The percentage of online shoppers satisfied with their shopping experience went from 78.8% in January 2001 to 86.3% in March 2002, according to a study by local e-consulting company e-bit (www.ebit.com.br), published in Brazilian daily Correio da Bahia.

The growth is "significant," according to e-bit director Pedro Guasti. The study was conducted using a sample of 20,755 shoppers on 400 sites. Of total shoppers polled in March this year, 82% said the chance of committing to a final purchase was "probable" or "highly likely."

The average ticket also increased by about 50%, from 149 reais in January 2001 to 226 reais (about US$75) in March this year.

Favorite user sites include e-tailers Submarino, Americanas, Saraiva, Ponto Frio, Pao de Acucar and Livr.cultura. The first three on the list consistently fall into the top five highest-billing e-tailers in Brazil.