Online shopping has few security concerns for Australian consumers.

The Visa e-Commerce Consumer Monitor reports that 78% of Australian consumers using the internet are happy with the security involved in online payment systems and are comfortable with providing their personal information and credit card details.

The report says that a known brand for credit card clearance, a guarantee of protection from fraud online, and a return policy if the customer is not satisfied, are the most important aspects required to nullify concerns.

The major issues of worry reported were the possibility of hackers accessing their credit card details and their personal information, the retailer incorrectly applying their credit card, or supplying their information to others.

As consumers are increasingly time poor, the use of online shopping continues to grow while main street retailers have to try even harder, using sales with reduced margins to retain growth figures.

Retailers in unusual fields such as groceries are now trying to profitably establish an online distribution channel.

This is good new for the businesses listed in our Australian Local Search Business Directory. With over 1.2 million businesses in our directory receiving good exposure on Google and other search engines, the confidence of consumers in making online payments is critical to the success of many of these businesses.

Monte Huebsch, CEO.