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Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

6 Benefits and Drawbacks to Keep in Mind When You Shop Online

Pros of Online Shopping

Cons of online shopping, how to make the most of online shopping, money-saving tips for online shopping, frequently asked questions (faqs).

The Balance / Jiaqi Zhou

Online shopping is more popular today than ever before. U.S. businesses pulled in a record $285.2 billion from retail e-commerce sales in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For comparison, retail e-commerce sales were $69.2 billion in the same period one decade prior.

Due in part to new and growing technology, online shopping has become incredibly easy and convenient. It also offers a greater selection than one storefront, opening the doors to products and services that may not be available at a nearby brick-and-mortar store .

While online shopping comes with several benefits, there are drawbacks to know about, too. Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons of shopping online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online shopping is convenient and offers a variety of products you may not be able to find at your local stores.
  • It's easier to comparison shop online, where you can access prices, reviews, and product details with a click.
  • When you shop online, you need to wait for your product to be delivered to you, and you might spend more than you would if you went to a brick-and-mortar store.
  • There's also a risk of fraud when you shop online. You can combat this by choosing trusted stores and paying with a card that offers fraud protection.

Convenience

Greater selection

Easy access to information

Can be more expensive

Increases risk of fraud

Leads to longer wait times

Using your computer or another digital device for your shopping needs can be convenient, offer more options, and provide insight you might not find in person at a store.

The greatest benefit of online shopping is its convenience. Through the digital space, you can buy almost anything you want from the comfort of your own home. Since online stores are open 24/7 and accessible from anywhere with internet access, it's easy to fit online shopping into your life no matter how busy you are. You don't have to plan your purchases based on when a brick-and-mortar store is open and available to serve you.

Greater Selection

Because products online live within the digital space, online retailers are not restricted to shelves and often have more inventory on hand with a wider selection of products. Also, online shopping gives you the chance to buy anything from any retailer, no matter where you're located. If you're in the market for a new lamp, for example, you'll have more options available to you than you would if you only shopped at stores in your local area.

Easy Access to Information

When shopping online, you will often find more details about a business's products than you would get in physical stores. Instead of speaking to one or two sales associates in person, you can peruse product descriptions, recommendations of similar products, and reviews from other shoppers online that may help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Online retailers also tend to have membership options, typically via email or newsletters, that give shoppers early access to sales, seasonal releases , and other events. This way, you can be one of the first to know of offerings from your favorite brands.

Shopping for items online can also have its pitfalls, including hidden price mark-ups, an increased risk of fraud, and the inability to use or wear the item you purchased right away.

Can Be More Expensive

Online purchases can cost you more for several reasons. Even though many major online retailers offer free shipping, they generally require you to meet a minimum to qualify for it. In addition, online retailers may use several strategies to encourage you to buy more items or more expensive items than if you were shopping in person.

Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to pay an internet sales tax , too. In Texas, for example, you may have to pay a tax on out-of-state purchases delivered into Texas or purchases made from online-only sellers.

Many online retailers take part in digital tactics to convince shoppers to make more purchases, often considered impulse buys . Some include using "limited-time" sale pop-ups that reset every time users reload the page, fake customer testimonials, or messages that promote higher-cost items.

Increases Risk of Fraud

Unfortunately, online shopping scams do exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), online shopping is among the most common fraud category for consumers. Some scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers with fake websites or create fake ads on real sites.

Always pay by credit card rather than a debit card, as you can easily report fraud to your credit card company. Also, it is best to avoid online sellers that only accept payment via money transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers may encourage you to pay through these methods so they can access your money faster.

Leads to Longer Wait Times

When you shop at a brick-and-mortar store, you can generally walk away with the product you bought and use or wear it right away. Online shopping forces you to wait days, weeks, or even longer for your order to arrive. If you're in a time crunch and need a product right away, such as a gift, going to an in-person shop may be a better option for you.

These tips can allow you to enhance your online shopping experience.

Know Which Products to Buy Online

Some items are better to buy online than others because you can find countless consumer reviews, discounts, or other deals pertaining to them. For items you regularly use (such as a laptop, phone charger, luggage, or textbook), the internet may be the best place to compare offers. For things you require to have long-lasting value (like a car) or must get right away (such as groceries), shopping in person may be best.

Additionally, if there's a brand you trust or are familiar with, it may be best to bypass third-party sellers and purchase directly from their website in order to avoid potential counterfeit products or unauthorized resellers.

Read Reviews

Before you check out, read reviews on the retailer's website as well as third-party sites like Google and Facebook. This can help you find out if the retailer is legitimate and whether there may be any potential issues with the product you're about to invest in. Reviews are beneficial for small businesses , too. Ninety-seven percent of consumers read online reviews of local businesses, according to marketing consultancy BrightLocal.

Some companies have more nuanced review options than others. Clothing rental service Nuuly, for example, lets customers add photos of themselves wearing products with written reviews, enabling future customers to make empowered, smart purchasing decisions.

Examine Product Details

If you’re interested in a product, read its description. Make sure you know what it’s made out of, whether it comes with a warranty, what sizes are available, and so on. By doing so, you can avoid unwanted surprises that cost you time, money, and headaches when the product arrives.

There are many ways to save some money while making online purchases. Consider these tips to improve your online shopping experience.

Comparison Shop

If you have a specific product in mind, it's in your best interest to comparison shop, similar to how you would when looking for life insurance. Look at various online stores that offer what you want. Then, compare prices so you can find the best deal.

As you comparison shop, read product descriptions very closely. The FTC recommends looking out for words like "refurbished" or "vintage," as this could mean a product will arrive at your door in less-than-perfect condition.

Follow Online Retailers on Social Media

Online retailers often promote their sales and discounted items on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. If you follow some of your favorite companies on social media, you may be one of the first to see and purchase the latest offers.

Use Money-Saving Apps or Plug-ins

There is no shortage of apps or plug-ins that allow you to save money online without the hassle. Some examples are Honey, Swagbucks, Capital One Shopping, and Rakuten. You can also look for coupon codes online on sites like RetailMeNot.com and Coupons.com.

How do you get your money back from an online purchase?

This process varies by retailer. Some may automatically refund your money when you report a problem with your purchase; others may require you to return the product first. You may not be able to get your money back at all, especially if it's after the retailer's return window. If you're buying something that may not work for you, like clothing, check the retailer's refund policy before you buy.

How has the internet changed shopping?

The internet has completely changed the shopping experience. People have access to products from around the globe. Payments are instant, and recommendations are tailored to your shopping and browsing habits. Brick-and-mortar retailers have had to respond by launching websites and improving their in-person customer experience.

U.S. Census Bureau. " Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales ," Page 1.

U.S. Census Bureau. " Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 4th Quarter 2013 ," Page 2.

Texas Comptroller's Office. " Taxes: Online Orders - Texas Purchasers and Sellers ."

University of Michigan. " Impulse Buying: Design Practices and Consumer Needs ," Pages 6, 9, and 11.

Federal Trade Commission. " Consumer Sentinel Network ," Page 8.

BrightLocal. " Local Consumer Review Survey ."

Nuuly. " Forget Me Not Mini Dress ."

Federal Trade Commission. " Online Shopping ," See "Comparison Shopping."

pros and cons of online shopping essay

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Essay on Online Shopping

Students are often asked to write an essay on Online Shopping in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Online Shopping

Introduction to online shopping.

Online shopping is a popular way to buy goods and services. It involves using the internet to visit websites of stores and buying items digitally.

Benefits of Online Shopping

Online shopping has many advantages. It’s convenient, as you can shop anytime, anywhere. It also offers a wider variety of products than physical stores.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Despite its benefits, online shopping has downsides. There’s the risk of fraud, and you can’t physically check the product before buying.

Online shopping is a significant part of our lives. It’s important to be aware of its pros and cons to shop wisely.

250 Words Essay on Online Shopping

Introduction.

Online shopping, a digital revolution, has transformed the traditional shopping experience. It provides a platform where consumers can purchase goods and services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating geographical boundaries.

Convenience and Variety

One of the primary advantages of online shopping is the convenience it offers. Consumers can shop at any time, from anywhere, without the need to queue in stores. Additionally, it provides a wide variety of products, from electronics to groceries, all under one digital roof.

Price Comparison and Reviews

Online shopping platforms allow consumers to compare prices and read product reviews before making a purchase. This transparency fosters informed decision-making, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction.

Economic and Environmental Impact

E-commerce has significant economic implications. It has created a global marketplace, boosting competition, and driving down prices. However, it also poses challenges to small, local businesses. Environmentally, while it reduces the carbon footprint associated with physical shopping trips, it increases packaging waste and carbon emissions from delivery vehicles.

Security Concerns

Despite its numerous benefits, online shopping is not without risks. Cybersecurity threats, such as identity theft and fraud, are significant concerns. Therefore, it’s crucial for consumers to shop on secure websites and avoid sharing sensitive information.

