An overwhelming 73 per cent of internet users shop online, according to a Malta Communications Authority survey.

The most common goods bought online are IT, electronic goods and clothing items - 44 per cent each - followed by books (39 per cent) and DVDs (20 per cent).

The survey, released yesterday but conducted last September, found that 41 per cent of online shoppers spent between €25 and €120, while 13 per cent spent in excess of €600 over a six-month period.

Just seven per cent of online purchases were carried out from Maltese sites, with the majority of these relating to flights and electronics.

Interestingly, the most common method of payment shifted from credit cards to other forms of online payment facilities, with 62 per cent of purchases in the preceding six months using such facilities.

Good prices emerged as a key motive for making online purchases, with 59 per cent saying prices were cheaper than those in the shops and 48 per cent believing it was more convenient.

However, 45 per cent agreed it was riskier than traditional shopping.

Many online shoppers have become increasingly aware of the precautions they need to take to shop safely. Those who bought online chose to buy from trustworthy companies (63 per cent) and used a secure payment option (62 per cent), purchased from secure sites (45 per cent), obtained knowledge on the vendor (31 per cent) and purchased from sites recommended by family and friends.

A many as 22 per cent of those who made online purchases in the preceding six months encountered problems but 83 per cent of these were satisfactorily resolved. The majority of these problems related to delays in delivery, with one per cent experiencing stolen card details.

The internet was predominantly used to send and receive e-mails, research information, make online purchases, browse products and services, and bank, the survey found.