The sales on Internet in Brazil reached 3.8 billion reais (2.3 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2008, up 45 percent compared with the same period last year, according to WebShopper's study released Tuesday by consulting company E-bit.

The number of consumers on Internet reached 11.5 million in the first half of 2008, up 42 percent from the same period of last year. E-bit expects the number to reach 12 million by the end of this year.

The average expense per person rose from 296 reais to 324 reais (185 dollars to 202.5 dollars), up 9.46 percent from the same period last year.

According to the study, Internet users in Brazil are increasing and their payments get better contribution to the growth.

Internet users find it more comfortable to buy online, as they have access to price comparing tools, and don't need to suffer from long lines in crowded malls, and they can also receive their goods at home, the study said.

The study also shows that books remain the best-selling goods on the web, taking 17 percent of total sales. The sales of computer products rank second with 12 percent while health and beauty products account for 10 percent of the total sales, and electronics 7 percent.

E-bit also found out that 86.5 percent of consumers are satisfied with their goods shopped online in the first half of 2008.