In conclusion, online shopping has revolutionized the retail landscape, offering convenience, variety, and transparency. However, consumers must be vigilant about cybersecurity threats. As the digital age progresses, it’s crucial to find a balance between the convenience of online shopping and its economic, environmental, and security implications.

500 Words Essay on Online Shopping

Online shopping, a term synonymous with the digital age, has revolutionized the way consumers interact with the marketplace. It denotes the act of purchasing products or services over the Internet, a practice that has seen exponential growth due to technological advancements and changing consumer behavior.

The Evolution of Online Shopping

The genesis of online shopping can be traced back to the 1990s with the advent of the World Wide Web. The first secure retail transaction over the Web was either by NetMarket or Internet Shopping Network in 1994. Today, it has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with companies like Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay leading the charge. This evolution has been catalyzed by the proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet access, making online shopping a convenient and time-saving activity.

Advantages of Online Shopping

Online shopping offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides consumers with a wider range of products than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This is because online stores are not limited by physical space, allowing them to offer a more diverse selection of goods.

Lastly, online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. Consumers can shop from the comfort of their homes at any time, thus eliminating the need to travel, saving both time and energy.

Challenges of Online Shopping

Despite its numerous advantages, online shopping is not without its challenges. The most significant of these is the lack of physical interaction with the product before purchase. This can lead to dissatisfaction if the product does not meet the consumer’s expectations upon delivery.

The Future of Online Shopping

The future of online shopping looks promising, with advancements in technology poised to further enhance the online shopping experience. For instance, augmented reality (AR) is expected to play a significant role in online shopping, allowing consumers to virtually try on products before purchasing them.

Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) will enable more personalized shopping experiences. AI can analyze consumers’ shopping habits and preferences to provide tailored product recommendations.

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Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

In a world full of technologies, nothing is left from the impact of digitalization. With the emergence of the internet, everyone is going digital. Now we have power in our hands. We can book movie tickets online, we can pay bills online, we can book vehicle tickets online and even we can order food online. When everything can be done through mobile then why not shopping? Yes, you can shop for anything from your mobile phone.

Essay on Online Shopping

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping Essay in English

Here, I’m providing short and long essays on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping. This topic will be useful for students and everyone who is still confused with this mode of shopping.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Online shopping is when you buy a product or service over the internet.

2) Online shopping allows you to purchase goods anytime, whether it is day or night.

3) In online shopping, your item is delivered at home without going anywhere.

4) Goods purchased online are cheaper than those available in the offline markets.

5) In online shopping, customers are loaded with a variety of options and offers.

6) Online shopping is more prone to cybercrimes.

7) It has a higher chance of receiving damaged or unwanted products.

8) Online shopping sometimes does not provide full customer satisfaction.

9) Quick delivery of products is not possible while shopping online.

10) Online shopping is not meant for people who do not have smartphones.

Short Essay on Pros and Cons of Online Shopping (200 – 250 Words)

Online shopping, sometimes also referred to as e-shopping is a modern technique of buying products by making use of the internet. A wide variety of things are available in the online market. You can easily purchase them with the help of your mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.

Online markets are blessings for working people who follow busy schedules. People who do not want to waste time by going to the markets; they can easily buy products online. You can sit on the sofa while making any purchase. However, online shopping does not restrict you with their timings. They are open all the time on all the days of the week. All you need to do is a few clicks on your mobile phone and the product is at your home.

But it can raise several security related issues. Doing payment online requires more attention and care. Because of this reason, many people set their foot back from online shopping. Online shopping sometimes disappoints you by delivering wrong or damaged products. In fact, the long wait for product delivery is not suitable for urgently required items. While shopping online, many sites apply delivery charges on the products; hence you need to pay an extra amount. Online shopping is not suitable for the purchase of many products as you cannot check the actual quality of the product. Seeing only pictures is sometimes not sufficient to make choices.

Long Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping (500 – 600 Words)

Introduction

Earlier people used to go to distant markets to buy necessary things. There was no other available option for shopping. But now with the changing time, we have changed our method of buying things. Nowadays, people have the option to choose whether they want to go to the market or the product will get delivered to their doorstep. Yes, this can be possible when you shop online.

Making use of the internet to buy products is called online shopping. In online shopping, we can shop anything by picking them from the virtual online stores and ordering them at our address. It is a simple and convenient mode of shopping.

Online Shopping: Brief History

After the emergence of smartphones and internet technology, online shopping came into existence. Initially, it was designed to promote and advertise the products of the companies. Later, it was made possible to exchange goods using the internet. In 1994, the first secure shopping channel was established. Flowers, wines, and chocolates were the initial products that were sold online. Later the online market flourished and wide varieties of products were made available.

In 1995, Amazon and eBay established its site for online shopping followed by Alibaba in 2003. Soon after, many other online shopping sites have made their place in the market.

Advantages/ Benefits of Online Shopping

Online shopping offers huge advantages to their customers. The dependency of people on online shopping is increasing day by day. During the days of the pandemic, online shopping was the savior of the time. Some of the major advantages of online shopping are as follows:

  • Flexibility: Online shopping is a flexible way of purchasing products. There is no time bound in an online market. Whenever you are free, you can scroll down for your favorite items and order them.
  • Big savings: You can save your fuel, energy, as well as the time when opting to online shopping. No need to move anywhere, just move your fingers.
  • Comparison: During online shopping, you can easily compare the prices of different products from different sites. While offline shopping, going to various shops to compare prices will be a hectic job.
  • Huge options: Unlike limited items in the physical shops, online stores are flooded with a wide variety of items. They offer a huge option to choose from.
  • Good deals: Online shopping sites throw various good deals to their customers. During any occasion or festive season, they offer discounts and low prices.

Disadvantages/ Cons of Online Shopping

No method can fully satisfy customers, and so the online method of shopping. For some people, it is a boon while some still fear shopping online. Some of the disadvantages of online shopping are listed below:

  • Security: The main fear people experience while shopping online is security. If not taken proper precautions, you can easily be the victim of online fraud. Payment and privacy are other concerns associated with the online market.
  • Satisfaction: Online shopping does not provide full customer satisfaction as you are not allowed to check the product physically. There are many chances of wrong product delivery.
  • Difficult to return: If you are not satisfied with the product, you can return them but the process is not that simple. Some sites do not even offer an exchange or return policy.
  • Delivery: While ordering anything online, it takes time to reach your destination. Therefore, you need to wait for some days to receive the product.
  • Bargaining: Offline markets are a good place for people who are experts in bargaining. In online stores, prices are fixed and you cannot deny them.

Today the number of people who shop online is comparatively high.  The growing trend of online shopping has turned many people towards purchasing things online. However, many still prefer to go to physical shops to buy things. Among online shopping and offline shopping, people can choose the way that suits them better.

I hope the above given essay on online shopping will be useful for you in knowing the advantages and disadvantages of this modern mode of shopping.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Ans. Amazon.in, Snapdeal.com, AJIO.com, Myntra.com, Flipkart.com, etc are some famous sites for online shopping.

Ans. Amazon.in, founded by Jeff Bezos is the leading online shopping site in the world.

Ans. Michael Aldrich was the inventor of online shopping, who established the technique of e-commerce in 1979.

Ans. You can buy many things online like clothes, groceries, electronics, packaged food, furniture, beauty and personal care products, toys, home decor, etc.

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20 Pros and Cons of Shopping Online

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There are tons of online shopping sites where you can buy everything from plane tickets and flat-screen TVs to food, clothes, furniture, office supplies, movies, and lots more. While shopping online is convenient and fun, there are some disadvantages. Know the cons to realize the benefits of shopping at a traditional store.

The Pros of Shopping Online

There are, of course, distinct advantages of online shopping:

Time Convenience

In comparison to a brick-and-mortar store with fixed hours, online shopping venues are available any time, day or night. This is especially useful for parents with small children, anyone who works throughout the day, and during times of inclement weather.

Shopping Apps

Shopping from an app is a convenient luxury. Whether you're homebound or able to visit a store, shopping from your phone is a uniquely awesome experience.

Price Comparisons

When you visit a store, you most likely settle for whatever price the vendor has placed on a particular item. With online shopping, you can compare prices from hundreds of different vendors. Grocery store price comparison apps are a great option if you're not interested in doing this manually.

Discounts and Notifications

Online stores want to keep you as a customer, so they may offer deep discounts, rewards, and cash back if you sign up for their newsletters. This can keep you updated on all the best upcoming sales. Coupon codes—like the ones you can get from coupon code sites —are also extremely popular when shopping online.

Infinite Choice

Shelf space in a physical store is limited, which means the variety of goods is limited. This isn't true with online stores, where choices are abundant. If you don't see what you want at one store online, move on to the next one. As the consumer, you have the power to do that.

