Unreliable delivery services are sapping consumer confidence in ordering products online ahead of Christmas. 

This is according to the findings of a new study from TomTom, which specified that 31 per cent of UK adults identify with this trend. 

More than 27 per cent of respondents said this is because they have already experienced late deliveries when ordering online for the festive season. 

TomTom's vice-president of marketing Taco van der Leij noted that the Christmas rush puts a great deal of strain on the supply chains of e-retailers, pressurising delivery operations. 

He expressed confidence that 80 per cent of consumers will continue to shop online and that robust delivery processes can restore faith. 

"The research addresses consumer concerns and highlights the importance of smooth and well-managed delivery processes for retailers," he commented.

"Over the Christmas period, every minute counts when it comes to supply chain processes."