Online Shopping is a popular pastime, especially when it comes to buying products from the comfort of one’s home. Consumers want the best deals, fast shipping and a convenient shopping experience, and businesses are trying their hardest to meet those expectations.
According to a recent report, over 2 billion people worldwide purchased goods and services online in 2021, with projections that ecommerce sales will reach $6.4 trillion by 2024. With so many online shoppers, it is important for brands to understand their shopping habits in order to maximize their profits and market share.
Online shopping can be done at any time of day or night and is often more affordable than in-store shopping. It is also less stressful, avoiding parking hassles and crowds during peak shopping times. Online shopping is also more environmentally friendly, as less product packaging is used. Another advantage of shopping online is that it is easier to avoid impulse purchases. When you shop in person, your five senses can trigger overspending by tempting you with all the products around you. But online, those tiny pictures and tempting captions can be easily avoided by simply not clicking “add to cart.”
In addition to the convenience of shopping from the comfort of one’s own home, consumers appreciate the ability to compare prices and reviews. Some of the more popular websites for online shopping include eBay, Amazon and ASOS. These sites provide a centralized place for sellers to list and sell their products. These sites also offer a variety of payment options, including PayPal and credit card payments. Some of these sites even offer cashback on select purchases. For those who are concerned about the security of their personal information, it is possible to purchase items from websites that use SSL encryption to protect customer data.
Another key aspect of online shopping is the lack of pressure from aggressive salespeople. This allows the shopper to conduct additional research, call friends and family for opinions, and fully evaluate their potential purchases before making a decision. When you buy online, it is also easy to save a cart for later or abandon it completely if you change your mind. Some online retailers also offer product reminder emails with discount codes to encourage repeat business.
When it comes to purchasing clothes, shoes and accessories, online shoppers appreciate the convenience of being able to view full-length images and read detailed descriptions. Additionally, online stores typically offer a much wider selection of clothing sizes than traditional retail shops. This helps shopper find the right fit and feel.
In-store shoppers tend to get a better deal during in-store promotions and coupons. However, for those who prefer to stick with a budget, online shopping may be the best option. Lastly, online shoppers value the opportunity to receive personalized customer service. Having the ability to contact a live representative is important for many, as well as having access to a return policy and FAQ section on the website.