No Size Limitation

Another benefit is when the product you want to buy is too big to haul in your vehicle. Buying a boat from an auction site or ordering a tiny home online are just two examples of situations where your car just won't do the job.

Private Shopping

Ordering online is the preferred way to get something discreetly. Nobody has to see what you're filling your cart with, and some places even offer inconspicuous packaging so your delivery person is also none the wiser.

Zero Parking Struggles

Finding a parking spot can be a big reason you don't stop at a store. Especially around the holidays, there's a major benefit of no congestion when shopping online. When it's really busy, you might not even remember where you parked your car !

Home Delivery for the Disabled

Buying oversized items and not having to worry about parking are benefits everyone can take advantage of, but if you're physically disabled to the point that you can't drive or walk through a store, online shopping might be your only solution to ordering food, essential items, and other goods.

Easy Access to Consumer Reviews

It's easy to access consumer reviews for pretty much any product you can think of online, which makes for informed purchases. If you're not sure if you're up to buying something, conduct a little research by checking out customer reviews.

No Pressure Sales

If you don't want to experience awkward approaches by eager salespeople, you don't have to put up with that online. While you could consider pop-up ads a similar experience, they're a bit easier to suppress. Car auction websites are a great example of this.

Fewer Impulse Buys

This one depends on your shopping habits. If you find it easier to buy things you see in passing as you walk through a store's aisles, online shopping could save you money and even help you make healthier choices.

More Payment Methods

Another benefit of online shopping is that you can pay for things differently than you can at a physical store. Some retailers support PayPal, Bitcoin, or zero-interest payment plans, for example.

The Cons of Shopping Online

Here are a few disadvantages of internet shopping that might deter you from making your next purchase online:

No Inspection Ability

Things you order online could be larger or smaller than how they appear in the pictures, or the measurements listed for the product could have been written down incorrectly. And when you buy clothes online, you can't feel the material, see how it fits around your waist, or notice how it's made. Most online stores make it easy to return items for this reason.

Can't Always Talk to Someone Immediately

If you have a question about what you're about to order, or what you just ordered, you can't just walk up to an employee. You might instead have to wait a full day or longer to get your question answered. This situation is improving, however, as many sites have added an instant chat service or automated bot-answering screen to address concerns and answer questions on the spot.

Must Wait for Delivery

Need something no later than this afternoon? Not many online shopping sites have same-day delivery, and none of them offer the on-the-spot, take-home advantage that a physical store does. Some online shopping sites take weeks to deliver your order (though, they're in the minority).

Shipping Problems

You're more likely to have your package arrive broken, wet, melted, etc., or not arrive at all, when you're not the one who picked it up yourself. Even packages that do arrive could sit outside long enough for theft to occur.

Shipping Costs

Depending on what you buy, you could spend the same amount on just shipping costs, or sometimes even more. In-store shopping has no need to charge extra for shipping. Plus, depending on where you live, you might pay a bit more due to special taxes for online shopping.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are legitimate concerns for any online shopper. Your payment information could get stolen from the site, or someone who works there could copy your bank details and use them later on their own purchases. It's also hard to immediately recognize whether an online store is real or just there to scam you.

There are precautions you can take when shopping online to make the experience more secure. For example, pay attention to whether the site uses HTTPS , and protect your online accounts with secure, but different , passwords.

Legality Concerns

While this isn't a widespread problem, you could accidentally buy something that's illegal where you live. The product might very well be available from the website you're on, but it could also be illegal to order in your area. It's much easier for a website to offer these kinds of products than a store because websites can be created quickly and hosted all over the world with less oversight or concern for international shoppers.

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Online Shopping Essay

500+ words online shopping essay.

The trend of online shopping has increased in recent times with the increase of e-commerce and digital technology. With just a single click, you can shop for everything by sitting at your home as per your choice, convenience and budget. This essay on online shopping will help students learn about the pros and cons of online shopping. We have also compiled a list of CBSE Essays on different topics to help them improve their essay-writing skills. These essays will also help them improve their scores on the English exam.

What Does Online Shopping Mean?

Online shopping is the activity of buying products and services over the internet using a web browser or mobile app. It means buyers have to go online to reach a seller’s website and then select the product they want to purchase. The buyer can pay for the goods and services either online with a credit or debit card or upon delivery. Online shopping sites are also known by many other names such as e-shop, e-web-store, e-store, internet shop, web-store, web-shop, virtual store and online store. An online shop creates a physical analogy for buying products or services. Some of the famous online retailing corporations which facilitate the experience of online shopping are Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.

Online shopping is a growing area of the digital world and technology. Establishing a store on the Internet gives various options to consumers. With the growth of online shopping, most businesses have started selling their products online. Now, just having physical stores is not enough in this fast-paced world. Having online store interfaces for consumers has also become essential for running a business in the current scenario.

Benefits of Online Shopping

There are numerous advantages of online shopping. People feel more convenient while shopping online. They can shop from anywhere at their own convenient time through easy and safe payment methods. Online shopping has empowered consumers with various advantages such as convenience and time-saving, lower search costs, better product selection, lower prices, etc. One of the biggest benefits of online shopping is that you can buy the items you want with just a single click. Online stores are open 24 hours a day and are accessible from any location with an internet connection.

Online stores carry more variations and provide more varieties of a product as compared to traditional stores. This is because online stores don’t need to attractively display their items on shelves, and they can keep a larger amount of inventory on hand. They might also have small amounts of each item since they don’t need to display them and can order more from their supplier as needed.

Online shops tend to provide more information about items for sale than you would get in a physical store. Product descriptions most often include a description from the manufacturer, another description from the vendor, specific technical and size details, reviews from professional magazines and journals, and reviews from people who have bought the product. Having all this information available when you are considering a purchase makes you a more informed consumer without having to perform extra research by yourself.

Online stores are not burdened by the costs of running a physical store, such as the rent of the physical premises and wages of sales staff. The cost savings by online stores lead to lower pricing on the internet, passing on cost savings to shoppers. The internet encourages online vendors to compete with one another by lowering prices.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

The benefits of shopping online also come with potential risks and dangers. When you shop online, you can’t touch or try out the product. You have to depend upon product pictures only. You can’t buy the product instantly. If you don’t get the product in hand immediately after payment, you have to wait for delivery, which can take days to weeks. There is no guarantee that you will get the product in its original shape; it might get damaged on the way. Sometimes, the product is very different from the pictures and description due to various reasons and also has poor quality. If, after receiving the package, expectations weren’t met, you need to go through a returns process which can be time-consuming. Apart from these, there is also a chance of security threats from online shopping. If the site is not secured, you have a risk of losing your card information.

Online shopping is one of the convenient ways of purchasing different products. However, there are some products which are better if they are purchased from physical stores. So, in the future, we can expect online stores to improve their technology, making way for a much easier and faster shopping experience.

Students must have found the “Online Shopping Essay” essay useful. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

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Give the Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping- IELTS Writing Task 2

neeraj Kumar

Updated On Aug 08, 2024

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pros and cons of online shopping essay

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Sample essay.

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In IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages essays, you will be asked to write the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. You have to be careful that you write the advantages and disadvantages of the topic given and not your opinion about the topic.

To help you understand this type of essay better, below is a sample essay along with a vocabulary section. Continue to practise other topics of IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays to help you during your preparation. The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, you must polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS exam.

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

Give the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping.

Advantages/Disadvantages essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention that the essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages.

Paragraph 1: Talk about the advantages of how online shopping can be beneficial for people.

Paragraph 2: Implore the disadvantage of online shopping as the cause of concern.

Restate your opinions.

Despite knowing what time it is on the clock or what the weather is outside or there is a pandemic, we can conveniently buy things that we want from online stores. Very few people feel the need to venture into the stores. There is no denying that online shopping has become more popular and less tiring than in-store shopping. This trend has positive and negative aspects, which are discussed in the following essay.

On the one hand, the online shopping brings in more benefits than in-store shopping. Firstly, it saves time for both buyers and sellers as buyers do not have to travel and sellers need not show their goods one by one to every consumer. Further, they can get a perfect knock-off on the prices and easily compare the products before hitting the purchase button, leading to significant cost benefits for shoppers. In this manner, people can make more sensible decisions after evaluating and considering the price, size, and models. Moreover, it enables them to shop easily from any part of the world.

On the other hand, shopping online does not enable to touch or see the product, in reality, making it hard to examine the quality of the product resulting in purchasing the product of poor quality and sometimes impossible to return or exchange the product, which in turn leads to squandering the money. Another concerning thing is that shopping online has made people compulsive shoppers. Furthermore, there is always a risk of getting financial information to be exploited by hackers for security reasons as there is always news of data breaches even from renowned brands and sites.

On a final note, I would say that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of online shopping. Still, one must be careful of fraud and misrepresentation while buying from different websites.

