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How Can Internet Comparison Sites Work Optimally for Consumers?

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  • Harriet Gamper

Abstract

In today's information society, there is such a large amount of available information about any given good or service that consumers are unable to make an informed choice. Internet comparison sites (ICSs) could provide a solution to this problem by comparing markets for consumers and making a comprehensive recommendation. However, currently, they are not fully effective for consumers. Consumers do not trust ICSs because of concerns about commission biases and lack of full market coverage. To be fully effective, ICSs also ought to cover non-price dimensions such as product quality and after-sales service. Changing the economic model from the current two-sided platform to a one-sided platform could solve these problems. In order for this to occur, changes or clarifications to existing EU consumer laws might need to be made. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Harriet Gamper, 2012. "How Can Internet Comparison Sites Work Optimally for Consumers?," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 35(3), pages 333-353, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:35:y:2012:i:3:p:333-353
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-012-9195-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Moniche-Bermejo, Ana, 2022. "Do collective energy switching campaigns engage vulnerable households? Evidence from The Big Switch," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    3. Tomasz Stanisław Szopiński & Robert Nowacki, 2014. "Plane Ticket Price Dispersion in the Online Selling System in Poland," Contemporary Economics, Vizja University, vol. 8(2), June.
    4. Małgorzata Grzywińska-Rąpca & Elżbieta Lorek & Lesław Markowski, 2018. "Social Aspects of Diversifying Information Society Development," Collegium of Economic Analysis Annals, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Economic Analysis, issue 49, pages 23-36.
    5. Tomasz Stanisław Szopiński & Robert Nowacki, 2015. "The Influence of Purchase Date and Flight Duration over the Dispersion of Airline Ticket Prices," Contemporary Economics, Vizja University, vol. 9(3), September.

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