The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

E-commerce was relatively insignificant about two decades ago, but now it’s thriving beyond expectations. The trend of online stores is rapidly growing; today you can purchase almost everything through an app or website with a few clicks. I think online shopping perfectly suits our fast-paced lives and busy schedules, but does it beat the conventional shopping experience?

I don’t see online storefronts entirely replacing physical shops, as most of us enjoy a mix of online and offline shopping. Nonetheless, I cannot deny that being able to browse and shop remotely has unmatched advantages.

Whether I need a new dress or fresh groceries for the week, my smartphone and ATT Bundle can make it happen in no time. As long as my phone is charged and has internet access, I don’t have to bother with the time or place to make a purchase.

Even though shopping online always gives me the addictive dopamine rush, I cannot overlook the bad experiences that sometimes follow through. I’d like to share the pros and cons of online shopping, so you can learn from my mistakes and avoid disappointing scenarios:

Pros

Time-Saving

I hardly notice the weekend come and go; it’s tough to make time to visit the mall when you’ve got a million chores lined up for the end of the week. Driving to the marketplace, finding a parking space, and manually browsing a dozen shops to find something you like is very time-consuming and exhausting.

When you’re shopping online, you can do it from the comfort of your home while you rest and enjoy a late afternoon snack. You don’t have to spend the whole day navigating through the crowds in physical markets and the traffic on roads during commute.

So Much Variety

Online shoppers can order anything from all over the world, so the options are unlimited.

The biggest online shopping platforms have infinite categories to browse, so you can get everything in one place. You can also add filters to quickly and precisely find what you need, which is never the case with traditional shopping.

No Awkward Interactions

When browsing through the physical store, if you feel annoyed by the salesperson lingering nearby, online shopping can save you from those awkward interactions.

There’s no one to pressure you into buying stuff or offer help when you obviously don’t need it. You can easily look up stuff by typing in keywords rather than asking an actual person for assistance – it’s a blessing for an introvert like myself.

Cost-Effective

Stuff you order online usually costs less because remote vendors do not have to bear the expenses of managing a physical shop. Moreover, if you order multiple items from a local online platform, you’re often eligible for free home delivery as well.

Quick Comparisons

It only takes a few minutes when you’re comparing products and pricing on different e-commerce sites. You also get access to user reviews for all kinds of items, which helps you determine if the product provides good value for your money.

App Notifications

If an item you wanted is out of stock, you can count on the shopping app to notify you when it’s available again. In addition, online e-commerce platforms regularly inform users of seasonal promotions, special discounts, and exclusive deals that match their interests.

Ultimate Convenience

When you’re shopping online, there’s no limit to how many items you add to your cart; you can leave them there for days and be under no obligation to complete the purchase. You can avoid various hassles associated with conventional shopping, such as commuting, limited payment options, lack of diversity, carrying shopping bags, etc.

Cons

No Physical Inspection

You cannot touch, smell, or try on stuff you buy online. You have to rely on visuals and text provided in the published catalogs. This can be a problem when buying perfume, certain types of clothes, shoes, and other stuff. There’s always the risk of getting the wrong size or not liking the texture of the product in person.

Delayed Deliveries

When you buy something from a physical shop, you can use it or bring it home immediately. Stuff bought online may take hours, days, or even weeks to reach you. Things you buy from a nearby local store may get to you the same day or the next, but things ordered from afar or overseas take a long time.

Shipping and Return Issues

Things you order from overseas can be subject to high shipping costs, especially if you want them to be delivered urgently. In case you receive a wrong or defective item, returning it may incur additional costs, and processing of refunds takes forever.

Scams

Many online storefronts are scammers who take your money and never send over the requested product. Some of them promise one thing and then deliver something entirely different. In these situations, it is almost possible to trace the location of the fraudulent seller and claim your money back.

More Impulse Purchases

When you’re browsing pretty stuff online, you’re compelled to make impulse purchases. You are exposed to a vast collection of attractive items in a short time, and it’s hard to resist buying at least a few. If this turns into a habit, you’ll exceed your credit card limit within the first week of the month (Yikes!).

The Verdict

Online shopping is a great alternative for people who cannot go to physical marketplaces due to a shortage of time, health issues, and social reservations. It is convenient and rewarding in many aspects, which is why many people prefer it to traditional shopping rituals. Even so, online shopping has certain downsides that are absent when shopping from physical stores.