Band 9 Vocabulary

Meaning – (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world. Example – An influenza pandemic may have skewed the results

Meaning – a business enterprise, typically one that involves risk. Example – There was a recent joint venture between two aircraft manufacturers.

  • Significant

Meaning – sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy. Example – There was a significant increase in sales after they advertised a heavy discount.

Meaning – done or chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence or likely to be of benefit. Example – I do not think it is sensible to spend so much on a particular project.

  • Squandering

Meaning – wasting (something, especially money or time) recklessly and foolishly. Example – She squandered her allowance without any thought.

Meaning – irresistibly interesting or exciting or compelling. Example – Anna was becoming a compulsive viewer of the play.

Meaning – selfishly take advantage of someone in order to profit from them or otherwise benefit oneself. Example – 500 companies sprang up and exploited this new technology.

Meaning – an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct. Example – He sued the company for breach of the agreement.

Meaning – wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Example – He claimed he was a licensed psychologist, but he turned out to be a fraud.

  • Misrepresentation

Meaning – the action or offence of giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something. Example – She is seeking damages on allegations of misrepresentation.

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Essay on Online Shopping in 100, 200, and 300 Words.

pros and cons of online shopping essay

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  • Dec 23, 2023

Essay On Online Shopping

Shopping is something that many people love. It is particularly cherished during festive occasions such as Diwali, Navratri, Christmas or New Year etc. The shopping world has changed and evolved majorly providing us with various options of the same. The convenience of online shopping platforms has now come into play. Those days when individuals have to take on a long journey of shopping are now past us, all thanks to the various online shopping platforms that are now at the tip of our fingers. This is just a brief introduction to how to write an essay on online shopping. Now let’s have a look at the samples of essay on online shopping.  

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words
  • 2 Essay on Online Shopping in 200 words
  • 3 Essay on Online Shopping in 300 words
  • 4 Advantages

Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words

The way of shopping has been revolutionized by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere. 

The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores, online shopping is a boon. 

Payments are easy this way with the variety of options available such as debit card, cash on delivery, etc. However, there are some drawbacks to online shopping as well. One of them is the delivery of the wrong item or a different item than that seen online. So one should be cautious and should make informed decisions.

Also Read:- My Aim in Life

Essay on Online Shopping in 200 words

In today’s world, as science and technology are progressing, a lot of things have become more convenient for us. One such thing is online shopping. Over the years due to its high demand and convenience, it has become very popular. It involves virtually placing an order on any e-commerce website without the need to go to a physical store. Various items such as shoes, gadgets, household products, and even groceries can be ordered from the comfort of your couch.  

Some of the key benefits of online shopping are mentioned below:-

  • Crowd Avoided:- since online shopping is virtual, going to crowded places is avoided.
  • Convenience:- we can shop from the convenience of our homes.
  • Variety in products:- on different platforms, a vast range of products is available. 
  • Variety in payment options:- Debit card, cash on delivery, etc payment options make it all the more convenient.

Although there are many pros of online shopping, there are some drawbacks as well. There have been many instances where wrong or damaged goods got delivered. There can be instances where a product may not match its depiction when delivered in terms of color, etc. 

Some websites even scam people and are fraudulent. Hence, it is important to take caution while shopping online. 

Also Read:- Essay on Pollution

Essay on Online Shopping in 300 words

During the 1990s, the concept of online shopping came into play and since then, it has grown exponentially. Its principle lies in the ease of browning a wide variety of products on various e-commerce platforms. The e-commerce platforms have played a central role in enabling different businesses to connect with a global audience. 

There are various advantages of online shopping, one of them being the ease of online shopping. With virtual stores, you can shop whenever you want and from wherever you want. The limitations of time don’t apply to the online stores. They are accessible 24/7.

Wide Range of Products

When you shop online, you don’t have to limit yourself to only some products. Online shopping opens a portal to a wide range of products to select from.

Saves time and money

When you shop online, you don’t have to go to stores. You can shop from the comfort of your couch. That saves time. And generally, online stores have some kind of offers and discounts going on which saves you money. 

Although online shopping has many advantages, there are also certain cons that it carries with it. Some of those cons are mentioned below:-

Shipping issues

There can issues with the shipping such as the product may get damaged during its shipping or it may get delivered to the wrong address.

Return Policies

If the product is different and the customer wants to return it or get a refund, there can be certain policies that prevent the same. 

Different item Delivery

There can be instances where the product, when delivered, is different from the one shown in the images online. Returning the same can be a hassle too as it has to be repacked for some resellers. 

Hence, when shopping online one should always be cautious and take calculated decisions. 

Also Read:- Importance of Internet

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Ans: Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words The way of shopping has been revolutionised by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere.  The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores, online shopping is a boon.  Payments are easy this way with the variety of options available such as debit card, cash on delivery, etc. However, there are some drawbacks to online shopping as well. One of them benign the delivery of the wrong item or a different item than that seen online. So one should be cautious and should make informed decisions.

Ans: Online shopping can be explained as virtually buying of products from an e-commerce platform without going to the physical store.

Ans: Some of the key advantages of online shopping are mentioned below:- -Crowd Avoided:- since online shopping is virtual, going to crowded places is avoided. -Convenience:- we can shop from the convenience of our homes. -Variety in products:- on different platforms, a vast range of products is available.  -Variety in payment options:- Debit card, cash on delivery, etc payment options make it all the more convenient.

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Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping Essay

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Introduction

Benefits of online shopping, drawbacks of online shopping.

Online shopping is a form of e-commerce that involves the use of internet-connected computer hardware and credit cards. The user also needs to have a secure password that will enable him or her to access the services. Online shoppers are required to have different passwords for different shopping websites.

The process of online shopping involves opening the site where one prefers shopping, selecting the good or service needed by clicking on the specific item that the shopper wants, and then clicking on the ‘add to basket’ portal. After the item is moved, the buyer then clicks the stop button. Before entering money details, the customer ensures that the website uses ‘https’ and not ‘http’.

Such a browser assures the user that the site is secure in terms of handling money. The user then enters his or her credit or debit card particulars on the site. The site will display some verification characters for the user to enter. These ‘Captcha” details verify that the machine is being operated by a person and not a fraudulent software or robot.

After the buyer has completed entering the required details on the website as prompted, he or she then waits for the goods or services to be delivered to his or her authorised points of delivery. With this hint in mind concerning online shopping, the information given so far is enough to declare the shopping strategy as both risky and advantageous. The study dwells on proving this claim.

One of the benefits of online shopping is that it makes the customer have quick access to items that are identical regardless of where he or she does the shopping for them. For example, one is able to access items such as certain types of clothes, Compact Discs (CDs), books, cookeries, and even electronics. The only major requirements that the buyer should ensure that he or she has are the particulars of the item, which he or she verifies when it is delivered.

Bonsu and Darmody (2008, p. 356) argue that online shopping enables people to save energy that could have been used to travel to the shopping malls or to the markets for certain items. Online shopping is particularly advantageous, when the item that the buyer wants is similar in various shopping points. Such an item does not require the buyer to select a particular item from a variety of closely related or similar items.

For example, if it is a particular book by Shakespeare for instance, the book is not likely to be different in terms of price from one shop to another in a certain market region. With such items, the buyer can comfortably do online shopping. Constaninides (2004, p. 115) reveals that online shopping is also beneficial because it saves time.

Most of the online shopping service providers offer free delivery of services to their customers for goods of a specific value. The buyer is able to save a lot of time, which he or she can spend doing other beneficial activities. The time that shoppers spend in travelling, selecting, packing, and carrying the items is reduced. Therefore, online services such as shopping enhance efficiency.

According to Bonsu and Darmody (2008, p. 356), online shopping is also beneficial to customers in that they can obtain commodities that are not easily accessible due to distance and complexity of specificity. Some items that customers may need are very specific in nature.

Hence, identifying and selecting them physically in the shelves of the supermarket may be tedious. For example, electronic gadgets have specific codes that may easily confuse customers who have no previous experience in them. Choosing the specific item from a variety of others may attract confusion and hence a probable wrong choice of what the client requires.

In some instances, goods or services are not available in the proximity of the customer. In such cases, online customer can search through the websites and identify the item from far since delivery is guaranteed. For example, a customer may want to buy a certain model of a car that is not available in his or her country. Sometimes the buyer may not know where to get a certain item.

However, the buyer can access such goods and services through online advertising that the sellers offer. Online shopping has also enabled sellers to publicise their goods and services. A good example of shopping sites is the OLX where sellers post a picture of the items they want to sell, their description, and price. In addition, online shopping has little or no interference from competitors.

According to Bonsu and Darmody (2008, p. 355), unlike in supermarkets, shopping malls, shops, and hotels where customers line up to be served, online shopping is personal. Customers will use their computers, mobile phones or iPads to access the items that they want to buy. There are no cues and scramble for scarce items as it happens sometimes in shops and supermarkets.

