• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, August 16, 2012

According to the e-tailing group and MyBuys, in a joint online survey, consumers are more comfortable sharing data with retailers than they are with social networks, especially if it enhances the shopping experience. The majority of survey respondents (55%) responded that they are “mostly willing” to provide shopping preferences to trusted retailers in exchange for an enhanced shopping experience.  

In contrast, 52% of consumers responded that they are “much more concerned” or “somewhat more concerned” about sharing the same data on social networks

Robert Cell, CEO of MyBuys, notes that “Today’s consumer... expects a tailored online experience... (but) they’re more comfortable sharing shopping preference information with retailers than they are with social networks... designed for this type of exchange... the data strongly shows that (sharing)... results in a better shopping experience... increases brand loyalty...”

When asked about specific types of information they would share, 63% of respondents said they would share the types of offers they prefer; 61% said they would share the brands they buy; 60% would share the products they purchase.

On the mobile frontier, consumers remain more cautious. In fact, 76% of consumers indicated they have mixed feelings or find it somewhat undesirable to be geo-targeted on their mobile device.

Cell added that “Online privacy is a complex issue and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer, but consumers are willing to share data when there is an equitable value exchange... "

Please visit MyBuys here for additional information.