essay about online shopping vs offline shopping

Offline Shopping vs Online Shopping – 6 Key Differences

Aashita Singh

Updated on: April 16, 2024

India has seen a rapid increase in online shopping especially since the post Covid era, but offline shopping or the traditional shopping way still has a very strong hold among the shopping market.

The decision of shopping through whichever mode should accompany with the priority, convenience, and need of the shopping at times. 

6 Key Difference Between Offline Shopping Vs Online Shopping 

• Convenience & Accessibility 
• Availability & Experience 
• Space & Gratification 
• Experience & Interaction 
• Price Dynamics 
• Returns & Exchanges

(A) Convenience & Accessibility 

Offline Shopping – The tactile experience of offline shopping offers various benefits like immediate access to a range of products, allowing customers to see, try & touch any product before purchase. Apart from the significant rise of online shopping, the offline traditional shopping method still holds its grounds. 

Offline shopping method offers you access to a large number of shops, negotiate the price, to see many ranges of products, and more. For some, being physically present in a store and shop is the trustworthy form of shopping.

Online Shopping – This shopping method allows to shop anytime and from anywhere, according to the convenience. This provides access to customers to browse, purchase, compare, view reviews about any product from the comfort of their home, and that is available 24/7. This online shopping is like a virtual round to shopping stores for products that match your preferences.

(B) Availability 

Offline Shopping –  Though confined by space, this shopping method offers the experience of being physically present in the market and shop. Provides immediate access to a diverse range of products and shops. One of the major benefits that very well differentiate it from online shopping is that  you can walk out of any store immediately after making your purchases, without any shipping charges or waiting for the product to be delivered.

Online Shopping – One of the supreme benefits that online shopping offers. This shopping method transforms the shopping experience of a once limited marketplace into an all time available digital experience. These online stores are available and accessible anytime and anywhere, i.e. 24×7. Online shopping provides access and makes available products from many shopping sites, that provides you a good choice to choose from.

Note: Visit the article- Ajio Vs Myntra.

(C) Space & Gratification   

Offline Shopping – Offline shopping allows consumers to get into the details of every product in-depth and to know about it all until it becomes satisfactory in a physically confined space, where they can directly engage in a conversation with the retailer or the sales person for the product specifications and range.  The immediate purchase provides an instant gratification to the consumers, as they can take their product after making a purchase and don’t have to wait for it to get delivered.

Online Shopping – The space in online shopping is not confined to any store, instead it provides a virtual platform to explore the online shopping dimensions, avoiding the crowd of being in a physical store. Customers can navigate through a pool of products, domains, categories, brands, websites, etc. This online shopping game offers access to store space in a digital world. However, instant gratification can be a challenge in online shopping, although it does provide doorstep delivery, but for that you have to wait too.

(D) Experience & Interaction 

Offline Shopping – This shopping method excels in providing real-time interaction with shopkeepers, retailers, staff, etc. and can help in better buying decision making process for the product. Provides a perfect platform that facilitates the ability to seek advice, share opinions, and engage in conversations that can help you get a better shopping experience. 

Online Shopping – Interaction and shopping experience in online shopping comprises the reviews, recommendations, opinions, ratings, etc. This shopping method avoids social interaction with the shopkeepers or the retailers, instead they use reviews, opinions, customer satisfaction comments, etc. on their website with the product to provide more insights into the product range.

(E) Price Dynamics

Offline Shopping –  Offers a different price dynamic, as not all the physical stores offer cost-effective pricing. Instead, some shopkeepers offer seasonal deals, unique in-stores offers, discount ranges, etc. in the competitive price landscape of the market. They also incorporate some loyalty programs, special offers, promotions, membership for specific periods, etc. that can help in pocket savings. The face-to-face interaction with the shopkeeper helps in negotiating prices better.

Online Shopping – There are multiple websites that offer online shopping best deals with cost-effective prices. The competitive landscape of online shopping is the outcome of reduced overhead costs and the ability to see and choose from vast digital places. This digital realm has become a playground for shoppers who are conscious about price, and look for discounts and offers often.

(F) Returns & Exchanges 

Offline Shopping – The replacement or exchange can be done immediately as it’ll involve direct interaction with the store or the shopkeeper. The return and exchange policy may vary according to the store policy and they do have specific timings that are made for the return and exchange of products. In this shopping method the customer can discuss directly with the shopkeeper about the problem or the issue they are having with the product.

Online Shopping – This shopping method offers convenient return of products or goods, as people don’t need to go to the store to return it. The policies may vary according to the website. This ability of shipping products back without leaving the house contributes to more online buying behavior. This return and exchange window offers a user-friendly interface where customers can return the product and state the reason and can ask for an exchange.

In the ever-evolving landscape, customers prefer involving both the styles of shopping, either online or offline. Both the shopping ways offer unique advantages and features that will make your shopping experience a memorable one.

Online shopping provides a cost-effective landscape with convenience and all time availability within the pocket. While the offline shopping method thrives a well determined combination of having and seeing the product in hand and interacting directly with the shopkeeper or the store staff.

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Essay on Online Shopping Vs Offline Shopping | Their advantages & disadvantages in English

Essay on online shopping vs offline shopping.

Introduction Online shopping and offline shopping are two different ways to buy things, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Online Shopping - Advantages & Disadvantages Online shopping involves purchasing goods over the internet using a computer, smartphone, or other devices. It brings advantages such as shopping from home anytime, accessing a wide range of products at competitive prices, and convenient home delivery services. However, it also comes with drawbacks. You cannot inspect products before buying, leading to potential dissatisfaction. Additionally, there are security concerns with online transactions and issues with delivery services, such as delays or damaged goods.

Offline Shopping - Advantages & Disadvantages On the other hand, offline shopping, also known as traditional shopping, involves physically visiting stores such as malls, supermarkets, or local shops to buy products. Offline shopping offers the advantage of allowing you to physically touch the products, ensuring their quality and suitability before buying. Moreover, you can receive immediate assistance from sales staff for advice or questions. Additionally, it provides a social experience to enjoy with friends or family. However, offline shopping also has its drawbacks. It can be time-consuming due to travel and limited products with potentially higher prices than online.

Conclusion In summary, both online and offline shopping offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or the personal interaction of shopping offline, both meet the needs of different consumers.

Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping Essay

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Introduction

Comparisons and contrast.

The advent of internet shopping in the late nineties created a revolution in the retail industry. Benefits that were previously inaccessible to the masses became a reality. Today, buyers can get the latest I-Pad from Apple at the click of a button. They can purchase the latest designer-colognes from Paris, even if they live in New York. One, therefore, wonders whether online shopping will replace traditional shopping. Through a contrast and comparison of these two shopping channels, it can then be possible to answer the latter question.

Some of the most advent supporters of online shopping are environmentalists. Many of them assert that online shopping eliminates the need for consumers to transport themselves to a physical store. This saves on fuel charges and paper. Similarly, traditional shopping from a supermarket or in a mall can also save on plenty of energy costs.

Customers can get everything they require under one roof, thus eliminating the need to transport themselves from one point to another. This saves on fuel and other charges that emanate from physical movement of people for shopping. On the other hand, these two channels differ in terms of their environmental-friendliness.

Individuals can use the Postal service to ship their online commodities. Since the postal service is bound to come to a certain neighborhood anyway, then fuel costs can be minimized. Such economies are unavailable in traditional brick and motor stores. Furthermore, one can buy multiple items from distant locations and save volumes of fuel. Traditional retail stores would require one to drive physically to the concerned store, even though it might be located all the way in China.

