• February 14, 2001

Despite declines in overall online advertising activity in the recent past, U.S. business e-commerce continues to accelerate, with two-thirds of online business users making an average of three business-related purchases per month, according to a survey from Work.com. Of those business people buying online, 59% made one or two purchases within the past month, while a top tier of highly active buyers - 25% of online business purchases - made five or more purchases in the same period.

Computer software, hardware and office supplies were the most frequently purchased products by online business users. According to the survey, copiers and copier supplies, office furniture and long distance telephone services were also among the top categories.

The study indicated that the Internet continues to play a key role in customer acquisition of information about potential products and vendors. In addition to purchasing online, business people also used the Internet to seek relevant business information, research and news. - Anya Khait