Online Shopping is a way to buy items and services by using the Internet. It allows shoppers to search for and compare prices of products from many different sellers quickly, efficiently and without the need to travel between stores. In some market segments, such as books and music, computers and consumer electronics, the selection available online may be greater than that in physical stores. Specialty items, including ethnic foods and wines, outdoor equipment and one-of-a-kind merchandise, can also be found online, along with supplies for collectors and hobbyists.
Online retailers are often able to offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores because they have less overhead and don’t need the large space needed for showrooms and storage. Buyers can also find discounts, coupons and rebates from third-party apps and websites that automatically locate and apply offers to the purchases they make.
Some items are cheaper to buy over the Internet than in stores because sellers can charge lower shipping and handling fees. In addition, online prices may be lower because sellers don’t have to pay rent for as much space and do not have to employ as many salespeople. In the case of some products, buyers can even negotiate with vendors online to get a better price.
While online shopping can be quick and convenient, it’s important to shop smart and use all of the tools at your disposal to get the best deals. Some tips for doing this include:
Look for a site that is secure and offers multiple payment methods. Some online stores have their own payment systems while others accept credit cards from reputable banks. Shoppers should never give out credit card numbers or other sensitive information to an unknown website or person.
Read reviews of the sites you are considering before you buy to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate retailer. There are a number of websites dedicated to rating and reviewing merchants, as well as consumer protection organizations.
Check for shipping and return policies to ensure you are protected if something goes wrong with your purchase. Many companies offer a money-back guarantee for online transactions. Some have a low tolerance for poor customer service and are willing to offer only a partial refund, while others will stand behind their product and replace it or give you a full refund.
Mark your calendar for major online sales. Some of the biggest ones occur around the holidays, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day. Others may happen around Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day or midsummer. These are great times to find big discounts on products that you have been wanting to buy.
If you are prone to impulse buying, consider using the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days out and see if the urge to purchase has subsided by then. If not, you can always purchase it later when you have the cash on hand.
