The process of buying services or manufactured goods through the Internet is called online shopping. It is a kind of electronic commerce that is used for B2B and B2C transactions.
Shopping online has brought with it a number of methods of cost reduction as it requires less number of staff. It is the most effective method of reaching to a large number of people.
There are several benefits of this process such as consumers have bargaining power. They can have the benefit of a wide range of choice. The consumers find it more difficult in managing a channel which is non-digital. It enhances commoditization. There is a threat for new competitors. Introducing new products is quite easy as it needs less over-heads. There is a fear of substitutes and there is continuous rivalry among the entrants as the services and products can be introduced to several markets easily.
Online shopping was invented by Michael Aldrich in 1979 in the United Kingdom. After the World Wide Web has emerged, merchants have tried to reach to the Internet surfers for selling their products. People can go to the web stores sitting comfortably at their home and buy what they want sitting at the computer. People can get to see a lot of items at the virtual stores and buy according to their need sitting at home. Consumers can buy all items that are provided by the merchants on the Internet. Consumers can buy from a wide range of varieties offered by the companies on the web store including household appliances, books, toys, clothing, health insurance, software, hardware, electrical goods, and furniture and just about anything you can think of.
Online shopping can provide you certain conveniences. You do not have to venture out of your home and go to the store, look for a parking area, and search for the thing you need by going around the store before locating the item you need. Then after purchasing the item you may have to stand in a long queue at the cash counter. On the other hand, shopping online has a number of advantages. The consumer signs into the Internet visits the web store and selects the item. The things you choose are held in a virtual cart till you buy them. You can shop at anytime of the day or night depending upon your convenience as the web store remains open round the clock.
Yet online shopping is not preferred by all to buy products and services. A few people like to go to the store physically and experience the process. They prefer to try, touch, and see the product before purchasing the product. They enjoy the company of people around them. But purchasing services or items from a web store does not allow you to mingle with people and touch the products. You have to buy the product just by having a look at the picture. Moreover, people fear about giving their information of credit card or debit card which is necessary while buying things through the Internet. Many customers avoid purchasing from the web stores for this reason.
Online shopping has another disadvantage too. You cannot get the product the same day you buy it. It will be delivered to your home for which it takes few days.
Online shopping is the process of purchasing goods and services from the Internet. This procedure is becoming extremely popular as it helps one buy stuff sitting at home.
Visit the Author's website: http://blog.royaltyuniverse.com/category/online-shopping/
