Online retailers in the UK lack the insight to analyse and monitor the pricing of their competitors, says a software development company.

According to Total Commerce Management, merchandisers currently need to carry out time-consuming mystery shopping in order to gather intelligence on other firms.

Steve Willock, managing director of the firm, said that companies lack the ability to monitor each other in a competitive sales environment and have to invest heavily in staff hours to make up the shortfall.

"In trying to carry out competitive analysis, most online retailers are running just to stand still," he added.

"Most do not have the levels of insight required in such a dynamic environment to monitor what rivals are doing with their products."

Earlier this week, internet design company Fortune Cookie claimed that all businesses need to understand their legal obligations and responsibilities concerning the construction of their websites.

Julie Howell, director of accessibility at the firm, said that all companies should read the good practice guide 'Publicly Available Specification 78' which outlines the requirements.


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