Both types of shopping avenues provide buyers with a certain level of comfort and ease. Customers go to online stores in order to avoid the overcrowding and hurling that is synonymous to traditional stores. This is quite helpful during the holiday seasons. Buyers can transform their shopping into a pleasant experience by simply avoiding these crowded areas. Similarly, some customers go to traditional stores in order to enjoy a different type of comfort.

They approach these physical stores in order to access immediate help from sales persons concerning certain items. Shopping from traditional stores allows retailers to consult about the features of a certain product and this causes them a certain level of ease and comfort. On the other hand, traditional retailers cannot offer the same level of comfort that online stores can.

In online shopping, buyers simply have to select an item and pay; everything else is handled by the internet firm. Conversely, shoppers from physical stores have to plan for their transportation to and from the brick and mortar store. If the products they are purchasing are bulky, then they must make special arrangements to carry the item to their homes.

All channels of shopping furnish customers with information about the features of products. It is possible to know about the sizes, features, and costs of products in online and traditional shopping. Conversely, the dependability of the information differs substantially depending on whether one is using online shopping or traditional methods. Many customers have complained about misleading information or unavailable information in online stores.

Buyers who need advise about using a certain product or need to inquire about its capabilities in traditional stores can easily get this information from sales persons. On the contrary, one cannot get this information easily from internet forums. Some websites may have contact numbers or e-chat forums; however, these are not available in all of them. Online shoppers only have pictures and product descriptions to know everything they need to know about a product.

This method may work for certain types of products that have low prices and minimal modifications. However, the same approach may not work for expensive and highly customizable products such as cars or houses. Few customers would buy houses based solely on a product description or picture they saw; many would want to see the spacing and features in that house. Automobile purchasers would also need to test-drive items before they can walk away with them. In this regard, internet channels fall short because they cannot provide personalized information or experiences.

It is possible to compare prices in these two avenues. One can walk from shop to shop and find the best offers in one’s location. The same thing happens in internet shopping. One can visit a number of websites and compare the prices offered by these entities. In contrast, it is much easier to compare prices on the internet than in physical locations. If a store was located in a different city, it would be impractical to drive all the way to that store simply to find out what their prices are. Therefore, online shopping is superior in this regard.

These two platforms are both vulnerable to theft or fraud. In physical stores, criminals may organize a massive robbery and this can cause substantial losses to the concerned entrepreneurs. Alternatively, customers may shoplift or get away with non payment in physical stores. Similarly, theft can occur in online stores when an alleged retailer either purports to sell non – existent products or sells counterfeit or inferior goods to clients.

The main difference between these two types of channels is that in physical stores, customers do most of the stealing. Furthermore, they use relatively simple methods to carry out these activities. On the other hand, the internet has created a new breed of wrongdoers. Most fraudsters are fake sellers rather than buyers.

A number of them tend to use very sophisticated methods to lure their ‘clients’ and defraud them. It takes a lot of intelligence and security measures to guard against these individuals. Therefore, buyers must be wary of these challenges when they select online shopping as their preferred method of purchasing.

Cases of missing information exist in these two approaches. A customer may purchase something from a brick – and – mortar store, and this item may not be easily examinable at the retail store. This may make it easy to find flaws in it. For example, someone may purchase a television set from an electronics shop, and when the buyer gets to his or her house, he or she may find that the keys on the remote control do not work as stated.

Similarly, one may buy a book from Amazon and find that it has several missing pages. These issues occur because sellers may have hidden certain information about their materials. On the flipside, it is easier for retailers to hide information about their products on the internet than in physical stores. Many online customers often complain about the hidden costs that come with internet purchases. Shipping costs and other miscellaneous charges may hide the true price of a certain commodity on the internet.

Furthermore, even the process of purchasing an item on the internet is never as short as retailers claim. One must register, enter a series of personal details, read the privacy policy, and enter details about one’s credit card information. It may take a phone call or an e-chat to find out about certain order details. Therefore, what should have taken fifteen minutes ends up taking forty five or fifty minutes. There are more loopholes on the internet to facilitate missing information as compared to traditional shopping

Internet shopping still has a series of flaws that physical shopping does not. Nonetheless, the convenience and flexibility offered by this method are unrivaled in brick and mortar stores. It is likely that these two methods of shopping will continue to complement each other in the future as the pros and cons of one method are neutralized by another.

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IvyPanda. (2020, April 25). Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping. https://ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/

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1. IvyPanda . "Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." April 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/.

Bibliography

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• > General Analytics

Online vs Offline Shopping

• Vrinda Mathur
• Mar 08, 2022

As soon as we hear the word shopping our minds are thrilled with excitement and joy. With the pandemic in which we are living today, online shopping has been no less than an essential organ to us. 

Be it daily household essentials or any sort of luxury, online shopping has been our best friend in these difficult times. Let us now understand the key distinguishing features of online shopping vs offline shopping. Primarily let us understand what we really understand by Online Shopping.

(Also Read - Guide to B2C Marketing )

Introduction to Online Shopping

Everyday shopping is a part of life. Some people receive what they need from shopping, while others get something more. It is considered as a technique to relieve tension, to fulfill a mental goal, or to give some flavor to the mechanical way of life. 

Shopping is arguably one of the oldest expressions for discussing what we have all been doing for several years. Online shopping , sometimes known as e-shopping, is a type of ecommerce in which customers use a web browser to buy products or services directly from a vendor via the internet. 

Other names for an e-web-store include e-shop, estore, internet shop, web-shop, web-store, online sort, virtual store, and so on. Simply simply, it is any type of sale conducted through the internet. 

Since the advent of the internet, shopping has taken on a whole new meaning because of what the internet has to offer, that is, any individual or organization from any area of the world who is able to publish and sell items on the internet using a website.

Furthermore, the customer does not have to worry about having to discover a way to trade monetary paper since not only is online banking made available; the client is given the choice to pay using various payment methods. 

It is now even easier to locate the most difficult product, by just entering in the product or item that a buyer is looking for. Don't be concerned. Concerning the site, since logistic businesses are also jumping on board, so to say, and assisting in making. They were certain that their items would be available to any and all places throughout the world.

Also Read |  Customer Retention Marketing

How does Online Shopping work ?

Most importantly, you will require an Internet connection, a debit or credit card, and a strong password. You may also need an email address or a phone number. 

Most retailers will let you create your own password. Make it a password that no one can guess. Avoid your and your family's birthdays. Ideally, you should use a mix of letters, numerals, and upper and lower case.

You then browse the things that the merchant has to offer. They may have a category list, such as furniture, sports equipment, gardening, and so on. Most stores additionally include a search function. This means you may jot down the name of the thing you're looking for to check if they have it.

Online Payments

When it comes time to pay, the shop will request your credit card information. They'll need the card's name, the lengthy 16-digit number, the expiration date, and a 3-digit number on the reverse. You may also be required to submit information about the card's billing address.

When providing your credit card information, ensure that their website begins with 'HTTPS' rather than 'HTTP.' A web address that begins with HTTPS' denotes a secure page that may accept payments.

Factors affecting Online Shopping

In the recent decade, online shopping has grown in popularity. The type of business that internet retailers do demonstrates that they provide some benefits to customers that physical purchasing does not. These are the factors that influence internet shopping:

When customers acquire things through internet shopping, they do not physically touch or feel the product. As a result, we recognise that there is a lot of risk involved when purchasing an online goods. 

Whether it will arrive on time or not is also a worry, and as a result, there may be a danger of product size and color as they may differ in actual view or sense. Occasionally, the ordered goods get damaged.

