Package tax prompts some Austrians to rethink online orders

A new tax on online parcels has led some Austrians to reconsider their shopping habits, according to a survey reported by ORF Upper Austria. About one quarter of parcel recipients said they had already changed their behaviour or planned to do so since the 2.40-euro tax took effect on October 1.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents rated the tax very negatively. One quarter expected it to benefit brick-and-mortar retailers, although only five percent were very sure of that effect.

Among the 26 percent who had changed or planned to change their habits, 78 percent said they would think more carefully before each order about whether they needed the item. Two thirds planned to place larger orders at once to reduce the tax burden per parcel. Fifty-three percent said they would buy less online, while 49 percent said they would shop in person more often or arrange group orders with friends, family or colleagues.

The Spectra market research institute in Linz surveyed 500 people in Austria aged 15 and over by telephone from October 19 to 23.