Online shoppers trust all trustmarks - even fake ones

April 25, 2019 by
Jeroen Leenders

TrustA trustmark helps to reassure a consumer when it comes to ordering from a web shop. They are an important factor regarding the trustworthiness of an e-commerce shop. However, fake marks are achieving the same results.

A German student carried out an online survey during her thesis at the Hochschule Fresenius. She carried out an online survey among 1,007 Germans to ask them about using trustmarks as a green light.

Results on trustmarks

The research shows that a high degree of confidence is built through trustmarks. Approximately 67% even said that the seal of approval plays a major role in buying from web shops that they are not familiar with. However, a fake trustmark that was created for research purposes scored higher on awareness than an existing trustmark. Even though there was little to no knowledge of the contents of some seals, it did not affect the trust-promoting effect of the mark.

The study also shows that the more trustmarks a website carries, the more it is perceived as trustworthy. It is recommended to use a seal of approval on a webshop, but apparently, it is not necessary to choose the most expensive or well-known trustmark.

YouTube Dominates Global Video in 2026: 200 Billion Daily Shorts Views and 15.8% of US Television Viewing
YouTube has consolidated its position as the world's leading video-sharing platform, surpassing traditional media giants in US television viewing and challenging Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for global audience dominance. New...
November 2, 2026
DoorDash to Acquire Instacart for $17 Billion in Major Online Grocery and Delivery Consolidation
The proposed acquisition would combine DoorDash's global delivery network with Instacart's grocery technology, fulfillment infrastructure and retail partnerships, potentially reshaping competition in online grocery and local commerce. DoorDash has announced...
October 30, 2026
Manifest Vegas 2027 Unveils Initial Agenda with Over 175 Sessions and 400 Speakers
Manifest Vegas 2027 will bring together global supply chain executives, technology innovators, investors, and logistics leaders to explore AI, automation, trade uncertainty, and the future of end-to-end supply chain operations....
October 27, 2026
Top crossmenu

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close