Webshops delivered some 460,000 parcels too late for Sinterklaas and Christmas this year, a fractional improvement on 2014, according to research by Q&A Research.

In terms of Sinterklaas, which is primarily a children’s event, one-third of the parcels contained toys, the research group notes. ‘Over 70,000 parents had some explaining to do,’ director Frank Quix told broadcaster Nos.

In total, 5% of Sinterklaas and 6% of Christmas gifts did not arrive on time.

Nevertheless, people’s satisfaction with online retailers – from the ordering process to delivery – has risen sharply. This year 88% of those questioned were happy with the retailer’s performance, compared with 50% in 2014.