Online shopping is a time-saving thing. I call it a godsend. Imagine, the effort that involves reaching the market. For many like me, physical shopping is no less than an over-deal. With it, you have the liberty to browse the long list while resting at your place. A mere tap or click brings everything to your doorstep. The trend is on the rise after the pandemic. Having said that, easier options can have loop sides. Similarly, it has pros and cons. Let’s talk about how online shopping has proved a mixed blessing.
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Hassle-Free
We all seem to agree that it is hassle-free. It cuts down all the additional expenses that involve physical shopping i.e. transportation. You are ordering your desired stuff while sitting in front of your laptop, mobile, or computer, and things get delivered to your doorway in said time. See! How convenient it is. You did not have to take your car out. You did not pay the parking fee and you did not wait in the long queue to make a purchase.
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Variety of Products
There was a time when online shopping was limited to clothes only. Now, with the rise of online shopping trends, a variety of products are available. You just name it and it is available online at the price you need. Either buy a kg potato or a nice suit from a reputed brand. Did you realize how much energy you have saved from not hopping from one shop to another?
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Reliable
Last week, I bought a few medicines from an online drugstore. Here I realize that earlier people were not relying on online means for a few things like gadgets, medicines, and vehicles. Now, many companies or platforms are reliable for such purchases. With the growing reliability, people are purchasing vehicles and expensive gadgets from trust-worthy brands without any risks involved.
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International Shipping
Another great advantage associated with shopping, it is not limited to your own country. International brands are as accessible to you as your local brands. Today, almost every brand is offering international shipping to its buyers. With some extra shipping charges, products will be at your doorstep. Happy Online Shopping!!
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Authenticity
Do you agree that electronic shopping is more authentic than physical shopping? I have an answer to it. When we visit any brand website, it asks us to review its product. This facility is not available while shopping physically. Through reviews and ratings, you can have safe online shopping. With physical shopping, you hardly get to know what people think about that particular brand.
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No Closing Time
Online shopping is 24/7. There is no opening or closing time. Feel free to make purchases even at 3 am. Whereas, physical shopping strictly adheres to time. No matter how urgent that thing is for you, you cannot get that shop open. Am I right?
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Special Discounts or Deals
Many online shopping brands and platforms keep offering discounts to their regular buyers due to competition. Every vendor desires to rush ahead in sales. Buy one get one free and up to certain percent discounts are some of the money-spinning offers. Once your data is saved with them, you will be notified about available discounts and deals frequently. In my view, most buyers wait for discounts and deals on products that are not affordable at regular prices.
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Multiple Payment Methods
Like physical shopping, online shopping also offers multiple payment methods. The payment method is not limited to the “cash on delivery” system. Payments through banks, debit, and credit cards are also acceptable.
Now coming to the drawbacks of online shopping. All the glitters are not gold. Even it is not free from disadvantages. What are those? Let’s discuss it here.
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Fraud Involve
The biggest disadvantage of it is the risk of being trapped by scammers or hackers. Especially when your bank details are available online.
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Quality Compromise
Online shopping does not allow buyers to check the quality of the product. Ordering something and receiving something is very common in the online shopping world. So be careful and make purchases from reliable brands. Do not forget to give reviews and ratings. This way you can help many people out there not being cheated.
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Socially Isolate
Vividly remember the time, when people used to go shopping together. Families move from one shop to another, checking the quality and buying what best suits them. Now, it has come down to individuals shopping through their laptops and mobile phone. The idea of spending family time together has been lost due to online shopping. Do you agree?
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Extravagant
What do you expect from someone who has everything under his or her access? Impractical purchases can be heavy on your budget. Do not be reckless. Be thoughtful while making purchases. Online vendors and platforms are there to flatter you with their lucrative discounts. Set a limit to your online shopping and stick to it.
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Expensive
Do you know, online shopping can be expensive due to many reasons? It involves hidden taxes and delivery charges. Even though, many online retailers offer free shipping but that is after spending a certain amount which we tend to miss in excitement.
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Longer Waiting Time
Online shopping has a long waiting time, unlike physical shopping. It compels you to wait days, weeks, or even longer for your order to arrive. If you’re in a time crisis and need a product right away, such as a gift, online shopping is not a better option.
Conclusion:
The future of online shopping is brighter. With no geographical limits, it is accessible and convenient. Online shopping work as dopamine for many of us. But this temporary pleasure can lead us to impulsive shopping. So before ordering any product, ask yourself that do you really need it or if it will be left unused like many before. You will be amazed to know that psychologists suggest that pay your online bill in cash than by debit or credit card. Paying in cash will help you to spend less. Plan a budget and guide your money on where to go. Have a guilt-free shopping!!
