Through the use of a web browser or a mobile app, consumers can directly purchase goods or services from sellers via the Internet through online shopping. Customers can find a product of interest by going to the retailer’s website directly or by utilizing a shopping search engine to look up alternative vendors. Shopping search engines show the availability and price of the same goods at several e-retailers. By 2020, customers will be able to shop online utilizing a variety of computers and gadgets, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Business-to-consumer (B2C) online shopping is the act of purchasing goods or services from an online store in a manner physically similar to visiting a traditional “bricks-and-mortar” store or shopping mall. Business-to-business (B2B) online purchasing is the process of setting up an online store to allow businesses to purchase from other businesses. A typical online store enables the customer to browse the selection of goods and services offered by the business, view pictures or images of the goods, and access details such as prices, features, and specifications.
ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE SHOPING:
No pressure shopping
Salespeople typically try to persuade customers to purchase products in physical stores. When shopping online, you have complete freedom.
Online shopping saves time
Customers do not need to wait in line at cash registers to pay for the goods they have purchased. They do not have to spend time travelling because they can shop from their home or place of employment.
Comparisons
Online, there is a huge selection of goods. The vendors put everything on display. This gives customers the option to compare the features, finishes, and prices of the products on display before selecting from a variety of models.
Availability
The mall is open 365 days a year, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Therefore, wherever the vendor and purchasers are, time does not provide a barrier.
Online tracking
Online shoppers have access to order status and delivery status tracking for shipments.
DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE SHOPING:
The main factor behind e-commerce’s success is its usability. Even though there are quick and simple ways to buy things online, some people prefer to use technology sparingly. Others worry about developing an addiction to online shopping. The following are the main drawbacks of online shopping.
Delay in delivery
Shipment delays are caused by prolonged periods and improper inventory management. A product can be chosen, purchased, and paid for online in as little as 15 minutes, yet it can take up to three weeks to arrive at the customer’s door.
Lack of significant discounts in online shops
Physical stores assert that they offer significant discounts compared to online stores; this presents a major challenge for the older generation.
Missing the shopping experience
The showroom ambiance, knowledgeable salespeople, smells, and noises that can’t be experienced through a website make conventional shopping a lot of fun. Indians typically like to shop. Customers anticipate it as an opportunity to go shopping.
Frauds in online shopping
From time to time, the shopping site itself vanishes. Online payments are also not very secure in addition to the aforementioned. Customers’ credit card and bank information has been exploited, which raises privacy concerns. Cybercrime rates have been rising.
