The Online Shopping Advantage

Simply put, online shopping is buying products and services on the internet. As per a recent survey, nearly 86 percent of internet browsers are online shoppers. Why so? It is because web research has become the in-thing for value buyers in today’s recession. You browse, compare product quality and prices and decide whether to buy or not. Research is the keyword for online shoppers today; so much so that even retail sales are boosted by exhaustive product surveys done on the web.

When Did Online Shopping Begin?

You will be surprised to know that online shopping dates back to even before internet, IBM or Microsoft. In fact this concept was developed by Michael Aldrich of Redifon Computers in 1979 by connecting a modified television to a real time transaction. In May 1984, Mrs. Jane Snowball of Gates head, England recorded the first online transaction the way we know it today.

US retail e-commerce sales exceeded USD 130 billion in 2008. In spite of recession, web shopping in Europe is all set to surpass USD 400 billion by 2011. This is a fair indication that people have given a thumbs-up to this system that enables them to shop quickly, avoid the hassle of travel, and steer clear of a crowded shopping mall.

Online shoppers have other reasons as well. Here is a summation of benefits people derive when they buy products and services online.

1. Savings on online coupons. Shoppers save a lot with online coupons or coupon code. When you shop online you are sure to find a discount offer that may not be offered in retail shopping. Online retailers very often provide a text link that will automatically allow you a discount on a product you buy. Alternatively, they issue specific coupon codes for shoppers while checking out. 2. Competitive prices. Internet shopping reduces the overheads for the seller. This is the main reason why you find online products cheaper by up to ten percent than retail goods. 3. Allows research. One can get more information on the product or of the services on the web than from a catalog. Moreover, you can also read reviews of buyers before you finally decide to buy. 4. Allows wider choice. The internet lets you browse through and survey a staggering choice of products that is practically impossible for in retail stores. Online search makes it simpler for a buyer to zero in on a product based on quality and price competitiveness. 5. The 24x7 advantage is a singular benefit internet shopping has over retail stores. You can shop at your own leisurely time, on any day and from any place. 6. Savings on fuel. When people shop online they travel less and so save on fuel. This in turn reduces air pollution, an added environmental benefit.

Online shopping does have its concerns. Fraud and security is the uppermost among them. Sellers risk fraudulent purchases made by stolen credit cards and consumers risk buying fake products online. Identity theft looms large on the minds of surfers as hackers encroach on merchants’ website.

Nevertheless, shopping online has come to stay as consumers’ awareness on how to protect their personal details have increased considerably.

About The Author Royalty Universe is a comprehensive online shopping resource. In addition to many interesting articles that attract trendy shoppers, the website is a huge source of information on online shopping, shopping malls and various other shopping resources. For more information please visit www.blog.royaltyuniverse.com/