With the advent of technology and advances in internet
browsing, shopping has taken on a new meaning. Social media, like Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, and the now defunct Multiply, has become the new “shopping mall”.
Websites such as Lazada.com, Amazon.com, and eBay.com also
offer a wide range of items from wholesale jackets, clothes, shoes, and accessories to kitchen wares, gadgets, and a
whole lot more. For those who are new to the online shopping arena, here are
the pros and cons to help you get acquainted:
Pros
Affordability
Items sold online are generally cheaper than in physical
stores. This is due to the absence of overhead expenses like rent, utility
bills, taxes, and salary expenses. Second-hand items, commonly called pre-loved
items, which are good as new are commonly sold at a cheaper price. You can even
haggle with the sellers for a better deal. Some online stores also offer free
shipping and discounts for bulk orders.
Convenience
Shopping in the comforts of your own home is also one of the
best perks of online shopping. It gives you the opportunity to browse through
items here and abroad with just a click of a button. All you need to do is to
open the website, type in a few keywords, and in just minutes, you are given a
wide variety of choices. You do not need to get dressed, beat the traffic, and
wait in long lines only to buy a single item. Without the constraints of time,
you can do your shopping anytime.
Cons
Fraud
Scammers are rampant everywhere, and virtual shopping malls
are not exempted. In order to avoid getting scammed, always be on your guard
for too-good-to-be-true offers. These are usually scams, unless they are
offered by legitimate sellers and websites. Check for feedback stars, customer
reviews, and proof of shipping to ensure legitimacy. Choose payment methods
that require authentic identification proofs like bank deposits and Paypal.
Instances when pictures can be deceiving are not uncommon. There may be hidden
flaws and measurements are not exact, especially for clothes and shoes.
Return Policy
Returning items can be a real hassle when shopping online.
Although this does not happen often, it does not discount the fact that
returning items bought online can be difficult for the buyer, not to mention
the additional cost for shipping.
Shopping has always been fun and exciting, and online
shopping has upped the game. Be sure to verify the seller’s identity and you
are good to go. Happy shopping!
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