Online shopping is an advantage for convenience-seeking consumers. — VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Forty-four per cent of Vietnamese Internet users have never bought goods online, a conference on online shopping was told in Ha Noi this week.

The conference, entitled "Vietnamese online shopping behaviour", was jointly organised by the Vietnam E-commerce and Information Technology Agency (Vecita) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Vietnam E-commerce Association (Vecom).

Vecita Deputy General Director Nguyen The Quang said that a hurdle to online shopping is the consumers' habit of wanting to see the items in person. He pointed out that the buyers resist online shopping due to their fear of getting low-quality products and fewer chances of getting bargains.

Quang added that clothing was the most-purchased item online, followed by mobile phones, electronic products and books.

"The two most popular channels, namely Internet search tools and social networks, have the maximum influence on consumers' online shopping behavior. Online sellers do not expect to sell items at the highest price. They wish to attract numerous potential online customers," Quang said.

Head of the e-commerce department under the Foreign Trade University Nguyen Van Thoan said that online shopping is becoming more popular due to the rapid growth of the Internet.

"Online shopping is an advantage for consumers who want convenience," Thoan said.

He noted that Viet Nam is witnessing strong developments in e-commerce because 40 per cent of the country's population is using the Internet, while 56 per cent of the Internet users have purchased items online.

"Some consumers, however, said that there are risks of online shopping, including getting low-quality products and the risks of disclosure of consumers' personal information," Thoan added.

Vecom Vice Chairman and General Secretary Nguyen Thanh Hung announced that an "Online shopping day 2014" will be held on December 5 to promote e-commerce in Viet Nam.

On that day, consumers will enjoy special discounts, free shipping and other incentives from participating businesses when they purchase items online. — VNS