But most consumers lack this information, so sellers intervene, offering comprehensive warranties, for example, to signal high quality.

Although the consumer lacks sensory perception of the actual product, he/she gains benefits of shopping 24 hours a day.

The primary problem for the economy, Mr. Karfunkle said, is that "both consumers and businesses lack the important catalyst of confidence."

And given how many consumers still lack Internet connections, they saw the fiscal wisdom of such a move.

Increasing consumer awareness could help restain costs, but unless they join alliances, consumers would lack the purchasing power that big employers have now.

But where consumers lack negotiating strength, they often face higher fees.

However, if firms collude to all increase prices, loss of sales is minimized, as consumers lack alternative choices at lower prices.

But atomized consumers lack the power to command a decent price for this informational property.

The fact is that the average consumer lacks the requisite medical knowledge to diagnose or treat his own illnesses.

And so consumers frequently lack the available credit to make a big purchase online, analysts say.