Online Shopping: The Pros and Cons of Buying Things from the Internet

“Consumers want the convenience and choice that online shopping provides. Many just do not have time to trudge the streets hoping goods are in stock.” –Jo Tucker

It has been said that online shopping is an innovative and unique paradigm of technology in such a way that it allows for optimal convenience and practicality.

Today, we have more and more individuals preferring this mode and platform of consumerism as opposed to physical shopping. You can do it at home in your pajamas, while you are at work or practically anywhere so long as there is a decent internet connection. All that it really requires from you is a bit of patience to wait for your items to arrive. Pretty much like waiting for a gift you are giving yourself, is it not? However, while online shopping might have gotten rather big over the years, there is a reason why big name retail stores such as Glorietta still remain relevant today. After all, online shopping for all of its glory and convenience still poses a risk. In any case, if you are on the hedge as to whether you should purchase any item online, perhaps taking a look at the pros and cons of buying things off the internet would help you arrive at a decision:

PROS

1.) Easier to compare prices

Of course, it is much easier to compare prices when it comes to online shopping as all you would have to do is flick pages with the press of a finger as opposed to scouring the mall for similar items and finding the one with the best price. There is no need for you to travel to places just to get the best deal when it is all presented to you onscreen.

2.) No checkout lines and long queues

During sale season, stores can get notoriously long queues which can really eat up your time if you are out shopping. Shopping online effectively rids of that. It is simple and easy, you simply add your desired items to the cart fill out the necessary shopping information and payment details then check out whenever you are ready.

3.) Access to a wider variety of products

More often than not, online retailers showcase all of their items on their online website. In fact, you might find that they have more items online than offline. This is because what is offered by them internationally might not be available in your local store. Not to fret though, consumers can shop globally for all the goods and services they want or need—provided that the online store you are purchasing from ships to your area.

CONS

1.)   You cannot test or try it on before purchased

Physical shopping allows us to try on dresses before we actually bring them to the counter for purchase. Unfortunately, you just have to key in your approximates with online shopping as there is no way products can be tried. Moreover, electronics cannot be verified until they are received which poses a certain risk.

2.) Shipping charges can be higher than the product cost

Depending on where you are, the price of shopping can actually be higher than what you bought. You might have wanted to buy an item that would only cost you about two dollars, but from where you are from, shipping would set you back by at least fifteen dollars. In this regard, you would be constrained to spend more just to even out the price of your purchase as well as the shipping.