Online Vs In-Store Shopping!!

There has always been a debate when it comes to which is better: buying in a physical store or purchasing via online retailers. Though the popularity of web based businesses boomed in recent years, many customers are still choosing to go in malls or brick and mortar shops to get their goods.

Convenience has always been important to many of us and with the onset of virtual store paved the way to easier shopping experience at the comfort of our homes or offices, anytime of the day. Brick and mortar stores show flat retail figures in recent years while online shopping has picked up and still continue to grow. Is this the sign that consumers should adopt a more virtual and high tech way of shopping?

Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages between brick and mortar stores compared to online retailers.

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Physical Stores: Advantage

No one can argue that nothing compares to the experience of physically touching merchandise. Many scientific studies even stated that touching things that we love before we buy them results to a physical effect like a euphoric state which leads many to associate shopping as a feel-good experience, hence the term “retail therapy”.

But beyond the physical effects of retail, shopping in a real store gives customers the opportunity to really inspect the merchandise they buy for quality. If one chooses to buy big items like furniture, customers can try out the product and see if they are comfortable with it. Brick and mortar shops also give this “adventure” kind of hype and elevate the sense of satisfaction in discovering rare finds or great bargains. Sometimes, talking directly to a store owner, a customer can negotiate to lower the price of a product. The human contact also creates a bond between seller and buyer, initiating trust and guarantee which can make most customers feel good about a purchase. Best of all, customers can take home their purchase the day they bought it, that is if the product is small enough that they can carry it with them

Online Retailer: Advantages

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 Convenience is the number one advantage of online stores. They are available all day and can be accessed anywhere. Because they are not limited by space, online stores can show more inventory which means more choices for customers. Also, due to the boom in Web technology, there are a lot of stores that are now operating solely via the Internet, which means customers have a large selection of retailers.

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With the use of technology, customers can also take advantage of search engines so that they find the products they want in the fastest way possible. This is particularly useful when purchasing large items or products that have a lot of specifications like retail furniture. More and more people buy on online furniture retailer nowadays because searching a warehouse for a specific type of product can take a long time in a real store. In addition, many online furniture retailers offer price matching policies due to the fierce competition, leading customers to save money, time and effort.

Physical Stores: Disadvantages

It can be tiring to go visiting store to store just to find a specific product. Searching a large store can be a nightmare to many people more so when they find out that what they are looking for is not available at the time. Check out can also be tedious. Long lines, irate customers or cashiers, heavy push carts or baskets can be unappealing in physical retail stores. Special occasions like the holidays can also be very hectic when customers are rushing to get bargains and are willing to get into an argument just to have the last turkey.

Online Retailer: Disadvantages

The Internet can also be a dangerous place. Scammers and hackers are out to get a fast buck on unsuspecting customers. Also, some online businesses thrive in using poor customer service just to get high ranking in search engines. Some products also have higher prices compared to physical store due to delivery charges. Though there have been consistent developments in online security, sensitive information like personal and credit card details can be stolen over the Web.

Shopping has been a part of our lives since the dawn of time. Whether you choose to use the conventional method or the virtual one, as a customer, due vigilance is still the best way to be safe while spending your hard earned money.