Convenience

Online purchasing is far more convenient than traditional shopping. Instead of driving around from store to store, you may conduct your shopping from the comfort of your own home. 

It is handy to sit in one area and shop for the goods of our choosing without having to move from one location to another. Once you've determined what you want to buy, the payment process is simple, and the product is delivered to your home or office.

The quality of products at online and offline businesses varies greatly, which influences the frequency with which people purchase online. Quality also has a positive impact on the environment when it comes to any type of buying. As a customer or buyer, you desire high-quality goods since you spent a lot of money on it.

Delivery Time

The goods bought by the consumer in online shopping takes at least six to seven days to be delivered to the customer. However, in the case of offline shopping, ownership of the products is instantly transferred to the customer. As a result, this is a significant element influencing internet buying.

(Also Read - Factors influencing customer behavior )

Introduction to Offline Shopping

Offline shopping advantages from the opportunity to physically choose and inspect what an item or thing is like, would look like, and its attributes. This is why some people still prefer conventional buying over internet purchasing since, for one thing, it allows them to thoroughly inspect an item. 

E-commerce platform is a popular location where buyers and sellers do not interact, resulting in a lack of product awareness. Despite the fact that the consumer visits the online buying site, he or she does not exhibit any interest in acquiring the product.

Among the causes include a lack of trust, a loss of tactile touch and feel, security concerns, and so on. One of the major advantages of offline shopping is  that you do not have to wait for the services or items that you purchase. 

Because you purchase it straight from the seller, your services or items are immediately available to you. There is no need to wait for the delivery of your purchased services and items. Because you can hold the things in your hands immediately while buying offline, you can inspect the quality immediately and provide feedback at the time of purchase

(Also Read - AI in Retail Sector )

Factors Affecting Offline Shopping

Offline shopping is impacted by multiple factors. We’ve discussed some of them below : 

Taste and Preference

The tastes and preferences of customers change all the time. When a buyer buys a thing in person, he or she has the option to try it on, but this is not feasible when ordering online.

Time Consuming

Buying items from offline stores takes a long time because the distance from home to the market place is long. When you buy goods and services offline, you have to pay extra money on transportation, which you may save by buying products and services online.

In offline buying, a client may physically haggle on pricing, discount offers, and so on, which is not feasible in online shopping because the prices of goods and services are fixed in online shopping. Some clients assume that internet shopping items are more expensive than offline shopping merchandise.

Feel and Touch

When purchasing things offline, a buyer may see, feel, and touch the product, which is not feasible when shopping online. Some individuals will not buy anything until they can touch and feel it.

(Also Read - What is Ecommerce and M-commerce )

Distinguishing Factors between Online and Offline Shopping

Online and offline shopping can be distinguished on the basis of :-

Difference between online and offline shopping

(Also Read - IoT in Ecommerce )

In the end, it’s up to you whether you prefer online shopping or offline shopping. Both have their pros and cons respectively. Later it depends on the preference and comfort of the customer what they prefer.

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Online Shopping is Replacing Offline or Shopping from Stores- IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Apr 01, 2022

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Online shopping is replacing offline or shopping from stores. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic with the use of synonyms to establish a base on which you will elaborate upon.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will try to understand how online shopping is a positive development.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Mention how online shopping became a reality. Also talk about how online shopping has made shopping easy and convenient for the user.

Paragraph 2 – Talk about other advantages of online shopping. Stress on how online shopping made life easier during COVID-19.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge that online shopping exerts stress on the environment as sustaining it results in pollution. But, mention that some companies are trying to switch to electronic vehicles or adapting other green initiatives, and that the positives of online shopping far outweigh the negatives.

Restate your views.

Sample Essay 1

Online shopping is an effect of the growing usage of the Internet. It essentially shortens the efforts necessary for buying articles, therefore conveniently enhancing the user experience. In my opinion, it is a positive development, and this essay will try to explain the same.

Being propelled by the unprecedented rise of the Internet, online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Nykaa, etc., have created unparalleled ease in the shopping experience of a customer. What used to take a couple of trips to buy electronics, clothes, footwear now takes not more than a click of the finger. This is the impact of online shopping, along with incorporating thousands of employees within their ranks.

Online shopping showed a massive surge due to COVID-19 as people were unable to leave their homes, but essentials were needed to run a household. In India, retail giant DMart started its own delivery platform, wherein a customer shops their groceries from an application or the website, and the goods are then delivered within a set time to their doorstep. Such services tremendously helped people all around the world.

It is true that online shopping lays a lot of stress on our planet. For instance, housing servers that facilitate the seamless running of the platform draw a lot of electricity, and the delivery boys use a lot of petrol as they require to deliver goods in every nook and corner. These activities exert pollution directly and indirectly. But, one cannot ignore how beneficial these platforms are, and some are even switching to e-vehicles for their delivery to show their commitment to battle climate change. Such major anecdotes showcase the importance of online platforms.

Hence, it is safe to say that shopping through online platforms is a wonderful adaptation, and a positive development.

Sample Essay 2

These days, we can see an increasing trend of online shopping. People prefer to buy goods and services online, as it provides them convenience, confirming their purchase with just a few simple clicks. It is one of the main reasons physical shopping from stores has been substituted with online shopping. However, in this essay, I will discuss how this change will remain incomplete due to some issues of virtual shopping.

While online shopping does offer convenience, there is a considerable compromise that one has to adjust on quality. While sitting at home, one can’t make out how a particular product would be in-person. One has to decide whether or not to make the purchase based on a few photos.

Another downside of online shopping is the monopoly of only a few big retailers, as a result of which small shops have taken a hit. These shop-owners are forced or compelled to either turn to the big retailers to sell their products, of which a colossal cut goes out of their pockets or be content with the offline sales they make.

However, despite all these negatives, one might think online shopping has, it is still seen that people prefer it over shopping in physical stores. The reason for this is what has been mentioned earlier-convenience like less time-consuming, huge discounts and easy accessibility.

It is hard to compete with the convenience and comfort offered by the availability of multiple products in a single place, the ideology on which the concept of malls was created. Other than that, to have a comprehensive display wherein, you can compare products prices and even apply filters according to your need is comfortable to a majority of people.

Meaning – intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of. Example – The company tried everything towards enhancing its image after a failed marketing campaign.

• Unparalleled 

Meaning – having no parallel or equal; exceptional. Example – His technique of painting is unparalleled.

Meaning – drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward. Example – The push for indigenisation propelled all the local industries in a profitable direction.

• Unprecedented 

Meaning – never done or known before. Example – Unprecedented times rocked as the financial world came to a standstill in 2008.

• Incorporating  

Meaning – take in or contain (something) as part of a whole; include. Example – Many companies are incorporating AI-powered tools in their workforce.

Meaning – a sudden powerful forward or upward movement. Example – Due to COVID-19, sanitisers saw a surge in sales.

Meaning – a step leading up to the outer door of a house. Example – Many companies promise a 30 minute delivery at your doorstep.

• Tremendously  

Meaning – to a very great extent. Example – Since Jay came back from the USA, he has changed tremendously.

Meaning –   smooth and without seams or obvious joins. Example – Technology has helped us maintain a seamless life in many aspects.

Meaning – apply or bring to bear. Example – Exert almost all your strength while you exercise.

