54 percent of online shoppers are searching for alternative payment options when shopping online, a study indicates. 75 percent of shoppers have used an alternative payment method, including Google Checkout, PayPal, Bill Me Later and TrialPay, to buy a product online. 59 percent of online shoppers claim they are more likely to buy an item online if they gain access to an alternative payment method.

Nearly 80 percent of respondents agreed that they feel more inclined to make a purchase online if they also get a bonus. Half of them have already benefitted from such offers that are to be found at checkout when shopping online.

The study also reveals that 61 percent of online shoppers have downloaded trial or free versions of software. Only 10 percent of them claim they 'often' or 'always' buy the full version and 90 percent are not disposed to pay for the premium version of the software. Nevertheless, when asked if they could get a free upgrade to a premium or full version by buying another item from another merchant, 11 percent gave an affirmative answer and 59 percent would get the upgrade if the other merchant had something they needed, or if it was a store that they shop with regularly. 5 percent stated that they would rather pay full price and 25 percent would stick with the free version or not purchase at all. Overall, 70 percent of consumers would buy a premium version if an incentive was offered at checkout or download.

The 2008 Alternative Payments Survey was sponsored by TrialPay.