The internet can be a great resource for shoppers looking to expand their purchasing options, as well as a great way to save money. Online stores are highly competitive, not only with other online stores but also with brick-and-mortar competitors. Price-comparison websites make deal hunting easier and also help guide shoppers to online stores with the best reputations by posting reviews submitted by other shoppers. With this, it is important to know the pros and cons in order to have a successful business and also for the customers to have a good shopping experience.
Advantages of online shopping
Due to the rapid growth of technology, business organizations have switched over from the traditional method of selling goods to the electronic methods of selling goods. Business organizations use the internet as the main vehicle to conduct commercial transactions.
Online stores do not have space constraints and a wide variety of products can be displayed on websites. It helps the analytical buyers to purchase a product after a good search.
Convenience
For many customers, one of the benefits of online shopping is convenience. Many people would consider stopping by a local store easier than ordering something online and getting it shipped. However, there are a few convenient advantages of online shopping. For one, it doesn’t require you to actually go to the store. Just to go to a store, you need a way to get there, and for most people, this is driving. Not only do you waste gas driving to the store, but it takes precious time out of your day. Compare that to the convenience of online shopping, which on many major sites has become a one-click affair. There’s no need to drive to the store to pick up an extra hair comb, just choose one online, click once, and voila, it’s on its way. This brings us to another benefit of online shopping: speed.
No pressure shopping
Generally, in physical stores, the sales representatives try to influence the buyers to buy the product. There can be some kind of pressure, whereas the customers are not pressurized in any way in online stores.
Availability of online shop
The mall is open on 365 x 24 x 7. So, time does not act as a barrier, wherever the vendor and buyers are.
Disadvantages of Shopping Online
Sometimes a deal that looks great falls short of what has been advertised. Communicating dissatisfaction can be difficult online and often takes enormous patience and tenacity to achieve satisfaction. Problem-solving face-to-face with local store employees is often faster and more satisfying. Contacting the next level of management is much easier at local stores than online.
Other disadvantages of shopping online include:
Online shoppers do not have the ability to physically inspect or try on the items being considered for purchase.
Online shoppers do not always know if a site is a legitimate retail store and if is safe to shop.
Online shoppers often do not have a person (or the same person) to talk to when dealing with a problem.
Online shoppers do not get to take advantage of seasonal statewide tax-free shopping events.
Takeaway
Because of the numerous advantages and benefits, more and more people these days prefer buying things online over the conventional method of going into stores. However, in spite of the advantages, we can’t deny the fact that online shopping also has its cons. With that, it is important to be more cautious when shopping and choose the best online stores in your area.
Rebecca is a young millenial who wants to make it big as a writer. When not writing, she works as a researcher specializing in online marketing. Rebecca also utilizes her time in experimental photography and digital arts.