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Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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Posted on Apr 1, 2022

Shopping habits of folks are changing worldwide. Due to the changing trend towards online shopping offline shopping is being overtaken by shopping from online stores. This essay will strongly agree that this is a positive development. To support this viewpoint I will firstly discuss about convenience of buy from home then, shed light upon one stop shopping. To embark with, online shopping made it possible for the customers to buy from home. In other words there is no need to go to the market to buy anything because everything is available on the touch of the screen of cell phone and computers, which makes the shopping easy and hassle free. Furthermore, buyers do not have to worry to get out of home to buy medicine, vegetables or fruits, they can order from online and it will be delivered to their doorstep. For example, website like Amazon and Flipkart are providing the facility for their customers to order from home and the items are then delivered to address which buyers provide without actually visiting the stores physically.

In addition to that, with the help of shop from almost all items are available on single platform. Due to which it is easier to search anything that a customer need. As a result, they do not need to visit various stores which eventually save a good amount of time. Also, on single store a customer can compare a significant number of product from different manufacturers, for best and low cost product with better quality and more features. To illustrate, a survey from The Times of India on 20th January,2022 states that the amount of people shopping from online has significantly rise in last year at a rate of 55% when compared with offline shopping which is declined by 60%. In conclusion, changing offline shopping stores with online provide customers a better convenient way of shopping with time saving shopping experience.

Band Score – 5

Since it is an opinion essay, you are also required to write one line of contrast after the two opinionated body paragraphs.

Concentrate on correct use of article, punctuation, compound words, preposition, verb form, and subject verb agreement.

Use C2 level of words.

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Posted on Mar 10, 2022

Nowadays, we all know that majority of people prefer to purchase from online rather than offline and it gives lot of benefits to customers as well. According to my perspective, online shopping is a great development and there are many advantage along with. This essay will elaborate about the my point of view in the upcoming paragraphs.

In modern era, number of people move from physical shopping to online. The first and foremost benefit that it save amount of time. Although many individual spend large amount of time for shopping only, they can utilize their time by using different kind of application, where they can purchase from that. In addition, people can have range of choice. If people want to purchase from online store then it will suggest list of items for particular product. To illustrate, Amazon is one of the best example of the online store, around more than 10 millions items available on this store so user have multiple choice and they can choose from that.

Furthermore, individuals can save their money and it is second major advantage of this development. Large number of people buy from online because of they get good discount and they can also win rewards. It is not possible at local shop so they does not prefer this way of shopping. For instance, according to survey of the Times of India, roughly 60 per cent of users select online shopping because they can buy anything with reasonable price as compare to super market. Eventually, virtual shopping is more secure and trustful than other.

To conclude, according to my opinion, to considering all points that virtual store is leading positive side. It consists many pros such as give significant options and it save time as well as money.

Band Scored: 5 Since it is an opinion essay, you are also required to write one line of contrast after the two opinionated body paragraphs. Concentrate on correct use of article, comma, preposition, verb form, subject verb agreement, plural forms and sentence structure. Use more transitional phrases or linkers.

Posted on Jan 13, 2022

In recent times, online shopping has evolved into our daily lives immensely that people resist stepping out to the stores. Although this ever-increasing phenomenon comes as both a boon and bane for some, I think virtual shopping is essential to survive in the fast-paced life we lead today.

To begin with, buying products online not only saves time and energy in our hectic lifestyle rather provides thousands of product choices based on brand, price, quality, size etc. at just a mouse click from the comfort of our homes. Subsequently, this practice cuts down the cost of store space, power and other utilities for the business, indirectly boosting the economy. Another aspect to consider is that certain items are made upon order, i.e., they are produced only when an order is placed. This helps reduce wastage and caters to the particular needs of the end consumer. Especially during the Covid pandemic, when physical stores were shutdown, individuals survived only by ordering off online sites.

However, we cannot turn a blind eye to its negative impacts as well. For instance, not all of the population has access to internet or smartphones, as they rely only on offline stores for their everyday needs, and many of them are unaware of the numerous online shopping sites which are slowly ousting physical stores. Consequently, local businesses face steep losses due to rise in popularity of virtual buying. Furthermore, the personal touch and feel that we enjoy in offline shops cannot be met by online stores, which might cause error in judgement, difference in product specifications or quality.

In conclusion, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks of online shopping, as the economy is progressing and the needs are multiplying, it is indispensable to keep up with our demands. Though, it has to be maintained in such a way that affordable local shops are not completely replaced, making it a hardship for certain section of our society.

Posted on Jan 17, 2022

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• DOI: 10.32628/IJSRST173184
• Corpus ID: 168667266

Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping : A Comparative Study

• Raja Sarkar , Sabyasachi Das
• Published 28 February 2017
• Business, Economics
• International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

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36 Citations

References for shopping online versus in stores what do customers prefer and how do offline retailers cope with it, a customer perception towards online shopping and offline shopping, antecedents and consequences of online and offline shopping behaviour of young indian females, online and offline shopping decision-making process of generation y customers, consumer behaviour towards online and traditional shopping, research on consumers’ attitudes towards online and offline shopping, customer’s choice of purchasing channel: do channel characteristic, brand, and loyalty matter when shopping in hybrid retailers, what do consumers really want online vs offline shopping for fashion products, factors influencing online shoppers to shop at marketplace or website: a qualitative approach, a study on consumer behaviour: transition from traditional shopping to online shopping during the covid-19 pandemic, 29 references, perception towards online shopping : an empirical study of indian consumers, online retailing versus traditional stores in the purchasing decision making process, vietnamese consumers' intention to online shopping adoption: a qualitative approach, a multi-attribute analysis of preferences for online and offline shopping: differences across products, consumers, and shopping stages, frictionless commerce a comparison of internet and conventional retailers, bricks or clicks consumer attitudes toward traditional stores and online stores, the global internet shopper: evidence from shopping tasks in twelve countries, a study on consumers' attitude towards online shopping in china, consumer choice behavior in online and traditional supermarkets: the effects of brand name, price,, an analysis of factors affecting on online shopping behavior of consumers, related papers.

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Published in 2017

Raja Sarkar Sabyasachi Das

Essay on Online Shopping 1000+ Words

Online shopping has transformed the way we buy goods and services. With the advent of the internet, the world of commerce has shifted to digital platforms, making shopping easier, more convenient, and accessible to millions. In this essay, we will explore the many advantages of online shopping, from its convenience and affordability to its impact on traditional retail stores and its role in our modern lives.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. Shoppers can browse and buy products from the comfort of their homes, avoiding long queues and crowded stores. This convenience is especially valuable for people with busy schedules or limited mobility.

A Vast Selection of Products

Online stores provide a vast array of products that cater to diverse tastes and needs. Whether you’re searching for clothing, electronics, books, or specialty items, the internet offers an extensive selection with just a few clicks.

Competitive Prices and Discounts

Online retailers often offer competitive prices and frequent discounts. The ability to compare prices from different sellers allows shoppers to find the best deals, saving them money. Additionally, online coupons and promotions further enhance the affordability of online shopping.

Access to Customer Reviews

Before making a purchase, online shoppers can read customer reviews and ratings. This valuable information helps buyers make informed decisions, ensuring they select high-quality products that meet their expectations.

Convenient Payment Options

Online shopping platforms offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards, digital wallets, and online banking. This flexibility makes transactions convenient and secure for shoppers.

Doorstep Delivery

One of the most significant advantages of online shopping is doorstep delivery. Shoppers no longer need to travel to physical stores; instead, their purchases are delivered to their homes, saving time and effort.

Avoiding Impulse Buying

Online shopping can help shoppers avoid impulse buying. In physical stores, tempting displays and in-store promotions can lead to unplanned purchases. Online, buyers have more control over their choices and can stick to their budgets.

Accessibility for All

Online shopping breaks down geographical barriers. People in remote areas or those with limited access to physical stores can now access a wide range of products and services, leveling the playing field for all consumers.

