How many of you love online shopping?
In today’s world, we are lucky enough to have this particular convenience of shopping online. It’s never been easier! Just a few clicks separate you from your favorite products. With a few clicks, you can easily buy anything you want: groceries, clothing, movies, airline tickets, furniture, and many other items. Though it’s easy and enjoyable, online shopping has several drawbacks.
So, what’s the best option: shopping online because it’s convenient and you can do it from the comfort of your home, or going to the nearest store? No more chitchat; let’s get to the point and see what the major pros and cons of online shopping are. After reading them, you decide what’s best for you!
1. Convenience
The first and foremost benefit of online shopping is convenience. Online retailers are open 24/7, unlike physical stores that have set business hours. If you ever feel the urge to make a spontaneous purchase at midnight but there are no 24-hour stores nearby, simply go to your favorite store’s website, select the items you want, add them to your cart, and you’re good to go. The next day, you’ll probably have the products in your hands. Yupee!
2. Platform diversity
Another huge benefit of this type of shopping is that you can do it anywhere, from your phone or your tablet, since PCs are not the only devices used for online shopping. It flourishes in a variety of digital markets, eCommerce websites, and mobile applications, offering a range of experiences. In the past years, every store app has become better and better, and most of them are user-friendly.
3. You can compare the prices easily
When you go to a store, you see so many items that are tempting to buy; most probably, you’ll get overwhelmed. At least, this is my case. Now, when you opt for online shopping, you can compare the prices of thousands of items available.
The good thing is that if you don’t have the necessary patience to do this on your own, you can download various grocery store price comparison mobile apps to help you get the best bargain on the market.
4. Affordable prices
…And free shipping in some cases too! Now, that’s one of the major perks of online shopping. Retailers who exclusively do business online are not required to own a physical store. That’s why they usually have fewer operational expenses, which they may pass along to the client by simply lowering the prices.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re a loyal customer, you might have additional benefits. Cashback, loyalty programs, coupons, and regular discounts are some of the things that online retailers give as rewards for their customers. You can also subscribe to their newsletters to be up-to-date on when a certain item is on sale.
5. Private shopping time
The best method to quietly order anything is to do so online. Nobody needs to see what you’re putting in your basket, and some retailers even provide discrete packaging that makes your delivery person wonder what you’re packing.
Do you want to be updated on where your order is from the moment it has been shipped until it gets to your door? Well, checking your phone may be daunting, but what if you have a watch that could show you all your emails in one touch? This Amazon Band 5 Activity Fitness Tracker with Alexa built-in was my latest Amazon acquisition.
Buying it was a very good idea because I could view everything on it: from my shopping list to my email and other important things I needed to remember. Compatible with Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 and above, this fitness bracelet costs only $28.78.
6. Online shopping? Zero parking struggles
One of the main reasons you might not stop at a business is to find a parking space. Online shopping has the significant advantage of not being congested, especially during the holidays. You may not even be able to recall where you parked when it’s really busy!
7. More variety of products
The options available on the internet are incredible. You may locate nearly any brand or product you’re searching for. You don’t have to pay for travel to follow the newest global trends. Rather than being restricted to your local area, you can purchase from stores located in different regions of the state, nation, or even the globe. You have access to a significantly wider variety of hues and sizes than you may find in local stores.
8. More payment methods
Another huge benefit of online shopping is the variety of payment methods. You can either pay by PayPal, Bitcoin, Revolut, or even cash when the package arrives at your door. Whatever works for you!
Some of the cons of online shopping are:
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Shipping issues
If you aren’t the one picking it up, there’s a greater chance that your shipment will arrive damaged, damp, melted, etc., or not at all. If shipments do arrive, they can remain outdoors for a long enough period to be stolen.
The store usually sends you an email with shipping details, so you may want to try to be home when the package arrives.
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Returns can be tricky
While some vendors make the procedure simple, several make it very difficult for you to return their goods or receive a refund. You frequently won’t be compensated for any shipping expenses.
Purchasing in person will save you the trouble of labeling, shipping, tracking, and filling out all the necessary paperwork (plus, you’ll be able to choose your products, meaning fewer returns).
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You can’t inspect the products you buy
This is probably the major downside of online shopping: the fact that you are not able to see the material or the quality of the product you are buying.
Online orders may arrive larger or smaller than described in the photographs, or the product’s measurements may not have been entered accurately. You also cannot feel the fabric, examine how the garment fits around your waist, or learn about the manufacturing process while purchasing clothing online. Because of this, it’s better to read the return policy before you order from them.
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There may be a delay in the sales assistance
You cannot just stroll up to the staff and ask questions about what you just ordered or about what you are about to order. Alternatively, you might have to wait a whole day or more to receive a response to your questions, and that might be annoying.
Nonetheless, things are starting to get better because a lot of websites now offer an automated chat feature or screen that responds to questions instantly.
What do you prefer: online shopping or in-store shopping? Tell us in the comments.
Are you interested in more shopping hacks? You’re definitely in the right place! Here, The Price Makers team does everything in their power to keep you updated with tips and tricks.
If you like our content you can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter too! Before you leave, make sure to check out another article that talks about bargains: Comparison Shopping: 8 Best Tips on How to Get Great Deals.
