spend more than $500 annually were surveyed. Below are the survey’s findings.

* 51 percent find products out of stock 25 percent of the time or more;

* 62 percent found that clicking on promotional e-mail led to out-of-stock products “once in a while” to “always”;

* 48 percent have received out-of-stock notifications after placing an order.

The following inventory problems have caused consumers to react.

* 68 percent would leave a site after three out-of-stock experiences; and

* 57 percent go to competitors’ Web sites or retail locations to find the products they seek.

For more information, go to www.e-tailing.com .