The preference of whether to shop online or in person is one that is very individual and is different for everyone.  The choice to e-shop may even differ within each person depending on what is being shopped for and what time of the year it is.  The technology of the Internet gives people the option of shopping online if for some reason they do not or cannot go out into the “real” stores.  This is an option that even 15 years ago did not exist so; it is relatively new to most people.  It can be frightening to go e-shopping for the first time because one might wonder if it is financially safe to provide someone you cannot see with private information. 

The first step in online shopping is to make certain that the retailer from which you are buying is safe.  The consumer must look for websites where their personal information is secured and authenticated.  There should be certificates of authenticity posted on the website as well as the terms and conditions for the retailer.  Each seller site should also have a physical address listed as well as a working telephone number. An authentic e-store will also have a way for the buyer to contact them with questions or comments.  Watch out for websites that have extremely “too good to be true” prices because they probably are.  In addition, many online retailers will put consumer testimonials all over the website and no information about the product(s) they are selling.  When this is the case many times the seller is over compensating for poor or even illegal products.  Keeping all of these things in mind, once you have established the safety and authenticity of the place you are going to buy from you may make your purchases.

There are 4 main advantages to e-shopping:

Just as in the physical stores, there are online businesses who are soliciting your business.  It is too your advantage to shop around and compare prices and products.  You can save significant amounts of money simply buy being a smart online shopper.

When you shop online it allows you to stay home and shop anytime of the day at your convenience.  It is difficult to shop with young children and can be costly to hire a baby sitter so you can go spend money.  With e-shopping you can shop while the kids are otherwise busy, asleep or at school.  You can also save money on gasoline and parking fees when you stay at home.  Statistics show that the majority of shopping trips involve eating out at least one meal so staying home to shop online can alleviate that expense as well.

Shopping online can be less stressful.  There is not traffic to contend with – especially around the holidays.  You also do not have to stand in lines at cash registers or have to deal with a shopping cart that has one wheel that does not work.  People who have disabilities that limit their mobility can experience a significant amount of stress when they go out shopping because not all stores have the sit and shop motorized carts and even in stores that have them they do not always work.  There are also no narrow lanes and checkouts, displays to go around or rude people to deal with when e-shopping.

Occasionally when out shopping you get somewhere and have run out of checks, brought the wrong credit card or forgot your wallet altogether.  The beauty of shopping online is that there are no questions from the retailers who are wondering about your motives.  There are no inconveniences of leaving your full shopping cart in order to go home to get your money while taking a chance that your basket may not be there when you return.  Online shopping allows the consumer to use various means of payment as needed without the worry and embarrassment of making explanations as to why.

There are not by any means all of the advantages of shopping online but they are four of the most commonly held advantages among consumers.  If you are just beginning to shop online it is a good idea to start out with small purchases at stores that you recognize or have physical addresses you can shop at as well and come recommended by someone you know.  Once you get more comfortable with the idea of e-shopping you will gain the confidence and knowledge that will allow you to make bigger and more frequent purchases.

 

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