Traditional Shopping & Online Shopping

OOnline shopping has developed since 1994 but it became more popular in the twentieth century. People are able to order anything whenever they want. However, some people do not like online shopping because they prefer to walk around the mall or shopping center to pick the best products they like. Both traditional shopping and online shopping are the way consumers buy products; however, they have some differently between them.

Photo by Claudia Abma

     Product selection is the first consideration that many people think about before making the decision. Almost everyone likes to choose high quality products before paying. Many stores will have similar products online and in store. With traditional shopping, customers are able to physically see the products and make decisions. While some people have to walk in a shopping center to buy something, the others can shop online and find clothes. Some products which have more colors, sizes and designs are not available in stores, but they are available online. People who know what size they wear can buy online. In contrast, people who buy new clothes online are not able to see the products; they might not like the products when it is delivered to their home. The materials, colors, and sizes mat be different when people look on the websites. When people order new shoes with size six, for example, it might not fit because different shoe brands fit differently. People who want to buy good products in store or online should choose good brand name products with the best price.

Photo by Georgia Paul

Price is the second factor affecting consumer-buying behavior. Like the mall, online stores are very aggressive on pricing; they often have special sales at the end of the season. Some people prefer to shop at the store rather than to buy online. People do not have to pay shipping fees when they shop at retail stores. In contrast, online sellers usually have lower prices because they do not have to pay for renting space, electric bills, and sale representatives. People who shop online might find good deals than others who shop at the stores. They can find the lowest price from sellers with online search on special deals; they can even save more money, but some stores might charge shipping fees. For example, they have to pay seven dollars for a shipping fee on top of the purchase price. As a result, the price might end up higher when customers compare to shopping at store. Therefore, people should compare the prices before purchasing.

Photo by Maggie

Finally, service is another issue people consider when they shop. Buying at the mall, people can exchange or return products easily. For example, if they buy a new shirt, they may change their mind when they come home. With a receipt, they might come back and return it. Customer service usually opens in office hours. Therefore, people can return or exchange the items by talking face – to – face. Unlike with the traditional shopping, customers can place orders online any time. People can order online and send products to their relatives or friends as a gift that with many stores offering free shipping and gift wrapping. Nevertheless, people might have to wait for a few days for the item to arrive, and sometimes customers are not able to receive the items due to having been misplaced. In addition, it is more difficult to return an item that they have bought online. Some stores allow returns but others require returns products by mail. Therefore, some customers are frustrated when they cannot return in store.  Good service is a major factor that people consider; therefore, people who like shopping always focus on the service before they buy something. 

In conclusion, product selections, prices, and services are the keys for shoppers to choose whether to shop online or in store.  Nowadays, many people prefer online shopping rather than traditional shopping. Online shopping is more convenient for consumers because they are able to buy anything whenever they like. On the other hand, traditional shopping still maintains some advantages, such as pick the products off the shells, pay at the cash register in store; customers do not have to wait for the shipment to arrive at their home. However, both kinds of shopping still have positive and negative aspects, it depends on the perspective of customers.