Impact on Traditional Retail

The rise of online shopping has led to changes in the traditional retail landscape. Many brick-and-mortar stores have expanded their online presence to remain competitive. Additionally, some traditional retailers now offer online shopping options to meet the changing preferences of consumers.

Environmental Benefits

Online shopping can have environmental benefits. With fewer people driving to physical stores, there may be a reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, some online retailers are committed to eco-friendly packaging and sustainable practices.

Conclusion of Essay on Online Shopping

In conclusion, online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop and has become an integral part of our modern lives. Its convenience, affordability, vast selection, and accessibility have made it a preferred choice for millions of consumers worldwide. As technology continues to advance, online shopping will likely become even more accessible and efficient.

While online shopping offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to exercise caution and practice responsible consumerism. Shoppers should be mindful of their budgets, protect their personal information, and support reputable online retailers.

Online shopping is not just a trend; it’s a reflection of our evolving society and the way we adapt to new technologies. As we embrace the convenience and benefits it offers, let us also be conscious consumers who make informed choices, ensuring that online shopping continues to enhance our lives while respecting the principles of responsible shopping and sustainability.

Also Check: The Essay on Essay: All you need to know

Compare and Contrast Essay: Online Shopping vs. In-Person Shopping

Over the recent year shopping has taken two turns, the have the most classic form in person shopping and online shopping. They may be similar in their basics but online shopping and in person shopping are different based on the experience, time consumption, and the variety and availability of the items. They may be but the environment changes the situation a person is in and the interaction one has go through home or in an actual store.

Experience is a major component in shopping be it experience with the way a shop or way a website is set up. Amazon and target are two good examples in the difference between online and in person. While shopping in amazon.com consumers can expect to find almost anything with ease and minimal problems, but there can be other factors that can lead to problems. For example, consumers internet can be slow, or their phones could be cut off because they forgot to pay their bill. In person shopping does not have problem with slow internet or forgotten phone bills, any shopper can browse and find what they need or finds something that they might have needed but forgot. But in person shopping also has their downside for instance a shopper may forget the list of items they need or run into other fellow customer that will bother them believing them to be an associate of the store. In the end online shopping experience has a better impact on the shopper.

Another component is time consumption. Many shoppers are workers as well and need to organize their day to be early to their jobs and have time for their shopping for home necessity. Online shopping is time consuming but can be controlled because it can be done from anywhere. A consumer can be at home shopping and getting ready for work and still make it in time. But of course, there are consumer that get stuck and stay online shopping locked onto their screen looking for items they need or just want. In person shopping is good because you can browse on your way to work early in the morning and get your necessities and leave easily. But there is the possibility of getting stuck in traffic. Traffic can happen at any given time and a shopper can shop and then find out they are stuck and would be late for work. Given the time consumption of each online shopping comes to the top for less time consumption because traffic wouldn’t faze it at all.

Lastly it comes down to variety and availability. Variety and availability brings in more consumer to look and buy for items they need. Online shopping can have variety to the max. You have many shops at your disposal and can move to each site with ease. The chance of online shops to not have the product are low and if they don’t have what a consumer need then their other websites. With shopping in person, the chance of items being out of stock are higher than online. The shopper then must leave and go to another store where they may or may not have the item they need. In online shopping a consumer can find almost exactly what they need no problem but in person shopping chance are almost less than half of online shopping making online shopping more convenient.

In the grand finally of online shopping and in person shopping consumers can have better experiences online shopping. Time consumption would go in favor for online because of its flexibility of location and speed of looking for items. For variety and availability online shopping come out as more favorable.

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Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping: 5 Advantages of E-Shopping

Still haven’t found the reason to choose e-shopping yet? Let us break it down for you.

The epic battle between online shopping and offline shopping is still going on. Once in a while, it’s good to visit the store once in a while, but for buying something huge like a mattress or bedding, we say it’s best to go online mattress shopping at home .

It’s not only a big time saver, but it also saves hassle. The hassle of heading to the store physically, getting hold of courier services to get home, and the obnoxious panic about them bringing the heavy products safely is a little too much. But not with online shopping today. In fact, things are way smoother than when e-shopping started.

The advantages of e-shopping have taken a new route: a smoother experience and a quick and reliable delivery system. You remain the hero by shopping at various stores until you find the one or the seamless cancellations or returns that add to your convenience.

But before that, let’s throw some light on the advantages of home shopping online and the battle between online vs offline shopping.

Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

E-shopping has helped plenty of households by saving time, money, and a whole lot more. The difference between online shopping and offline shopping is growing. Thereby, leaving a lot of inconvenience in the court of offline shopping.

Besides saving time and energy , online shopping allows you to compare prices across different e-commerce stores, hassle-free refunds, and product replacements, find rare items, have safe shipping, have a wider selection, personalized product suggestions, and more.

Let’s take a deeper dive into understanding the difference between online shopping vs offline shopping.

Online vs Offline Shopping 

1. Compare products before you purchase

When people ask, “Online shopping or offline shopping, which is better?”, we recommend e-shopping any day! The first reason is obvious: you get to compare similar products in different online stores! That, too, without moving an inch. That is one of the major importance of online shopping.

When you tally products, you narrow down your checklist and settle on the one that suits your needs the most. Be it a small pillows for sleep or a good mattress. Mattress stores online have varied options from distinct brands with their range of prices and more. Suppose you plan to take home a bed mattress that understands your body and its movements.

This is one of the prime reasons for the feud between online vs offline shopping.

2. Choose from a wider selection

You get to select from a wider range of products from different brands and explore more features as well. With the options to filter out your favourites or search for similar alternatives, you have a higher chance to select the ones that fit your purpose perfectly!

Moreover, the same can be tiring and hectic when done physically in stores. Hence, this adds to the other disadvantages of offline shopping . So, when it comes to choosing specific, need-based products like the best mattress for Back pain, shopping online is the wisest choice. And we know which one of online shopping vs offline shopping makes the entire process hassle-free!

3. See what users say about the products

Buying a large product without proper research is a bad idea. However, it’s never tough. Find the customer reviews of that particular product in-depth with their pictures and comments,, and you’ll know exactly where the product stands exactly. This is what widens the gap between online shopping vs offline shopping.

Now, if you plan to buy a mattress for a good night’s sleep, it needs smarter research. The bigger the product, the more the monetary commitment. So, make sure to invest wisely. Mattress shopping is done best online because of the research, review, purchase, and safe delivery process.

4. Save time and energy

Stepping out once in a while for shopping is great. But when you head out to buy proper bedding or a mattress that requires more time, it is not a wise practice, maybe even downright meaningless. You not only have to find time to compare different stores with similar products but also travel to different areas to make it happen. These disadvantages of offline shopping altogether make up for a complete waste of energy and time.

5. Professional and safer shipping

When you hire a professional delivery partner, you know things will be smooth. Right from pick up to setting up the product at your house, in case of heavy and large items like beds. Similarly, when you order a mattress that is softer than standard furniture, you must have it done properly.

All these are taken care of right from the inception of purchasing the product, from shipping to set-up. This is one of the advantages of e-shopping. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of online shopping

When it comes to buying heavy items, e.g., mattresses and bedding, it’s safe to give e-shopping the spotlight. An online mattress store stands far stronger than a store nearby. In fact, you could bring it in with more safety.

What is it you look for when you do mattress shopping? The main thing is how it feels when you lie down on it. But since you can’t touch or feel or physically see the dimensions of the mattress you see in an online store, you’re hesitant to go for online mattress shopping, for that matter. But, in the battle of online shopping vs offline shopping, we all know who would take the spotlight.

