E-store debt way up – KRD

The amount of debt racked up by the growing body of online businesses has increased by one-third, according to the National Debt Registry and Economic Information Bureau (KRD), the organization’s statement released to the Polish press on Tuesday claimed. The total debt is now PLN 172 million, with approximately 80 percent of this amount indebted to online selling platform Allegro. Concerned consumer safety advocates have warned that some of these online retailers whcih have large debts may not be the best choice for shoppers who are purchasing gifts online during the upcoming holiday season. Adam Łącki, KRD’s president, noted in the statement that “[although] products online have a lower price, and online shopping is convenient…purchasing them online isn’t always safe. Behind the curtain, there are risks of delay in delivery, of not receiving a specific product or even the lack of delivery.” The release noted that the number of indebted e-shops had increased to 3,069, from 2,500 last year, and that consumers hoping to obtain refunds from such shops reneging on delivery of their products could face difficulties. “The consumer must have a final court decision confirming the validity of [their] claims. For this reason, the bulk of individuals often resign from [appealing for a refund] because they believe it is related to arduous litigation,” added Łącki.