Clients can order for items that they may not be confident to pick in the company of others in the supermarket. Such items include medicine for diseases that are stereotyped such as HIV/AIDs and other STDs. Thus, online shopping guarantees privacy and convenience.

Moreover, online shopping has been very beneficial for the physically challenged. Since these people find it difficult to travel, open fridges and shelves in supermarkets, and/or even to carry their shopping, they prefer using this service. Online shopping service saves them the strenuous activity hence enabling them to shop comfortably just like their normal counterparts.

Although e-commerce has been embraced in many economies of the world, there are several challenges that face its advancement. One of the drawbacks of online shopping is that it is not a very safe and secure transaction. The Secure Test consultancy firm that is based in the United Kingdom conducted a research on the safety of e-commerce.

Out of 100 websites that the consultancy investigated, the company concluded that there were many flaws in terms of handling of customers’ details by various websites. The methods of handling security details of customers were very insecure. Such flaws included mishandling of customer passwords and email addresses.

Mismanagement of the customer’s data is a great loop that online attackers use to hack registered e-commerce sites. Another drawback is lack of compliance with the required standards for the use of credit card by the issuing companies. Credit cards are required to be compliant with the PCI-DSS standards, which are the international standards that should guide the security of credit card services.

However, in a recent survey of credit compliance in the UK, only 14 percent of the 65 companies that were involved had complied with the PCI-DSS standards. Surprisingly, even large website companies such as Littlewoods were found to lag in terms of compliance. Companies such as the New Look are also not compliant. However, they do not keep details of customers’ credit cards and passwords.

In fact, customers should revert to PayPal, which is more secure. Constaninides (2004, p. 111) argue that websites are hacked using SQL injection where fraudsters use the registered websites to perform fraud on online customers. The other drawback is that online shopping websites cannot be trusted. Websites that host most of the shopping sites portals are never screened for authenticity.

Without scrutiny, such companies can be operated by people with ill motives hence injuring innocent customers. For example, Fasthosts Company has fallen to this trap. Last year, this company, which is based in the UK, was ordered to have its customers alter their FTP and all their passwords to their emails due to data breach. If this step were not taken as a quick remedy, many online shoppers would have lost their money.

With the advancement of computer technology, e-commerce has been adopted by many economies in the world today. Online commerce involves the use of internet-enabled computers to carry out shopping on company websites. The buyer pays for the services using credit cards or debit cards with special passwords. There are various advantages and disadvantages of using online shopping.

The benefits include saving time and energy used in shopping, easy access of goods and services that are not available in certain regions, access to goods and services by physically challenged persons, and enhancing efficiency. However, several drawbacks are evident such as insecurity, poor credit card compliance by the providers, and website hosts that cannot be trusted due to poor authenticity.

Finally, from the above discussion, e-commerce has more advantages in relation to disadvantages. Hence, it should be adopted in the world with the necessary input in security.

Bonsu, A & Darmody, A 2008, ‘Co-creating Second Life: Market—Consumer Cooperation in Contemporary Economy’, Journal of Macromarketing, vol. 28 no. 4, pp.355-368.

Constaninides, E 2004, ‘Influencing the Online Consumers Behaviour: the web Experience’, Emerald Research Journal , vol. 14 no. 2, pp.111-126.

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IvyPanda. (2019, July 5). Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping. https://ivypanda.com/essays/drawbacks-and-benefits-of-online-shopping/

"Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping." IvyPanda , 5 July 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/drawbacks-and-benefits-of-online-shopping/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping'. 5 July.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping." July 5, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/drawbacks-and-benefits-of-online-shopping/.

1. IvyPanda . "Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping." July 5, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/drawbacks-and-benefits-of-online-shopping/.

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Nowadays, most people prefer online shopping. Some use the traditional way of shopping, and some are using the online method to shop. So, whether we prefer online shopping or not, we should have information about the benefits and limitations of online shopping. It is also a common topic for group discussions or essays.

In this article, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping.

This post will be very helpful to you and give you complete information about the benefits and limitations of online shopping. This article can also be beneficial for students to write an essay or make their presentation on the pros and cons of online shopping. So, without any delay, let's start the topic.

Before going to benefits and limitations, let's first see a brief description of online shopping.

The process of purchasing products online is said to be online shopping. It is part of e-commerce. It is increasing day by day. In online shopping, the buyer goes online to search for products on the seller's website and choose the product to purchase. It is also possible to pay Cash on delivery or buyer can pay online via the internet. The most popular online shopping websites are Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc. It is easy to order the products to doorsteps just by a few taps without moving anywhere.

Now, start our main topic that is the advantages and limitations of online shopping.

During lockdown, people were obligated to stay indoors. During that time, consumers get the essential supplies at their doorsteps because of e-commerce websites.

It is the major benefit of online shopping. Customers can purchase from their homes, workplaces as per their comfort. It is easy to cancel the transactions in online shopping. Online shopping made shopping easy as there are no lines to wait so that we can do shopping in minutes. We have the 24x7 opportunity to shop online. Online shopping saves time and effort. In online shopping, we can get detailed information about a product and get good discounts and lower prices.

During festivals, weekends, or holidays it is common to see the crowd at shopping places; it will be a huge headache and hectic to purchase products in this type of environment. But in online shopping, we do not have to face crowds, and also, we do not have any need to do unusual battles for parking.

Sometimes, shopkeepers pressurize us or use their skills to convince us to purchase things that we don't require. As a result, we purchase those things that we actually do not require. But in online shopping, we don't have any pressure to purchase unnecessary things.

In online shopping, customers don't require to stand in queues to pay the price of products that they have been purchased. Online shopping provides the facility to shop from their office or home, so it saves traveling time. It also facilitates us to look for the products by entering some keywords or by using the search engines.

Marketers or e-tailers offer discounts to the customers in order to attract them to shop online. Retailers can sell the products with attractive discounts through online because of the removal of maintenance, real-estate cost.

Most consumers read online reviews of a product to take basic information written by customers who already used it. Online reviews help to get the inside information of the product in which we are interested. For instance, if we are going to purchase cloth, we can see the reviews of that product; we will find some customers also add photos of themselves wearing that product. Hence we can do smart shopping. Reviews enable smart purchasing decisions for future customers and make them empowered.

It is one of the best advantages of online shopping. In online shopping, the buyer has multiple options and multiple brands to choose and from at a single place. There is a large volume of stock is available online.

We can find an item or any brand online and can get the latest international trends without spending money on airfare. We can purchase the desired products from the retailers whether they are in other parts of the state, country, or even world.

Services of online shopping enable us to send surprise gifts to our friends and relatives. The gift will be packed and shipped by online vendors to the address we have entered. They will even pack the gift. So, no need to make an excuse of long-distance for not sending a gift on occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and others.

In online shopping, it is easy to compare and research products and their prices. On shopping for appliances, we can find reviews, product comparisons, and compare the prices with the options available on the market.

In online shopping, consumers are facilitated with online tracking as they can easily track the order and delivery status.

Along with the above benefits of online shopping, it has some limitations too. Now, let's see the limitations of online shopping.

Before you start making up your mind and start purchasing products online by reading the benefits mentioned above, let's first consider the limitations of online shopping.

There is a risk of frauds such as hacking, identity theft, credit card scams, phishing, and other scams during online shopping.

Amid the pandemic, fraud cases have also increased. There are multiple offshoot e-commerce websites have emerged. So, we must be careful while making online transactions because various fraud websites offer eye-catching discounts and deals.

Frauds can even be carried out via telephonic calls with the name of reputed companies to get the buyer's card or bank details.

Online shopping majorly decreases contact with the community. If we do shopping online continuously, we never have to leave home to shop outside. This can be good for a while, but sometimes we should go outside to do shopping, talk with real people, breathe fresh air, take participation and show involvement in the community, and do other activities outside. A computer can never complete a real connection with a human.

Sometimes buyers have to face an unexpected delay in the delivery of the booked item. Booking an order hardly takes five minutes, but its delivery sometimes takes a delay of 5-10 days. While, if we shop the things offline from the store, we can get our product instantly.

In online shopping, it is not possible to touch things in order to get the exact idea of the product's quality. It can only be possible when the product is booked and delivered to us.

Moreover, if the products are not properly examined, especially in clothes, there will be a chance of discrimination in the quality and appearance of the product.

In online shopping, there will be no market visit which results in the lacking of an actual shopping experience that includes market visits, showrooms, and merchandise.

It is one of the major drawbacks of online shopping. In the process of online shopping, a product is collected from a packaging unit, and it further goes through various different locations during transit. There is a chance of broken or scratches on sensitive products during transit.

Also, we see cases in our day-to-day life that empty boxes and different products are delivered to customers. And after that, users may face difficulties because of varied return and refund policies.