Let’s look at the things to consider when you go online to buy the perfect mattress for your bed.

1. Touch and feel factor

When selecting bedding/mattresses, you want to be able to touch and feel the mattress before choosing it. In reality, these things don’t help at all or might even lead to a wrong decision.

Sometimes, touch and feel make us purchase impulsively. Whereas shopping from an online mattress store shows us all the other rational factors to buy it. Starting from customer reviews, the precise description of the products, and the seamless refunds and cancellations.

Today, even if you can’t feel your products (an advantage of offline shopping), the online counterpart has shaken the market by making other aspects easily understandable. Therefore, this is the difference between online shopping and offline shopping.

• Sleeping v/s Touching the mattress

Ever heard of Pascal’s law ? The pressure is equal to force per unit area ? We mean that the pressure we apply by pressing the foam/coir/latex/spring with our fingers is much higher when our full body puts pressure on the mattress.

Say your weight is 75 kg, and you have a foam mattress measuring 6 ft by 3 ft. When you sit on the mattress, you put 75 kg on a very small portion, making the foam compress much more. Compared to when you sleep on it, 75 kg is distributed more uniformly on the mattress.

We want to convey that if you can easily compress the foam with your fingers or by sitting on the mattress, it’s safe not to conclude that the mattress is soft. The mattress is designed for you to sleep. So, you’ll understand its firmness better when you sleep on it to test it.

2. Find the Perfect at the best price

Pricing is a known fact when buying a mattress from an online mattress store. It is way more effective and economical, considering the plethora of options available with just a few clicks.

Plus, the convenience of professional shipping with the utmost care until doorstep delivery and set-up is another powerful side of going online for mattress shopping.

Because of the many advantages of online shopping, people prefer it over offline shopping. But it has its drawbacks too, like the fact that sometimes the online shopping experience is not very good for some customers. But that is more because of the brand or the shipping company they choose than anything else. The advantages of online shopping far outweigh the disadvantages of online shopping. 

In short, online mattress shopping gives you much more liberty to experience the sleeping surface and then make a decision, compared to the biased sales pitch and soaring prices at an offline store. Therefore, online shopping has already won the online shopping vs offline shopping battle, as there are more to online shopping pros and cons. And this has made large purchases a lot easier.

• What are the advantages of online shopping?

Some of the major advantages are that it can be done from the convenience of your home at any time. It saves time and energy, and you can compare the prices and make informed decisions. Additionally, the product gets delivered to your doorstep. 

• What is the advantage of e-commerce?

The advantages of eCommerce are faster buying, a wide range of products, affordability, cost-reduction, easy payment, wide payment options, and easy accessibility. 

• What are the disadvantages of online shopping?

There can be a delay in delivery, and a lack of touch and feel may lead to dissatisfaction after purchase, potential online fraud, and low-quality products.

• What are the pros and cons of offline shopping?

Pros of offline shopping: Touch and feel of the product. Quality check, Pay and Buy now.

Cons of offline shopping: Inconvenience of checking various stores; bargaining for discounts; potential wait for checkout. 

Further Reading...

Bed Bugs 101: What Should I Do With My Bed

Sleep Bruxism: How to Stop Grinding Teeth in Sleep

Can I Buy Mattress for Alleviate Back Pain From Wakefit?

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Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping : A Comparative Study

2017, International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

The retail sector is one of the fastest growing sector in India. It is one of the backbones of the economy and accounts for about 10 percent of the country's GDP. The Indian retail market is estimated to be valued at US$ 600 billion and one of the top five retail markets in the world by economic value. The growth of retail sector in India is one of the fastest globally. Indian consumers are very particular about their products. The consumer choices vary based upon their preference towards online shopping versus offline shopping. The internet and traditional shopping both have their own advantages and disadvantages.Online shopping doesn't require traveling long distances, offers more variety, remains functional 24*7, offers huge discounts and extend the facility of customer reviews. On the other hand, traditional shopping allows customers to physically examining products which otherwise online shopping lacks. Consumers may be use both the online and traditional mode of shopping depending on their preferences at a particular moment, which results in fundamentally different behaviours across the two mode of shopping. This article attempts to throw some light on the differences emerging out of online shopping behaviour and offline shopping behaviour.

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With the tremendous growth in retail marketing and increased internet penetration in the economy, there had been an exponential change in the way of shopping by the customers in India. Apart from traditional way of shopping, consumers are also preferring online shopping due to easy access to internet service, convenience in usage and variety of products availability. Keeping in mind the primary goal of offering goods and services to serve customers' needs & survive competition, e-retailers wants to analyse customer's behaviour, preferences and expectations regarding online shopping. The present study aims towards analysing consumer's behaviour towards online shopping. Sample is collected through a structured questionnaire from 154 respondents. Random sampling is used for sample identification having respondents belonging to different gender, age groups, income, professions. Data is analysed by using tables, graph, charts, percentage and ANOVA etc. The study will provide eretailers useful insight for developing marketing strategies regarding consumer's likings, disliking and preferences towards online shopping.

IJAR Indexing

Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce, refers to the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the internet and other computer networks. Internet is the rapidest growing media during the past decade. It has changed the look of new era. Especially, online shopping is a rapidly growing e- commerce area. Online stores are usually available 24 hours a day, and many consumers have internet access both at work and at home. A successful web store is not just a good looking website with dynamic technical features, listed in many search engines but it always look forward for consumer satisfaction. This study aims to establish a preliminary assessment, evaluation and understanding of the characteristics of online shopping. An effort has been made to investigate online consumer behaviour, which in turn provides E-marketers with a constructional framework for fine-tuning their E-businesses? strategies.

International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR)

Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce, refers to the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the internet and other computer networks. Internet is the rapidest growing media during the past decade. It has changed the look of new era. Especially, online shopping is a rapidly growing e- commerce area. Online stores are usually available 24 hours a day, and many consumers have internet access both at work and at home. A successful web store is not just a good looking website with dynamic technical features, listed in many search engines but it always looks forward for consumer satisfaction. This study aims to establish a preliminary assessment, evaluation and understanding of the characteristics of online shopping. An effort has been made to investigate online consumer behaviour, which in turn provides E-marketers with a constructional framework for fine-tuning their E-businesses? strategies.

International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)

K K RAMACHANDRAN

Marketing and shopping is hobby of most of individuals. Everyone likes to go for shopping. Now-a-days, there are many method of shopping's. The malls are available in cities. At one place, individuals' can get all kinds of items from buying vegetables to clothes, footwear, accessories, to furniture, electronic gadgets etc. It needs to go outside the home to purchase the things. It requires time as well as physical efforts. Therefore, online shopping in new terms of shopping. Online shopping has made easy way of shopping. In India, it has made shopping easy for each person. The best things online shopping is that it has done is to realise everyone's vision about shopping at enormously cheap rates. It is very convenient to all, from doorstep delivery to great exchange return policies. The current paper is an attempt to focus on the effect of online shopping to Local Market of India.

International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology -IJRASET

IJRASET Publication

This study tries to analyze how the customers will choose the channel of the shopping either online or offline. The main objective of the study is to compare online shopping and offline shopping. This study will explains the factors which affect the customers to buy online or offline. There are many people who are still not using online because of various reasons like internet illiteracy, fear of online payments, and duplicate quality of products. This study examines the customer perception towards online and offline shopping and factors influences choice of shopping channel based on the products they want to buy. The data used in this study is primary data and the data is collected through structured questionnaire with a sample size of 100.

