In my previous article, I took a look at the many advantages of doing your shopping on the internet. However, there are downsides to such an approach too. So with that in mind, i take a look at the disadvantages of shopping online.
You Do Not Choose Items Yourself
Think of supermarket best before dates and you begin to get the idea of how physical shopping can be advantageous. If you do your grocery shop online right now, as millions are doing, then you get what you are given basically. The supermarket pickers choose your items, and they might have a shorter shelf life than you hoped for. What’s more, supermarkets often make substitutions if the item you bought is not available. When you go shopping yourself, stock levels are generally excellent and you get to examine fresh produce before purchasing.
A Photo Can Be Deceptive
Similar to the previous point, there is no better judge of quality than your own eyes whilst holding an item. Or if it an item of clothing, trying it on. You lose this with online shopping, and if the item is not suitable or up to spec, then you have to go through the tedious process of returning the item (possibly at extra cost to you) then waiting for a refund. Obviously people also return items bought in person, but it is less likely as you get to examine the item in full.
Disadvantages Of Shopping Online – Loss Of The Personal Touch
Quite simply, we should never underestimate the impact and positive effect of social interaction and conversing with shopkeepers in person. Think about going into a local greengrocers or butchers and discussing your life and what food you want. You lose all that online, the sense of community, as it is all impersonal. What’s more, a move to online shopping along with the rise of supermarkets can have a devastating effect on local shops, and many have had to close for business. We should always look to support local businesses when we can, whether online or in person.
Delivery Charges
Perhaps this is offset by not having transport costs instead, but most online shopping has to be delivered and that costs – the only exception being if you decide to “click and collect”. Often charges can be avoided if you order over a certain amount, but this can often lead to people ordering things they neither wanted nor needed just to avoid the charge.
Disadvantages Of Shopping Online – Speed Of Possession
If i want a computer, i could go in a shop today and buy one and be using it the same day. This is not true of virtually all online purchases. You have to wait for items to arrive, and this could be days, weeks or months. There are services available that can get you items the same day, but these tend to come at extra cost.
Disadvantages Of Shopping Online – Unknown Seller Credentials
If I go into a shop, i know what i am getting from what is on display. The online shopping experience is a labyrinth of millions of sellers, most of them unrecognisable to you. Do you really know who you are buying off? Can they be trusted? Ratings help, but they still don;t give you the assurances that physical shopping gives.
