Jest dobrze, ale ...2008 is the next consecutive year in which we note a double digit improvement in e-commerce market returns. This could be considered a very satisfactory improvement were it not for the truth about the role relatively small role that it plays as a whole. According to recent research SMG/KRC 40% of adult Poles have regular access to the internet. Realizing the subsequent potential that this affords for growth it is dependant upon increasing the familiarity, comfort and education of potential consumers
One of the biggest obstacles for consumers is the fact that they are not aware of laws and thier subsequent rights. They are also not aware of time limitations and avenues of redress. This lack of knowledge is a big deterrent for the development of e-commerce. For this reason it is critical to educate consumers and promote the dispersal of information to potential online customers. The next objective will be to introduce and popularize the use of seals of approval from various consumer watchdogs, consumer rights groups and government agencies. This will increase the level of comfort and quantity of online transactions. Finally it is important to inform the consumers of all the resources available to them such as rights to arbitration, escrow, and other consumer protections
"Quality" in internet products and services is not just a matter of price and variety. Equally important is the level of availability. The primary advantage of shopping online is the time that the consumer can save. Frustration as a result of waiting for delivery of purchased items can be abated by full and informative disclosure of determining factors which affect the delivery, availability and processing times involved. Information about returns and client complaints and standards of proceudure can further help to assure potential buyers.
Market correction and improvement is possible under the condition that effective coordination of efforts by all participants within the realm of e-commerce is actively persued. Perhaps the best way to accomplish this is the establishment of a consumer rights group. For this reason we have high hopes for the participation of the e-commerce group in this capacity. ecommerce is a member of the European association EMOTA and its mission is to establish a set of regulations in agreement with development and etiquette standards for the industry compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
One of the first objectives for eCommerce@SMB group is the establishment of concrete regulations for the propper conduct of internet business which will introduce new standards for Polish online buyers and positively impact the market as a whole. The fundamentals of these regulations and aspects of responsible business practices will be featured on the forum of internet commerce October 22 and 23 2008 in Warsaw..
Piotr Jarosz
C.E.O.
DOTCOM RIVER Sp. z o.o.
