On-line shoppers were de.ned as on-line household heads, in those households having an Internet connection at home, who reported making a personal on-line purchase during the preceding holiday season. On-line nonshoppers are on-line household heads, in those households having an Internet connection at home, who made no such personal purchase. It was found that on-line shoppers represented 42% of the total sample of household heads having Internet access. The study's questions about on-line shopping and computer activities referred the respondent to their use during the previous holiday season.
This discussion will begin with a short review of descriptive information about these on-line households: their demographics, Internet use, and computer literacy.