If everyone starts shopping online, the business of local stores will come to a stop. As a result, all local stores will get closed. In some places, people have faced the negative impact of e-commerce as it has taken away jobs and spoiled the local economies.

Some of the processes of return or refund are easier, but many sellers make it complicated for the buyer. There can be multiple forms such as labeling, shipping, packaging, tracking required to be filled properly, which is sometimes irritating for a person, and as a result, people avoid it.

That's all about the article. The advantages and disadvantages of online shopping are not limited to this article. There are many more benefits and limitations of online shopping.

Now we have to use online shopping properly. We should not purchase every product online, i.e., we must not be addicted to it. We should also give a chance to local retailers and should try to purchase daily used products with them.

Online shopping and even everything has its own limitations and benefits, so it is entirely up to the user how they use them. Therefore, one should always use the things by keeping the bad effects in mind.





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The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping. It will discuss the convenience, variety, and potential cost savings, along with issues such as fraud, lack of physical examination, and the environmental impact of shipping. The piece will provide a balanced view of online retail. More free essay examples are accessible at PapersOwl about Online Shopping.

How it works

Online shopping can save a lot of time because there is no need to go to a physical shop. The consumers also can save fuel and money, as the fees of internet connection is lower compared to the fees of travelling by vehicles. According to Lombardo. C, online shopping makes comparing prices easy for everyone. Many online stores often sell the similar and same products. On the internet, buyers can easily check and compare prices with just a few clicks here and there.

This allows the consumers to decide freely which online shop provides more affordable goods. They can also compare reviews of the products they intend to buy in different websites. For example, from the figure 1, the consumers can compare the prices and ratings of Vans sneakers from Zalora and Lazada’s websites. The price of Vans sneakers on Zalora’s website is RM225 whereas Lazada’s sells it for RM300. This shows that Vans is cheaper by RM75 when bought from Zalora’s website compared to Lazada. Therefore, the consumers can carefully make their choice before purchasing the wanted goods. Apart from that, according to Lombardo. C, consumers can have a larger range of choices to make when shopping online. When they are shopping online, there are no local restrictions.

Consumers can buy goods or services they want or need from all over the world. Although shipping charges for purchases from foreign countries are higher and goods may take up to 6 weeks to arrive, there are few restrictions. They can buy the things that are unavailable or rare in Malaysia such as a special pattern of winter coat as shown in the figure below. Besides, there is no need to queue up to pay. Shopping online is convenient as quick. The consumers can add the goods or services on the site’s shopping cart, and then get ready to check out. All of the items have a clear price stated. Shipping charges are also calculated automatically. The sales tax is also automatic populated as well, though some purchases may not require taxes to be charged. The consumers just need to select all the desired items. The total price will then be calculated digitally. Moreover, products sold online are usually cheaper than those sold in stores. According to Montaldo. D, many online shops sell products at a low price as there is no need to spend on operating costs. The operating costs of local stores, such as utility bills like electricity and water expenses, are at least partially factored into the cost of the product. Many stores offer discounts on products purchased online compared to products purchased in their stores to encourage online shopping. For example, there are many promotional events like 11.11 global shopping festival which includes many online shopping platforms like Taobao, Lazada and Shopee. Vouchers and discounts will be up for grabs.

The items’ prices will be lower than usual if they make purchases on that specific day. According to shopping trends, when shopping online, the consumers are also free to select the express shipping options. For those who are guilty of often waiting until the last minute to buy items such as gifts, the shipping methods are especially beneficial to them. Shoppers will have the advantage of being able to buy items the day before they are necessary and deliver them directly to the necessary party though shoppers will pay for more express shipping. Gift receipts as well as gift wrapping options are also benefits of the shipping options. For those who are interested in sending gifts to friends and families can choose this option. By doing this, they can save a lot of time, because gifts can be sent directly to their friends or family members, instead of first sending the gift to themselves, then wrapping it and then sending it to the recipient. The ability to send gift receipts is also important because it allows the recipient to return or exchange items without disclosing the price of the gift. There are many shipping companies in Malaysia. For example, some of the famous ones are DHL express, PosLaju and Skynet Express Tracking.

The cons of shopping online is that the consumers can’t see the actual product you’re buying or the service provider in-person. People must believe that the description of products or services is accurate in order to satisfy their needs. Products can’t be tried before they are purchased. Consumers do not have any ways of finding out how much value a product has when shopping online. For example, shoes and clothes cannot be tried on. Therefore, it is better not to buy clothes online because the consumers can’t know whether the clothes look good on themselves if they don’t try them on first. Their expectations may be quite different from reality. Most of the time, being able to feel, touch and see something influences the buyers’ decision making. Sometimes, the consumer may buy clothes that have a huge difference in colour when comparing the pictures posted in online sites versus the actual product. The sizes may be wrong or inaccurate too. Shopping online may be frustrating. Electronic devices cannot be verified until they have been received. This means that online shopping has certain risks, even if the product description is accurate. There are some things that the consumers can try in a physical store, but they can’t try them online or see them in person. Therefore, there’s a lot of uncertainty when shopping online. According to Mittal. T, when shopping online, the consumers can’t guarantee the quality of their products. Reviews aren’t always reliable and the whole research does not guarantee the quality of the products.

There are frauds that deliberately mislead consumers to increase their sales, which is the main reason they sell inferior products online. As the number of goods handled by e-commerce companies increases, it is quite difficult to check the quality of every product they sell. Therefore, the consumers must check the ratings and comments of a product before purchasing them. In addition, there is no guarantee of delivery. Websites rely on third-party transportation companies to deliver products to consumers. It is not guaranteed that that product will be in perfect and desired condition when it arrives. The company may not be able to deliver the specified product too. The consumers need to call to confirm the situation or urge them to send it as soon as possible. On the other hand, the shipping companies will usually provide returns, replacements and insurance. By returning the items, a consumer’s use of that item is delayed. However, the consumers know exactly what they will bring home that day if they go to the physical shop. Shipping costs or delays may be possible. According to Jessica, some websites offer free shipping, but only If the total amount purchased by a consumer reaches a precised amount, such as RM50 or RM 100.

Other sites charge a fixed shipping fee for every order, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes, there are some problems in the websites. The usability of the product may not be reflected on the websites. The consumers can pay for the order, but only receive a message that the order is expired or unavailable. The refund will be processed later, but it may take 5-30 working days to complete. It is a problematic issue for some consumers. According to Wallbank manufacturing, delays due to late delivery of parts can reduce their assembly line productivity, and they will unavoidably lose money because employees who cannot work fast and efficient enough will lose money. The car production time will be extended because they will need to spend extra time waiting for the delivery. The employees will spend hours or days longer than they should. More importantly, because of these delays, higher inventory costs will be incurred. According to Dept Rescue blog, in some cases when shopping is not as successful as the consumers hoped it would be, the consumers need to ask for a refund or return the goods. Some online sellers offer a quick and easy exchange option, which is to collect the items or offer the consumers the opportunity to exchange them at any of their stores. However, sometimes the buyer has to return the item using his own expenses or at worst case, does not offer the possibility of a return or replacement at all.

In addition, shipping charges can cost more than the actual cost of the product. For example, an item a customer wants to purchase is RM3.30. The cost to ship that item is RM5.49. That means the consumer’s cost of shopping online is more expensive than the item bought. According to Collins, for any online shopper, privacy and security issues are huge concerns. According to Jessica, the consumers can take precautions to ensure that the transactions are secured. For example, consumers should be able to identify online scams and hoaxes, install a free spyware removal tool, keep their internet usage private, pay attention to HTTPS protocols and anonymous surfing. These are effective ways to solve privacy and security concerns. According toRoy. H, online shopping is still growing because e-commerce is a huge platform that is growing around the world at unprecedented speed. Each age group, whether a child, the millennium generation or an older person prefer to have a different electronic store shopping. Compared with physical stores, shopping online provides more happiness. It is because they have a lot of websites and applications that focus on e-commerce, it’s easy to find anything they want to buy right away. In the next few years, the growth of e-commerce is expected to be unprecedented with all the existing technologies. The speed of shopping online is growing at an immeasurable rate, which is driving e-commerce owners crazy to maintain their solid positions in the tight online competition.

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Essay on Online Shopping

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Table of Contents

Online Shopping Essay : Shopping is a pastime cherished by many, particularly during festive occasions such as Diwali and Eid. These moments provide the perfect excuse to begin on shopping excursions with our dear family members, friends, and loved ones. The world of shopping has evolved significantly, offering us a excess of options ranging from traditional physical stores to the convenience of online shopping platforms.

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Target Exam ---

Gone are the days when individuals had to start on lengthy journeys for their shopping needs. In the present day, the shopping landscape has transformed dramatically. Thanks to the numerous online shopping platforms at our disposal, we can now wallow in retail therapy without ever leaving the comfort of our homes. In this article, we will search into the world of online shopping and its growing significance.

