So you’re in a hurry! Your “to do” list is sky high… and you don’t know which way to go.
Many retailers now have an online presence on the web, and it is an online store. This is, according to most, the way to go and many retailers would be only too happy to see this as the only way to go. Online shopping is definitely growing by leaps and bounds. In the US alone, many high street retailers have closed hundreds of locations, due entirely to online shopping.
This is where online shopping becomes a viable proposition…or is it?
The professionals
1. Save time… obviously shopping from home (or the office) is a huge time saver
2. Special Offers… Most retailers (especially grocery stores) offer special prices to online customers.
3. Reduce impulse purchases. The old maxim of buying groceries after a meal, not before, still applies, but online impulse purchases are generally on the wane.
4. Prices can be easily and quickly checked with other online retailers. (or use available software to do this for you)
5. The phenomenon of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is now spreading all over the world and it might be a great idea to get that special item at ridiculously low prices. As online shopping takes center stage, we should see coupons, deals, and more available from the online retailer.
Shipping costs can be both good and bad. It’s important to consider the cost of delivery when shopping online, especially, once again, groceries. The cost of fuel is also a factor; this of course works both ways. Before you buy anything, you should do some comparison shopping. Take a photo with your cell phone, enter the price and compare the cost of the identical item online.
The cons
1. Goods purchased online tend to be more expensive, this may not be in all cases, but the prospect of getting a discount online is clearly a no-no. This is where the comparison can make the difference. It is also good to check if there are any hidden costs.
2. You lose the opportunity to choose your own items, eg fresh vegetables and fruits, feel the texture and try on the item. Sizes may vary from store to store (Chinese sizes are well known to run very small), colors may not be exactly as pictured, and of course you cannot try on the item.
3. In most cases, the more you buy, the cheaper the shipping cost, but in all probability you will have to visit the supermarket quite often for fresh produce, bread, milk, etc. This, of course, raises the question of impulse buying and the cost of the trip.
4. Time is also a factor, how long does it take to receive a delivery?
Of course, there are now thousands and thousands of online shopping sites on the world wide web. What’s interesting is the wide range of prices for what “seems” to be the same item plus of course “shipping” which is in fine print (it seems the more the retailer charges for shipping, the smaller the print). ) or “free” shipping… really!!
This article is not a definitive work on all the good and bad things about online shopping, it is designed to make you think. Now you’re probably confused, but it all comes down to:
A. cost savings
b. Save time
If you are one of the very lucky ones and can achieve both, you have it done. For other mortal mothers, it will be necessary to compromise, but as this phenomenon is on the rise, we have very little choice but to eventually go with the flow.
Good luck.