Lifestyle
Online shopping brought with it a debate that has divided many people. While many still prefer to go to physical retail outlets to buy products, others prefer the ease of shopping from their phones or computers. Many others are equally happy going to a mall or a retail store or shopping from their electronic devices. Here’s a list of the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping.
Advantages of online shopping
Comfort – The age of online shopping has made purchasing merchandise seamless and comfortable. One can opt to go to one of several websites, browse and buy items with a click of a few buttons right from the comfort of their home.
Variety And Choices – The abundance of choices when shopping online is another aspect that draws consumers in. While it isn’t often that one can go to a shopping mall or a boutique store and have a wide choice of options, it is possible online. Besides, you can compare prices with other sellers to find the best available deals.
Gifting Options – Online shopping offers the option to purchase gifts and memorabilia for friends and family and have it shipped straight to their address across cities and countries, all while sitting in your own home.
Transport Costs – Since there is no travel involved to the mall or a store to purchase anything physically, savings on transportation is a bonus. This money saved can then be used to buy something else or something better.
Discounts And Card Points – Online retailers focus more on bulk sales than retail shops and have no maintenance costs to account for. For this reason, they can offer shoppers heavy discounts on items that would otherwise cost a lot more in the market. Additionally, online shoppers receive payback points and other credit card benefits.
Disadvantages Of Online Shopping
Unexpected Delivery Delays – Even though you can buy a product with the click of a button in a few minutes, receiving it can sometimes take a while. Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, there could be delays in delivery which could be disadvantageous to the buyer.
Scams – Scams are a disadvantage of shopping online. Buyers could be cheated by fake offers and deals or receive products that don’t match the description of the one they paid money to buy. Being mindful of the portal you purchase from is extremely important when shopping on the internet.
Human Touch – Malls are a great place to shop. The atmosphere in a mall, especially around the holidays or during a festive period is incomparable to anything. By avoiding a community space like the mall, shoppers miss out on interactions with people and socio-cultural events that may occur during the festive period. Additionally, at boutiques, sales personnel give personal attention to shoppers, making a difference in the shopping experience.
Lack Of Touch And Feel – Due to the inability to feel the product, there is every chance that the product may not meet expectations. Since you can only see, the quality of merchandise could be questionable.
