8 Benefits of Online Shopping
One of the things that the Internet revolutionized is the way we shop. Even though most people still like going outside, window-shopping and trying things on or touching them, the number of people who opt for online shopping is becoming higher and higher. Not to mention that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in online purchasing in almost every industry and corner of the world. However, the truth is that there are still plenty of people who are scared of online shopping, mostly because of the general disadvantages of this type of shopping. But the fact that online shopping has its obvious disadvantages doesn’t mean it’s better or worse than actual shopping. At this very moment, it’s actually highly recommended to purchase as much as you can online so that you eliminate crowds in stores and to stay safe. So let’s focus on the positive. Let’s see what advantages online shopping has and what products it is amazing for.
Convenience
The most obvious benefit of online shopping is that you can purchase your goods anytime you want, from anywhere you want, while you’re wearing anything you want. Shopping from the comfort of your own couch or your bed has always been an attractive idea. All of the online stores are open 24/7. But even though you will have to wait for a certain period of time for the goods to arrive at your desired destination, some of the purchases can be done instantly. That is the case with different e-books and subscriptions, for example, where you will get the thing you want or need as soon as the payment goes through. On this note, all these downloadable materials also come in digital form only, making this option a very green and sustainable one.
No sales pressure
There is probably nothing worse than being in the store while the clerk is breathing behind your back, waiting for you to make your decision. The pressure is never a good thing while shopping, as most bad shopping choices, come from that feeling. While shopping online, you have the freedom to spend as much time as you want browsing and seeing if that actual product is for you. You also have time for a phone call with a friend whose taste you trust in, and the time to send them the link to the product for further discussion.
While shopping online, you have the freedom to spend as much time as you want browsing and seeing if that actual product is for you.
Better prices & fewer expenses
There are several reasons why plenty of stores have been encouraging online shopping, even before this whole coronavirus madness began. First of all, it eliminates crowds in the shops, giving the clerks more time to focus on their customers who are in the shop. More importantly, you will be able to find better deals and prices online because this shopping process doesn’t include a middleman – it comes to you straight from the manufacturer. On top of that all, many manufacturers give out different coupons and rebates, trying to cut costs on the workforce that would otherwise have to hire if all people were to buy their goods at the actual store. For instance, the popular fashion brand Zara will close more than 1000 stores worldwide and focus on e-commerce more than ever before. On the other hand, think about how much you will save on the side if you choose online shopping. These expenses, which are not visible, can significantly help you save some money on the side. These include gas, local transportation to the mall, or street where your shop is; money on cups of coffee or ice-creams that you would get before or after your shopping spree and, of course, on other items that you would impulsively buy at the store.
Discreet purchases
We don’t talk about all of the things that we buy. Sometimes, we might want to buy something either delicate, sexual, or simply something that we don’t want anyone else to know. Physical stores make it hard for us to buy something of that sort without having to face the cashier. Buying sexy lingerie or a sex toy might be quite embarrassing to some, making them change their minds only because they don’t dare show that product to the cashier. Online shopping is terrific for these purchases, as nobody stands in line between you and your product, and nobody will get to see what’s inside your package but you. Speaking of delicate things, online shops have a more extensive range of products that you can choose from, so you are free to browse, however long you want and choose the right product for you.
No crowds
Apart from battling for a parking space, there are so many benefits of avoiding the crowds (especially in 2020). We all dislike waiting for a long time in line to buy a specific product, and it’s very often that we lose patience when we see a big crowd at a store. That is why we decide to turn and go back home. All of these problems can easily be avoided with online shopping as you’re always the first in line, and there’s no waiting time.
Less compulsive shopping
If you have ever bought something that you never used but had thought you would raise your hand. Now that all of us have our hands in the air, it’s time to think about what we can do for that not to happen. Physical stores are organized in such a way to play with your mind and make you buy things you think you need (but actually don’t). Take Ikea as an example. Even though we love this company and their products, their stores are organized in such a way to make you buy more things subconsciously. Browsing this store, you will find the cutest products next to the products you need, so why not buy them all? Things are a bit different when you’re shopping online. Yes, there is always the part of the webpage that is booked for similar products that other people liked or bought, but it’s not as eye-catching as the ones in physical stores. This will put a stop on your compulsive shopping and make you focus on precisely the things you know you need and want.
Online shopping will put a stop on your compulsive shopping and make you focus on precisely the things you know you need and want.
Price comparison
One of the things that all of us do is compare prices. In physical stores, this is impossible, as you can compare the prices of the same product but from different manufacturers. But comparing different prices for the same product from the same manufacturer is one of the most important things to do if you want to save money. Why would you spend 5% more on the same thing in one store, when it can be cheaper in the next one? Browsing online will give you the option to do this in seconds without anyone pressuring you to make your decision as soon as possible. On top of that, finding reviews of your desired products has never been easier and pressure-free. Take your time to do your research on the product, compare the prices, and then hit the “purchase” button. Completely carefree.
Better gift-giving experience
Not only do we all have a wider range of choices when it comes to gifts we want to buy for our loved ones, but sending them has never been easier. Besides being able to choose literally whatever you want (as opposed to shopping sprees during which you’re constantly thinking of what to actually buy for that special someone), we can send the gifts directly to their address. This is a fantastic opportunity not only for surprise or birthday gifts but also for various anniversaries, holidays and even weddings.
When thinking about online shopping, plenty of both advantages and disadvantages come to mind. Shopping online and in person have both positive and negative sides, but it’s imperative to try and stay safe for as much as we can. That is exactly why turning to online shopping matters in 2020. We don’t have to go outside to buy everything we need – some things might be bought from home. Not only is it safe, but it’s also very effortless and can be quite helpful to our wallet as well.
