Since the dot-com boom, the Internet has transformed the way we live. Offering information literally at their fingertips, online banking as an option, and allowing stay-at-home moms to earn income through telecommuting, the Internet has provided endless possibilities for its users. Among the advances of the Internet is the ability to shop online. Fast, effortless and easy online shopping has made physical stores compete for your money.
instant gratification
Since we are conditioned to want instant gratification in all aspects of our lives, we also expect our purchases to be instant. Instead of wasting time traveling, looking for parking, and finding the store you’d like to shop at before closing time, the Internet is available 24/7. You can shop at your convenience, anytime, anywhere, no matter what.
Variety is the spice of life
Online shopping allows you to browse through endless possibilities and even offers products that are not available in stores. If you are looking for a niche product that is not distributed locally, you will surely find what you are looking for on the Internet. What’s even more useful is the ability to compare items, similar or not, online. You can browse multiple stores at the same time, comparing material quality, sizes, and prices at the same time.
Plus, the Internet compiles results from thousands of resources, so you’re guaranteed a wider selection that’s more likely to have what you’re looking for. Consider what you pay for a shirt found only at your local mall. When searching for the same or a similar t-shirt online, you may be able to purchase the t-shirt directly from its manufacturer or at an outlet-type store. Online in-stock sellers often have extra sizes, so you’ll never have to scramble to find the last item in your size.
Hassle-free experience
Shopping online eliminates the need to sift through a store with potential purchases like pants, shirts, belts, and shoes all slung from one arm. Online shopping also cuts out the catchy but irritating music, as well as the hundreds, if not thousands, of other like-minded people who seem to have decided to shop on the same day.
Customer Service, Guaranteed
Say ‘goodbye’ to the days of standing in line waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more for a store associate to finally check out your items. Online shopping transactions happen instantly, saving you time to run your other errands. Plus, unlike a store, online shopping has friendly customer service representatives available 24/7 to help you locate, buy, and ship your merchandise.
Keep money in your pocket
Finding time to shop often requires cutting back on other areas of your life so you can go to the stores. And we all know that time is money. With rising gas prices, it’s obvious why shopping online is better. Not only do you have to pay for your items, you also have to pay to get there, twice. Your orders are shipped directly to your home or workplace, saving you time and money, without the need to leave your home.
In addition to saving money on gas, online stores often offer great deals on shipping rates. Signing up for memberships can include frequent emails with special discounts. While stores near you are great for trying on clothes, many online stores offer free or discounted return shipping. In fact, some stores even supply return packaging, like Victoria’s Secret and Zappos.com.
But perhaps the best advantages of shopping online are the low prices. Why pay more in stores when overstock merchandise is available for less? Look for reduced or discounted items. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, check out sites that offer free listings and auctions, like eBay.com, Amazon.com, Craigslist.org, or even freecycle.com.