G. K. Deshmukh

Purpose: Shopping online is different from traditional shopping in terms of experience on the part of consumers. Consumers in traditional markets can touch and feel the products before purchasing it and on the other hand in virtual markets products can be assessed visually only. The purpose of this paper is to understand online shopping behavior of consumers in India. Design/methodology: Researchers have conducted an empirical study of 100 online shoppers to identify their online shopping behaviour using Structural equation modeling. Major Findings: The key finding of the study indicates that demographic profile of customers, type of products to be purchased, online seller of the product, and the characteristics of online shopping website had positive impact on the intention and online shopping behavior of the customers in India. Implications: This paper will help marketers to devise ways and means to pull online shoppers, and will be helpful for customer to understand the merits and demerits of online shopping. Originality/value: This is a fairly original paper which analyses the factors that influence the intention and online shopping behavior of the customers in India.

Academy of Marketing Studies Journal

Gosala Raju

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to measure the developed online shopping construct in the Indian context and to examine the impact of demographics indicators on online shopping and their product preference in online shopping. The study also analyses the mediating role of consumer attitude relationship between quality of the product, price, product delivery, website information attribute, online services, and consumer buying behavior towards online shopping in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: An offline survey was conducted by administrating a structured questionnaire to the online shopper in selected metro cities in India. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire by applying a purposive sampling technique. Responses are recorded on a five-point Likert scale where: one stands for strongly disagree, three stands for neither disagree nor agree, and five stands for strongly agree. Originality/value: All data are collected a single time due to cost ...

Dr. Aditya Upadhyay

The online medium of e-commerce has provided and will continue to provide great opportunities for consumers and business. Research has shown growth in the interest o f consumer in online shopping from 40% in the year 2012 to 78% in the year 2014 in the online shopping behaviour. Online shopping is now-a-days preferred because o f better prices they offer, the convenience they provide because o f shopping on our leisure, variety ofproducts offered at one place, fewer traps as in the traditional shopping where the salesperson try to lure the customer to buy the product but in online shopping they '11 lure the customers with offers but not pressurize them. Ixistly customers privacy is valued in online shopping which is difficult in shopping offline. It is yet to be fully understood what more factors influence online shopping decision process. The Traditional shopping also has its pros like the feel-and-touch the products, face to face interaction with the salesperson, trying out o f your outfit before buying and many other reasons to shop offline. The objective o f this study is to provide an overview of online shopping decision process by comparing the offline and online decision making and identifying the factors that motivate online customers to decide or not to decide to buy online. The approach is used to find out whai is different product a consumer buys and what is the most preferred and searched one. The research will also investigate the sources that attract consumer to prefer shopping online. The results also indicate that those attracted to purchase online perceive significantly lower channel risk, search effort, evaluation effort, and waiting (delivery) time online than offline and express significantly higher price search intentions online than offline. Although consumers attracted to offline channels also perceive lower search cost and higher price search intentions online than offline, their perceived online search effort and price search intentions are significantly lower than those attracted to online channels It also suggests that demographics might not be effective bases for market segmentation. This study attempts to prcn'ide an exhaustive review on consumer behaviour o f shopping online v/s offline.

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Online Vs Offline shopping

IJCRI-International journal of Creative Research & Innovation, 2017

Posted: 16 Oct 2020

Deepika Maheshwari

Date Written: October 17, 2017

he study tries to recognize that, how consumer measure channels for their purchasing. Specifically, it progresses a conceptual model that addresses consumer value perception for using the internet shopping versus the traditional shopping. Earlier study showed that perceptions of price, product quality, service quality and threat strongly impact perceived value and purchase intents in the offline and online network. Observations of online and offline buyers can be evaluated to see how value is constructed in both channels. It is hitherto to recognize what factors influence online and offline shopping choice progression. The objective of this study is to provide an impression of online shopping decision process by comparing the offline and online decision making and identifying the factors that motivate customers to decide whether to do online shopping or go for the offline shopping. Consumer’s shop when and where they want, where they are comfortable with the products and the choice of shopping. The study finds that female are more into online shopping than male. Since last two years as population are more aware of the technology the online shopping increased immensely. The people from the age group 35 and above are less likely to do online shopping because they are less aware of the technology. However the respondent said that they will love to purchase from online shopping if only the price of the product is less than the market. They revealed that it is fairly important to go for e-shopping.

Keywords: Technology, Consumer, Online Shopping, Offline Shopping, Internet, Purchasing Behavior

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Deepika Maheshwari (Contact Author)

Deepika maheshwari ( email ).

Alaniya Rajasthan Kota, 324003 India 8209804598 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://edusanchar.com

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Online vs. offline: Where do Britons prefer shopping for clothes?

The UK clothing retail landscape is diverse, with consumers embracing a blend of physical stores and online channels. This report explores recent shopping behaviour trends in the UK, analysing data from YouGov to uncover how Britons navigate the world of clothing retail.

Here are a few key takeaways using data from YouGov Profiles

• Nearly two-fifths of British consumers (37%) say they tend to purchase clothes and shoes “all” or “mostly” online .
• More than a quarter of Brits are likely to maintain an even split between online and offline shopping (28%) in this category
• More than a third (35%) are likely to opt just for offline shopping .

Younger Britons (18-24 years old) seem most comfortable navigating both worlds, with 34% reporting shopping both online and offline evenly. Predominantly online shopping persists among 25–39-year-olds (46%) and 40–54-year-olds (44%) with more than two-fifths favouring online options.

As expected, the preference for physical stores increases with age. However, while a higher proportion of 55+ consumers (29%) lean towards brick-and-mortar stores, a fifth (21%) still shop mostly online.

Brand preferences: Online vs. offline

Online shoppers show a strong affinity for established British brands like Marks & Spencer (42%) and George (37%). Value-oriented retailers like Next (20%) and Tu Clothing (18%) also rank highly, reflecting a focus on affordability among online buyers. Interestingly, Zara (9%) is the only international brand to crack the top 5, suggesting a preference for established domestic players when shopping online.

In-store shoppers, on the other hand, exhibit different brand loyalties. Primark (37%), known for its trendy, budget-friendly clothing, takes the top spot. Marks & Spencer (24%) remains popular, while Tu Clothing (13%) retains its appeal. Notably, luxury brand Ralph Lauren (11%) is among the top 5 for offline shoppers, suggesting a willingness to spend more when shopping in person. Zara (9%) also appears in the top 5 for in-store shoppers.

While there is some overlap in the preferred brands of online and offline shoppers, the overall trends highlight distinct shopping preferences. Online buyers seem to prioritise affordability and convenience, favouring established domestic brands. In contrast, in-store shoppers demonstrate a broader range of preferences, including both budget-friendly options and higher-end brands.

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Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping: Pros and Cons

Shopping has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, providing consumers with more choice and convenience whether they shop in brick-and-mortar stores or browse online for their purchases. Even holiday shopping has adapted to the changing landscape, with  Black Friday and Cyber Monday appealing to online and in-store shoppers. It’s easy to assume there is a generational divide between those who choose more traditional or modern shopping methods, but it involves factors ranging from accessibility and variety to local support and the shopping experience itself. It’s expected that by 2026, 24% of retail shopping will be done online. [1]

Advantages of online shopping

Although online shopping has been around for consumers since the mid-1990s, mainstream use has skyrocketed over the past several years as people grow increasingly comfortable with it and get accustomed to the ease and speed of online retail. It’s hard to dispute the advantages of online shopping. After all, the availability of extensive online research and reviews promotes buyer confidence. And few would dispute the convenience of around-the-clock shopping from the living room sofa. Unfortunately, all this online activity also creates ample opportunities for scammers, so it’s important to always follow  safe online shopping practices .

