Physical Shopping
Pros
_Getting a real feeling of an item
When holding the desired product in our own hands, it is easier to evaluate the quality, sustainability and it will help avoiding future disappointment (for example an out of date, damaged or broken item).
_Decision making
Making the decision of buying the item becomes easier. We can only know if we really want an item by owning it or holding it. You can always change your mind and leave the item on the side before checking out.
_Fit as expected
Trying an item such as clothing is very convenient, you want to make sure it fits you perfectly and looks good on you. You want to buy something that meet your expectations.
_Useful suggestions
Being exposed visually to several good can help you figure out what you might be needing. It will help you realising that an current need has not been fulfilled yet.
_Staff available on site to give extra information
It is not the case in all the stores but most of the time, someone is available to advise you.
Cons
_Queuing at the till
Who likes waiting at the till for half an hour just to buy a bottle of milk ?
It is really frustating, upsetting and can get you in a very bad mood for the day.
_No buyers feedbacks
When you buy something physically for the first time, you do not really know if the product is good, you got to purchase it first and then make your own opinion up. If you are thinking that a staff member could genuinely help you, you are wrong, they are here to sell and not to put you off.
_Over-crowded places
Imagine going for your grocery shopping on Saturday afternoon. I personally had horrible experiences in busy times, especially during sales. A bunch of people stuck in a place like salmons, no thanks, this is not for me.
As most people work at the same hours, it is even more likely that they go shopping at the same time.
_Hard time finding what you are looking for
The store is huge and your feet already hurt but your shopping list is not over and you got to find healthcare products and you can never seem to find them. Don't come back home without it or Madam will kill you !
_Carrying heavy bags
Once your shopping is over, you got 5 bags to carry until your home, it might help lose the couple of kilograms you were hoping to lose last month. It is not really nice to lift heavy bags and struggle with them in front of lots of people.
_Transportation or parking fees
You got to get to the store either by car, taxi, bus or metro. You need to pay for petrol, parking or for a bus fare. Those are small extra expenses that you need to take into consideration as it is coming out of your budget.
_Opening Hours
There is nothing more annoying than a store closing down when you literally just finished work. Unfortunately it still happens in 2016 and there is nothing you can do.
Online Shopping
Pros
_Easy to find what you are looking for
In most website, there is a search bar that allows you to enter any keywords. Recommendations matching your current research are also available on the side of the page to help you finding your desired item.
_Competitive pricing
Most of the time, shopping online ends up being cheaper as stores do not have the same fees as physical stores which allow them to drop the prices. It is pretty simple to switch to a different website to look for a better deal if you are not satisfied with your current research.
_Delivery to your home
There is nothing better than ordering an item on Monday morning and get it delivered to your door on Wesdnesday. Courrier companies are really quick nowadays and it is effortless for the buyer.
_Keeping the costs low
Only a computer and Internet connection are required (obviously a bank card as well) as most websites are free to use.
_24/7 Shopping
With online shopping, you do not need to worry about opening hours, a website never shuts down (except when they do those annoying maintenance). You can shop anytime of the day with no inconvenience.
_Buyers Feedbacks
Another great add on to online platforms are reviews; Most websites nowadays have integrated a "Feedback" section on their products which allow buyers to leave their feedback of a product previously purchased. It is very useful as it can prevent 85% of future problems.
_Online Chat
Online platforms are equipped with a Web Chat that operates at least 8 hours a day. This way you can get assistance and speak to a private customer service advisor that can help you with any enquiries you may have.
_FAQ / Troubleshooting
Most online interfaces have integrated on their website on Troubleshooting or FAQ section that help solving over 80% of common problems without having to speak to an advisor. Once you know where to search, you can usually find your answer within a few minutes.
_Newsletter
Being in a newsletter list has as well positive points such as being informed first when a sale or clearance is currently on in your favorite store. It can really help you saving a couple of hundreds for that super advanced laptop you have been planning to buy for 6 months.
Cons
_Description issue
The item received is not as described or does not meet your expectations. You are disappointed as you imagined your hoover much lighter than it actually is and it seems to be very flimsy.
_Damaged, broken or lost
It is inevitable but some items will eventually break in the post or you will never received them.
Everybody has had a single bad experience but it is not what should keep us away from online shopping.
I have personally noticed that items lost in transit are much more rare than what it was used to be.
_Long deliveries
Sometimes it is really hard to wait for your item and bad weather, strikes do not help at all. Most of the time, next day delivery is available at an extra cost but delays in deliveries can occur and there is not much we can do except waiting really.
_Calling card
What is more frustating than waiting the whole day at home for a delivery and find out a calling card has been left in your post. Yeah, I can hear what you are thinking; Drivers do sometimes get lost and human mistakes are a part of life.
_Security
Buying online could be a great experience but can also turn out to be a terrible one. Beware of dodgy websites with no "Https" or "Padlock sign" displayed, they are most likely to steal your information. Do not use any payment methods that you do not feel comfortable with.
If the website does not inspire you trust, then shop somewhere else.
I hope I have clearly explained myself about this topic, I am personally an Online Shopper and nothing in the world will change my mind. I guess I like being sat on a chair and being able to browse an entire shop in 10 minutes. I generally feel tired as soon as I get in Asda for example, it must be a psychological condition.
This is it for this article, I hope you did enjoy it. If so, please hit the like button, share it with your contacts. You can as well like our Facebook page for more exciting articles, the like button is situated on the top right of the page.
Thank you for reading !
Take care.
Joseph
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