It is only fairly recently that online shopping has really taken hold of us as consumers. Today brands make it so easy for people to make a purchase on the internet and have their products delivered directly to their front door. Many companies now offer free shipping or online-only deals in the hope of enticing shoppers to their eCommerce stores. Despite the convenience of being able to sit in their own home and make a purchase in a few clicks, many people still prefer shopping in a physical store.Love Shopping provides us with some more detailed statistics about consumer shift, and how more and more people are making the transition from high street shopping to online. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of both online and offline shopping, so you can come to your own decision about which is best.
Shopping in Store
Pros-
You are able to speak to a real human in real time to get advice about the products that you are buying. Sometimes you are able to secure a discount on discontinued or floor models.
Many people really enjoy shopping and use it as a form of social activity with friends or family. When combined with a meal or coffee it can be a fun day out.
You can actually see and feel the product first hand and know exactly what it is you are getting before you make the purchase.
If you need an item quickly, you can walk away with it there and then.
Cons-
It takes time and money to go shopping. You have to actually travel somewhere and usually, these means paying for travel or parking.
When shopping in a store there is a good chance you will come away with many unplanned products, meaning it can be a very expensive trip if you are not careful.
There is a very good chance that when you go to the shop they might not have the size, colour or even product that you are after making it a wasted trip.
Shopping Online
Pros-
Shopping online is extremely convenient. No matter where you are you are able to pull out your smartphone and make a purchase. If you know exactly what it is you want, this can be done in a matter of seconds.
You can look at several different stores quickly, which makes comparison shopping easy. This way you can always be sure that you are getting the very best deal possible.
You are much less likely to make an impulse buy when shopping online. Usually, consumers know exactly what it is they are looking for and will go directly to that product.
Cons-
If you only want one product or need products from different stores, then shipping can add up to be seriously expensive.
Although people think that online shopping is quick, it can end up being very time consuming due to the sheer amount of choice that is out there.
Once you have made a purchase online, that store will then have your email address, therefore don’t be surprised when the marketing emails start to come flooding in.
