From plane tickets to smartphones to food, there’s nothing you can’t buy online. While online shopping is mostly fun, affordable, and convenient, it also has several drawbacks. Privacy concerns, delayed deliveries, and lack of a dedicated sales executive are some disadvantages of online shopping. Below, we’ve listed the pros and cons of online shopping.
Pros of Online Shopping
24×7 Availability
Online shopping websites are available at all times during the day and night, unlike brick-and-mortar stores which have set hours. This is particularly helpful for parents with young children or anyone who works during the day. It’s also great in bad weather.
Competitive Prices
When you go to a store, you must accept the price on the label. In online shopping, you can compare prices from many different sellers.
Consumer Reviews
Consumer reviews for almost every product are readily available online. This allows you to make wise decisions. If you’re unsure whether to buy something, read customer reviews before deciding.
Discounts
Online stores often insist customers sign up for their newsletters. These newsletters are a good way to stay up-to-date on the latest deals and discounts. They also share coupon codes to attract new and returning customers.
Cons of Online Shopping
Can’t Touch or Feel a Product
You can’t feel the fabric, see how it fits on your body, or understand how it’s made when purchasing clothes online. This can be challenging if you don’t know your measurements or are unfamiliar with the brand. For this reason, the majority of online retailers make returns simple. Many clothing websites also provide accurate sizing and fabric information.
Delivery Time
Few online retailers offer same-day delivery, and none provide the immediate take-home benefit of a physical store. When you shop from a physical store, you get to take the product home immediately. Some online retailers even take weeks to fulfill an order.
Shipping Costs
Online shopping often comes with added shipping costs. You may spend the same amount or even more on shipping, depending on your purchase. Shopping in-store has no shipping costs.
Privacy
Privacy and security are two major concerns in online shopping. Customers’ payment information can get stolen from the website and used for unauthorized transactions. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether an online store is legitimate.