Online Shopping Essay

Online Shopping Essay 200 words

Online shopping has revolutionized how we shop. It’s a convenient and widely embraced way of making purchases through the internet, making it possible to shop from virtually anywhere.

The biggest advantage of online shopping is its sheer convenience. It’s a game-changer for busy individuals who struggle to find time for physical store visits. With online shopping, you can make purchases 24/7, fitting it seamlessly into your schedule without the pressure of store closing hours.

Variety is another key perk. Online stores offer an extensive array of products. You can effortlessly explore different websites, compare prices, and discover unique items that might not be accessible at your local stores.

Payment is a breeze as well. You can use credit or debit cards, and some online retailers even offer cash-on-delivery options.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Sometimes, what you see online may not match what arrives at your doorstep. Issues like color or size discrepancies can be disappointing. Furthermore, there are fraudulent websites that lure you in with unbelievable deals.

In conclusion, online shopping is a modern convenience that saves time and opens up a world of choices. Just remember to exercise caution and make informed decisions to ensure a positive online shopping experience.

Online Shopping Essay 300 words

With the progress of technology and science, people now have the convenience of doing many things from their homes, and one of these conveniences is online shopping. Online shopping has become incredibly popular due to its increasing demand and popularity among people. It involves buying things online without having to visit physical stores. In today’s busy world, where people are occupied with work and have limited time for shopping, online shopping has become a great solution. It allows people to order various items like clothes, shoes, gadgets, and appliances from the comfort of their homes.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of online shopping:

  • Convenience : Online shopping is a fantastic option for individuals with busy schedules who can’t find time to visit physical stores due to work commitments.
  • Avoiding Crowds : It’s a convenient option for those who dislike crowded places like malls. They can simply order what they need from home or work.
  • Variety : Online shopping provides a wide range of options that you might not find in physical stores. You can explore different websites and select products that match your preferences.
  • Payment Options : Online shopping doesn’t require physical cash. You can make payments using debit or credit cards, and some websites even offer cash-on-delivery as an option.

However, like any other convenience, online shopping has its drawbacks. Despite its ease and convenience, there are instances where online purchases may disappoint you. Items ordered online might not match your expectations when they are delivered. This can include differences in color, size, or other factors compared to the item you saw online. Additionally, there are fraudulent websites that offer enticing deals but turn out to be scams. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution and make informed choices when shopping online to avoid any potential issues later on.

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Essay on Online Shopping 400 words

The concept of online shopping first emerged during the 1990s and has since experienced expectational growth. Its retrial lies in the ease of browsing a wide range of products and making purchases with just a few clicks, attracting millions of consumers worldwide. E-commerce platforms have played a central role in enabling businesses to connect with a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries.

Advantages Of Online Shopping

One of the biggest advantages of online shopping is how easy it is. You can shop whenever and wherever you want without having to go to physical stores. It doesn’t matter if it’s early in the morning or late at night – online stores are always open, which is great for busy people.

Lots of Choices

Online shopping gives you a huge variety of products that you might not find in regular stores. You can look at products from different brands and compare prices easily, so you can make smart decisions.

Saves Time and Money

Online shopping saves you time and money. You don’t have to waste time going to stores, and many online shops have discounts and special offers that make things cheaper.

Disadvantages Of Online Shopping

One downside of shopping on the internet is that you can’t touch or see the products in person before buying them. This can be a problem, especially for things like clothes and electronics, where it’s important to feel and try them out.

Shipping Issues and Returns

Sometimes, when you order things online, they can get delayed during shipping, which can be really frustrating. Also, returning items can be a hassle because you have to package them up and send them back to the store.

Concerns About Security

When you shop online, you have to give out your personal and financial information, which can make some people worried about security. While most reputable online stores have strong security measures in place, some people are still afraid of their data being stolen.

The Impact of Online Shopping on Traditional Stores

The popularity of online shopping has had a big effect on regular stores. Physical stores are now facing more competition, and some of them are trying new strategies to stay relevant, like selling both online and in their stores.

The Future of Online Shopping

The future of online shopping is closely linked to technological progress. Innovations like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are set to improve the online shopping experience, allowing customers to see and imagine products before making a purchase.

Personalized Shopping Experience

Online stores are using data-driven technologies to provide tailored shopping suggestions. By studying customer preferences and actions, these retailers can recommend products customized to individual tastes.

Sustainability in E-Commerce

As concerns for the environment continue to grow, sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping the future of online shopping. Shoppers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly products, and e-commerce companies are adopting sustainable practices to meet this demand.

Online shopping has transformed the landscape of retail, providing unmatched convenience and access to a wide range of products. While it has its drawbacks, its advantages keep drawing more and more customers from around the world. The future of online shopping seems bright, as technology and sustainability play pivotal roles in its growth.

Online Shopping Essay 10 Lines

  • Shopping on the internet is referred to as online shopping.
  • Online shopping allows us to buy anything using our smartphones.
  • With online shopping, there’s no need to visit physical stores anymore.
  • People who are not familiar with smartphones cannot engage in online shopping.
  • Through online shopping, you can have your favorite items delivered to your doorstep.
  • When you shop online, you can compare product prices and choose the more affordable options.
  • Some well-known websites for online shopping include Alibaba, Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, and more.
  • During online shopping, you can only view the products virtually.
  • Online shopping doesn’t provide instant access to the product.
  • Online shopping is a modern and flexible way to purchase goods.

Online Shopping Essay 500 words

The popularity of online shopping has surged recently due to the growth of e-commerce and digital advancements. With a simple click, you can now conveniently shop for anything from the comfort of your home, tailored to your preferences and budget. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping, providing valuable insights for students. Additionally, we’ve gathered a collection of CBSE essays covering various subjects to aid in enhancing their essay writing abilities. These essays can also contribute to improved English exam scores.

What Does Online Shopping Mean?

Online shopping is when you buy things on the internet using a website or a mobile app. Instead of going to a physical store, you visit a seller’s website online and pick the item you want to buy. You can pay for your stuff either by using a credit or debit card online or when it gets delivered to you.

Online shopping websites go by different names like e-shop, e-web-store, e-store, internet shop, web-store, web-shop, virtual store, and online store. Think of an online shop like a virtual version of a regular store where you can buy things.

Some well-known online shopping places include Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, and others. They make it easy for people to shop online.

What Is Online Shopping?

Online shopping means buying things on the internet using a website or a mobile app. Instead of going to a physical store, you visit a seller’s website and pick what you want to buy. You can pay for your stuff online with a credit or debit card or when it gets delivered to you. Online shops have different names like e-shop, e-store, internet shop, web-store, web-shop, virtual store, and online store. They work like regular stores, but they’re on the internet. Some famous online stores are Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, and others.

Online shopping is getting more popular thanks to the internet and technology. Many businesses now sell their stuff online because having physical stores isn’t enough anymore. In today’s fast-paced world, having an online store is essential for running a successful business. Advantages of Online Shopping

Online shopping offers several benefits that make it a preferred choice for many. Shoppers find it incredibly convenient as they can make purchases from anywhere and at any time that suits them. Online transactions are also secure and hassle-free.

One significant advantage of online shopping is the ease of use. You can buy what you need with just a single click. Online stores are open 24/7, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Online retailers typically offer a wider range of products compared to traditional stores. This is because they don’t have to worry about displaying items on shelves and can keep more items in stock. They can also order additional stock as needed.

When shopping online, you get access to detailed information about the products on offer. Product descriptions usually include information from the manufacturer and vendor, technical specifications, size details, and reviews from both experts and regular customers. This wealth of information helps you make informed decisions without the need for extensive additional research.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Online shopping has its perks, but it’s not all smooth sailing. One thing to keep in mind is that when you shop online, you can’t actually see or touch the product in real life. You’re basically relying on product pictures to make your decision. Plus, you can’t just grab the item and head home – you’ve got to wait for it to arrive, and that can take a while, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Then there’s the chance that your precious purchase might not survive the journey to your doorstep and arrive damaged. And sometimes, what you get looks nothing like what you saw in the pictures or what was described, and it might not be up to snuff in terms of quality. If you end up feeling let down when you finally get your hands on the package, the return process can be a bit of a hassle.

But that’s not all – there’s also the issue of security. If the website you’re shopping on isn’t secure, there’s a risk that your card information could be at risk of falling into the wrong hands.

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Online Shopping Essay FAQs

What is online shopping essay.

An online shopping essay is a piece of writing that discusses the pros and cons of buying products or services through the internet.

What is the benefit of shopping online?

The main benefit of shopping online is the convenience it offers, allowing you to buy items from the comfort of your home and access a wide variety of products.

What is important online shopping?

Important aspects of online shopping include secure payment methods, reliable websites, and checking product reviews to make informed buying decisions.

What is online shopping in simple words?

