Another Xmas myth is dashed

Reading your feature on the first e-Christmas (“Christmas E-ve” MW November 11), I couldn’t help thinking that, just like the inflated city prices of e-commerce start-ups, the “e” festive season will in reality not live up to expectations.

Like that beautifully-wrapped parcel, with ribbons and bows and sparkling paper, which on opening turns out to be a pair of socks from Auntie Mabel, e-commerce seems to promise much, yet delivers little.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of online shopping. I have purchased books, CDs, videos and even a DVD player over the Net, attracted by cut-prices and extensive ranges from the US. However, you have to be prepared to play the waiting game. From my experience, in the online world, one week soon becomes two, then three…

I believe that once a purchasing deadline is involved, such as Christmas, people prefer to have the item in their hands immediately – and forego the opportunity of a bargain.

Peter Hughes

Canterbury

Kent