NCA Launch Investigation Into Online Deal Sites

Public dissatisfaction with the level of service offered by online deal sites has lead to the National Consumer Agency (NCA) launching a review of the services.

According to research published by the agency this morning, 33% of people who bought something through an online deal site said they had a reason to be dissatisfied. Last November, the level of dissatisfaction stood at 28 per cent.

The survey showed 61% of Irish adults are now signed up with at least one online deal site and that 37 per cent of consumers have bought something through one.

“Our research shows that online deal sites are increasingly popular amongst consumers, but the numbers who are dissatisfied is also increasing,” said NCA chief executive Ann Fitzgerald.

“As a result of this and following a number of calls to our helpline we have begun a review of the sector to ensure that consumers are treated fairly.”

(H)