1. Grocery delivery and pickup

The benefits are clear, especially for those who may struggle to find an hour or more a week to spend browsing the store shelves for groceries. Not only can you fill your cart from the comfort of your home, but you can also clip coupons online and even speed up the process by saving regular items in your app. Grocery stores have made pickup a breeze, allowing shoppers to schedule a pickup time that ensures their vehicle is packed and ready to go within minutes of parking.

2. No sales pressure

Although sales representatives can provide helpful knowledge and expertise, they can make some in-person shopping experiences nerve-racking for consumers. It’s no surprise that some shoppers prefer to remove the pressure altogether by relying on online shopping sites where they can take their time and not feel forced into a sale by somebody working on commission or just trying to help.

3. Research and product reviews

The internet is a great place to research and compare products before pulling the trigger on a purchase, especially a big one. Blogs and other online articles from trusted, unbiased sources can take a lot of the work off your plate by testing products, outlining the pros and cons of different brands and comparing prices. Customer reviews are also a great resource for finding a reliable product that fits your needs.

4. More variety

While brick-and-mortar stores must deal with the limitations of shelf space and retail agreements, online shopping presents few restrictions. There are many options to choose from, such as whether your product comes from brands or sellers — both local and international. You can even reach small independent shops that may have been far off your radar before the development of online shopping.

5. Convenience

When it comes to online shopping versus in-store shopping, the convenience of online shopping stands out. A shopping list that once might have required an entire day of shopping can now be completed in one sitting thanks to online shopping platforms — if you can wait for delivery. You can also squeeze in some shopping whenever you have the time, whether that’s during a 15-minute break at work or after the kids are in bed for the night. And with front-door delivery, that’s one less thing to fit into your schedule.

6. No crowds

Crowds have been a shopping headache for a long time. It’s almost impossible to browse the shelves of an aisle without running into other shoppers. Online shopping also saves you the time of waiting in long lines to check out.

Disadvantages of online shopping

While online shopping provides the convenience of exploring and buying items from the comfort of one’s home, it does come with certain disadvantages. These include shipping costs, delivery delays, the risk of impulse buying and difficult returns.

Shipping costs

While some online retailers offer free shipping, others may not. Some retailers require you to reach a minimum dollar amount to qualify for free shipping. Or, depending on the item you buy, the shipping cost may be the same amount as that item. [2]

Delivery delays

When you shop in person, you get the instant gratification of going home with the purchased item that day. However, when you shop online, though it’s now possible to receive some items the same day, you may have to wait days, weeks, or even longer to get your purchased item. If you’re in a time crunch to get a gift, it might be easier to just go shopping in person. [3]

Missing, broken, or stolen items

While online shopping is convenient, receiving a broken package (or not receiving the package at all) is not. Fragile items like mirrors or other glass products may arrive broken if you opt to purchase them online and have them shipped to your home. Even worse, if your package is delivered in an open area, someone may attempt to take it. [2]

Lack of product inspection

Unlike in-store shopping, you can’t physically try on a piece of clothing when shopping online. And clothing sizes can vary across different retailers. On the other hand, if you purchase a large piece of furniture, there’s a chance that the item’s listed dimensions may be incorrect. [2]

Advantages of shopping in-store

Despite the many advantages of the internet, shopping in stores still has many benefits and a prominent place in retail. Some products are unique to an in-person experience. Let’s not overlook the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you’re getting when you leave the store with your merchandise in hand.

1. Try on or test products

Some items are easier to buy if you can check them out in person to ensure quality. When it comes to perfumes and cosmetics, stores offer the opportunity to test the products to make sure they’re right for you. It’s also nice to be able to try on clothing at the store so you can choose the best style and fit for your body. Bigger purchases, ranging from eyeglasses and mattresses up to a new car, are also worth the extra time and effort to test before you buy. Even in-person grocery shopping has its perks, as you can pick out your produce or compare labels more easily and choose alternatives when your first choices aren’t available.

2. In-store promotions

In-store promotions are designed to attract customers and build brand or product awareness. If you’re not physically visiting these stores, you may be missing out on discounts, free giveaways, and other promotions.

3. Instant gratification

When you shop in-store, there’s no waiting around for an item to arrive. You immediately have what you need — and there are no shipping costs. For shoppers who like to quickly eliminate items from their shopping list, it may be appealing to visit the store and leave with your purchase.

4. Personalized experience

A friendly and knowledgeable sales associate, combined with an up-close look at the products, creates a more personal shopping experience. This is especially true for local and specialized stores where you’ll probably talk to somebody who’s keenly familiar with the products. From bookstores to car dealerships, personal recommendations and expert guidance can be quite helpful.

5. Support local businesses

Another reason you may prefer to visit brick-and-mortar stores is to support a local business. Many shoppers are willing to forgo some of the online shopping conveniences in exchange for supporting their local community.

Disadvantages of shopping in-store

While shopping in stores sounds simple enough, there can be some obvious disadvantages to it. For example, in-store shopping can be time-consuming and inconvenient if the product you want is out of stock. Plus, pressure from the staff members to buy an item you don’t want can be uncomfortable enough to cause some to avoid shopping in-person altogether.

Inconvenience

Shopping in stores can be very inconvenient due to the time it takes to commute to the store, deal with traffic, navigate the crowds, locate your items, and stand in line to purchase them.

Sales pressure

Because a lot of sales associates work on commission, they could pressure you into buying something that you weren’t necessarily going to buy. It can be extremely stressful to tell the sales associate no.

Limited availability

The store may not have everything you need in stock. You may need to spend more time going to other stores finding all your items. You can always call ahead to ask if your item is in stock, but that’s an extra step, and you could be sitting on hold for a while. And unless the store is open 24/7, your shopping time is limited to the store’s hours.

Shopping safety tips

Whether you choose to shop online or in stores, remember to do so safely. If online shopping is more your speed, remember to check to see whether the website is secure by looking for a little padlock symbol in the web browser’s web address bar. When setting up accounts for online shops, use unique and strong passwords. Lastly, don’t forget to check your credit card statements frequently for any unusual activity. [4]

If you prefer shopping in-store, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your wallet, keys and phone. Be wary if you carry large amounts of cash. Instead, you may wish to use a debit or credit card because they typically offer security measures such as a card lock and fraudulent purchase protection if a card is lost or stolen. [5]

Remember to stick to your budget

Payment options have evolved right along with shopping trends so that now even the smallest retailers can accept  credit cards  and other digital payments. But as shopping online and in-person becomes increasingly convenient, it’s also easier to overspend.

You can stay on track with a monthly budget . Be realistic when planning your expenditures, both essential and nonessential, and then stick to your budget. The time and effort you put into budgeting will be worth it when you’re able to meet your expenses, pay off debt, and build up your savings.

[1] “38 E-Commerce Statistics of 2023,” Anna Baluch and Kelly Main, forbes.com/advisor/business/ecommerce-statistics (Accessed March 2024).

[2] “20 Pros and Cons of Online Shopping,” Stacy Fisher, lifewire.com/shopping-online-pros-and-cons-3482632 (Accessed April 2024).

[3] “The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping,” Anna Baluch, thebalancemoney.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-online-shopping-939775 (Accessed March 2024).

[4] “10 Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience,” webroot.com/us/en/resources/tips-articles/10-tips-to-safer-shopping-online (Accessed March 2024).

[5] “Shopping Safety Tips,” cityofboise.org/departments/police/crime-prevention-and-safety/shopping-safety-tips (Accessed March 2024).

Disclaimer:

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