BELLWETHER, Iowa (CNM) -- Shoppers who have embraced the Internet as a way to avoid holiday crowds are running into a new problem: the e-mail that says their order is "pending."
 |
| Online shopping has tripled this season |
A survey released Monday by the market research firm ClickCount estimated that online holiday sales would reach $9 billion, up from about $3 billion in 1998. The same survey found that one in four online shoppers had experienced a delayed or missing order.
"I ordered a train set for my grandson on November 20," said Bellwether resident Gene Ostrander. "The Web site says it is 'in a state of fulfillment.' I do not know what state that is. Possibly Nebraska."
Retailers insist they are hiring thousands of temporary warehouse workers and adding shipping options. Several are offering free delivery to customers who order by December 18 -- and an apology coupon to those whose orders arrive after Christmas.
MAIN PAGE
