Most people have used an online shopping service if they have internet access. Whether it is to have your groceries delivered straight to your door or an impulse buy as a result of a late-night browsing session – you have had the experience of an online retailer. But is online shopping all it’s cracked up to be? There are certainly benefits, and it has proven a popular method for millions worldwide, but in exchanging the real-world for a digital one, are people missing out on something special? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of online shopping.
Discounts
It is easy to get discounts for both online and physical stores these days. However, sometimes online retailers have more deals available. Entering codes for things like these amazon coupons enables you to get discounts on a variation of products and services they offer. Sometimes with physical stores, you must wait for the sales to get money off. With sams club you can get rewards with every dollar you spend and as a member you will be eligible for perks such as free shipping.
Convenience
There is a solid argument that online shopping is far more convenient than physically heading to the local mall. You can select the time and dates you need it to be delivered and even have the option to receive your packages at work or home. This is a massive benefit for those who might not be able to access their local town center with ease. Secondly, online stores are open 24/7, which means you never have to rush to make it before closing time.
If you are unsatisfied with a product, in a lot of cases to get a refund, you must post the item back to the seller. This is inconvenient, as errors can be made due to a bug on the website you’re using, or a mix-up with the seller who could be in another country. However, these are rarer occurrences.
Choice
As shopping online gives you access to a worldwide marketplace, this naturally offers consumers far more choice. This is perfect for people who are looking for something specific as well as people who want to discover something new.
Customer Service
One downfall of online shopping is inefficient customer service. Although some online retailers offer decent service in this respect, a lot have automated systems that prove to be frustrating. Equally, talking to someone in a call center is better, but not always the most satisfying experience. At least when going into a physical store, you can speak to a manager or supervisor and have your problem resolved much more quickly.
Interpersonal Experience
As mentioned above, it is sometimes better to talk to someone face to face in stores. It’s not only about the customer service, though. A physical shopping experience allows the opportunity for social interaction, whether that is with a store clerk on a solo shopping trip, or with your friends on a day out in town.
Online shopping is here to stay; there is no denying how beneficial it can be. However, an effort should be made to preserve the physical shopping experience, too, as it can offer consumers things online retailers can’t.
