With the increase in the usage of smartphones and development in information technology, it’s quite evident that e-commerce has a number of advantages over traditional retail shopping. Want to buy designer clothes from the other side of the world? Access your favorite designer clothes websites on your phone or laptop. Want groceries to be quickly delivered to your doorstep? Food delivery websites or apps can do that. The power of the internet allows you to do all of this right at your fingertips.
According to research, e-commerce will make up 22% of international retail sales by 2023. Thanks to the advancement of mobile e-commerce and an overall rise in shopping trends. However, online shopping in the modern world has its own pros and cons.
Advantages of Online Shopping in the Modern World
1. Better Prices
As online merchants deal directly with you rather than the interference of a middleman, this cuts their cost and therefore lowers sale prices. In addition to this, they don’t have to hire a large number of personnel for administration work and advertisements can be done almost for free with organic search engine traffic. Also, shopping online saves you the cost of gas and parking tickets.
2. Easy to Compare Prices
With a plethora of online shops available, you can compare products’ or services’ prices from one website to another to get the best price. At times, some websites also have their discounts or amazing deals going on. You can even research the features, pros, and cons of the product or service you want to get your hands on.
3. Open Round-The-Clock
Unlike traditional retail, online shopping is available 24/7. You can shop at any time of the day or night at your convenience while the merchant doesn’t have to limit the number of orders they receive in a day.
4. Shop Beyond the Borders
Gone are the days where you would desperately look at a picture of a dress worn by a famous model and there was no easy way to get it at your doorstep. With the rise of e-commerce, no matter what gadget, appliance, or clothing it is, you can easily get it shipped to your place even if it’s on the other side of the world.
Disadvantages of Online Shopping in the Modern World
1. Shipping Problems and Delays
Whether it’s the biggest online retailer or shipping company, there’s always a risk that your order may get detoured or shipped to the wrong address which can cause a major backlog in your plans.
2. Risk of Fraud
If you don’t do your thorough research before purchasing products from an unfamiliar website, there’s a larger risk of fraud like scams, stealing credit card info, counterfeit products, hacking, phishing, etc.
3. The Product in Real May Vary
As you only get to see the picture or video of a product when finalizing your purchasing decision, there’s a chance that you may not like it when it actually arrives. For instance, the color, quality, size, or texture may slightly vary than advertised.