Online shopping means purchasing things from websites or apps on the internet instead of going to physical stores.

What is online shopping class 7?

In the context of a 7th-grade class, online shopping would refer to the act of buying products or services using the internet.

What is the main advantage of online shopping?

The main advantage of online shopping is the convenience of shopping from anywhere and having access to a wide range of products and discounts.

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Home — Essay Samples — Business — Online Shopping — Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

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Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

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Words: 500 |

Updated: 1 December, 2023

Words: 500 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

  • Chen, Y., & Xie, Y. (2008). Online consumer review: Word-of-mouth as a new element of marketing communication mix. Management Science, 54(3), 477-491.
  • Huang, Z., & Benyoucef, M. (2013). From e-commerce to social commerce: A close look at design features. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 12(4), 246-259.
  • Kim, J., Fiore, A. M., & Lee, H. H. (2013). Effects of online shopping experience on risk perceptions and online purchase intentions: A cue‐utilization perspective. Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 14(3), 299-315.
  • Liang, T. P., Ho, Y. T., Li, Y. W., & Turban, E. (2011). What drives social commerce: The role of social support and relationship quality. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 16(2), 69-90.
  • Liu, Y., Li, H., & Hu, F. (2013). Website attributes in urging online impulse purchase: An empirical investigation on consumer perceptions. Decision Support Systems, 55(3), 829-837.
  • Manzoor, A., Rehman, C. A., & Sattar, A. (2017). Antecedents and consequences of customer satisfaction in online shopping: A case of Pakistan. Information Technology & People, 30(3), 625-645.
  • Park, J., Lee, C., & Ahn, J. (2016). Effects of social commerce factors on social media trust, perceived value, and purchase intention. Journal of Business Research, 69(9), 3801-3808.
  • Shim, S., Eastlick, M. A., Lotz, S. L., & Warrington, P. (2001). An online prepurchase intentions model: The role of intention to search. Journal of Retailing, 77(3), 397-416.
  • Wang, D., Yu, C., & Wei, Y. (2012). Social presence as a double-edged sword: The effects of social presence on mobile shopping. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 17(3), 257-282.
  • Yoo, B., & Donthu, N. (2001). Developing a scale to measure the perceived quality of an Internet shopping site (SITEQUAL). Quarterly Journal of Electronic Commerce, 2(1), 31-46.

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pros and cons of online shopping essay

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  1. Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

    There's also a risk of fraud when you shop online. You can combat this by choosing trusted stores and paying with a card that offers fraud protection. Pros. Convenience. Greater selection. Easy access to information. Cons. Can be more expensive. Increases risk of fraud.

  2. Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Shopping Essay

    Another major advantage of online shopping is that it allows the consumer to search for the preferred good from many stores in a convenient manner. Before making a purchase, most people prefer to visit a number of stores and discover the best style of the product they want to buy. Online shopping makes it easy for the person to search for ...

  3. Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping: [Essay Example], 537 words

    The online shopping vs traditional shopping essay explores the evolving landscape of consumer behavior and the choices individuals make when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Over the past few decades, the rise of technology has transformed the way people shop, giving rise to the convenience of online shopping. ...

  4. Essay on Online Shopping

    It's important to be aware of its pros and cons to shop wisely. ... 250 Words Essay on Online Shopping Introduction. Online shopping, a digital revolution, has transformed the traditional shopping experience. It provides a platform where consumers can purchase goods and services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating geographical ...

  5. Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping

    Shopping from traditional stores allows retailers to consult about the features of a certain product and this causes them a certain level of ease and comfort. On the other hand, traditional retailers cannot offer the same level of comfort that online stores can. In online shopping, buyers simply have to select an item and pay; everything else ...

  6. Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

    Short Essay on Pros and Cons of Online Shopping (200 - 250 Words) Online shopping, sometimes also referred to as e-shopping is a modern technique of buying products by making use of the internet. A wide variety of things are available in the online market. You can easily purchase them with the help of your mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.

  7. 20 Pros and Cons of Shopping Online

    20 Pros and Cons of Shopping Online. There are tons of online shopping sites where you can buy everything from plane tickets and flat-screen TVs to food, clothes, furniture, office supplies, movies, and lots more. While shopping online is convenient and fun, there are some disadvantages. Know the cons to realize the benefits of shopping at a ...

  8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?

    The convenience of online shopping can lead to purchasing items that are not needed, resulting in unnecessary expenditure. Another disadvantage is the lack of personal interaction with sellers. Some. prefer to negotiate prices and discuss product details in person, which is not possible with online transactions.

  9. Online Shopping Essay for Students in English

    With just a single click, you can shop for everything by sitting at your home as per your choice, convenience and budget. This essay on online shopping will help students learn about the pros and cons of online shopping. We have also compiled a list of CBSE Essays on different topics to help them improve their essay-writing skills.

  10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping ...

    The essay does a good job of covering both the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping, providing a balanced view of the topic. Coherence and Cohesion The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points of the essay and gives a thoughtful recommendation on balancing online and local shopping.

  11. Pros And Cons Of Online Shopping: [Essay Example], 460 words

    Pros and Cons of Online Shopping. Shopping is an activity that women love to do, whether they are working women or house wives. It is a source of relieving stress and works as a good therapy when women are feeling low. Due to the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes it becomes difficult for them to shop from stores.

  12. Benefits of Online Shopping: [Essay Example], 637 words

    Body Paragraph 1: Convenience and Time Efficiency. One of the most significant advantages of online shopping is the convenience it provides to consumers. With just a few clicks, shoppers can browse through a vast array of products, compare prices, and make purchases from the comfort of their homes (Peterson et al., 2018).

  13. Traditional vs. Online Shopping

    The first difference involves the time element. In Traditional shopping, customers save time as don't have to wait for days or weeks to receive their purchases. 'Online' shoppers choose the time and place to shop, thus saving valuable time and problems associated with traveling to and from the store. Secondly, while admitting that the ...

  14. Give the Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

    Introduction. Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention that the essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages. Paragraph 1: Talk about the advantages of how online shopping can be beneficial for people. Paragraph 2: Implore the disadvantage of online shopping as the cause of concern.

  15. Pros and Cons of Online Shopping: Advantages and Disadvantages

    Essay Sample: Online shopping has become a popular shopping method ever since the internet has declared a takeover. There are many individuals that are looking for ... The Dynamics of Online Shopping: Pros and Cons Pages: 3 (614 words) Pros and Cons of Superdrug's Online Shopping: A Detailed Analysis Pages: 5 (1236 words)

  16. Essay on Online Shopping in 100, 200, and 300 Words

    Q.1. What is an online shopping essay? Ans: Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words The way of shopping has been revolutionised by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere. The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores ...

  17. Online Shopping is Better Than Traditional Shopping ...

    Conclusion. To conclude, online shopping has several advantages and disadvantages. However, advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Of course, the shopper has to exercise some common sense and keep their devices free of malware and also need to choose website wisely if they want to enjoy the benefits of online shopping. References

  18. Drawbacks and Benefits of Online Shopping Essay

    Benefits of Online Shopping. One of the benefits of online shopping is that it makes the customer have quick access to items that are identical regardless of where he or she does the shopping for them. For example, one is able to access items such as certain types of clothes, Compact Discs (CDs), books, cookeries, and even electronics.

  19. Advantages and Disadvantages of online shopping

    It is also a common topic for group discussions or essays. ... This article can also be beneficial for students to write an essay or make their presentation on the pros and cons of online shopping. So, without any delay, let's start the topic. Before going to benefits and limitations, let's first see a brief description of online shopping. ...

  20. The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

    Essay Example: Online shopping can save a lot of time because there is no need to go to a physical shop. The consumers also can save fuel and money, as the fees of internet connection is lower compared to the fees of travelling by vehicles. According to Lombardo. C, online shopping makes comparing

  21. Online Shopping Essay for Students in English

    An online shopping essay is a piece of writing that discusses the pros and cons of buying products or services through the internet. What is the benefit of shopping online? The main benefit of shopping online is the convenience it offers, allowing you to buy items from the comfort of your home and access a wide variety of products.

  22. Advantages of Online Shopping: [Essay Example], 758 words

    Online shopping is very easy and convenient than moving to a shop. According to PwC's annual consumer survey, "Over 27% of U.S. population order online instead of physically moving," (Business News Daily). Through online shopping, downloading is safer on the environment than going buying something out of a store.

  23. Online shopping: the pros and cons of a brave new world

    Online shopping: the pros and cons of a brave new world . Getting products to buyers, unexpected charges and scams are just some of the issues for online retail as well as impact on high streets.

  24. Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

    Typically, the expenses associated with online shopping tend to be lower than those of in-store shopping. This is because an online business owner doesn't have the overhead of paying for store associates' wages. For instance, they may only need to employ one customer service representative to handle questions, exchanges, or returns online ...