short essay on 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.

Related Posts:

Contact Info: Axponent Media Pvt Ltd, 706-707 , 7th Floor Tower A , Iris Tech Park, Sector 48, Sohna Road, Gurugram, India, Pin - 122018

© The Business Rule 2024

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Essay on Online Shopping in 100, 200, and 300 Words.

• Updated on  
• Dec 23, 2023

Shopping is something that many people love. It is particularly cherished during festive occasions such as Diwali, Navratri, Christmas or New Year etc. The shopping world has changed and evolved majorly providing us with various options of the same. The convenience of online shopping platforms has now come into play. Those days when individuals have to take on a long journey of shopping are now past us, all thanks to the various online shopping platforms that are now at the tip of our fingers. This is just a brief introduction to how to write an essay on online shopping. Now let’s have a look at the samples of essay on online shopping.  

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words
• 2 Essay on Online Shopping in 200 words
• 3 Essay on Online Shopping in 300 words
• 4 Advantages

Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words

The way of shopping has been revolutionized by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere. 

The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores, online shopping is a boon. 

Payments are easy this way with the variety of options available such as debit card, cash on delivery, etc. However, there are some drawbacks to online shopping as well. One of them is the delivery of the wrong item or a different item than that seen online. So one should be cautious and should make informed decisions.

Also Read:- My Aim in Life

Essay on Online Shopping in 200 words

In today’s world, as science and technology are progressing, a lot of things have become more convenient for us. One such thing is online shopping. Over the years due to its high demand and convenience, it has become very popular. It involves virtually placing an order on any e-commerce website without the need to go to a physical store. Various items such as shoes, gadgets, household products, and even groceries can be ordered from the comfort of your couch.  

Some of the key benefits of online shopping are mentioned below:-

• Crowd Avoided:- since online shopping is virtual, going to crowded places is avoided.
• Convenience:- we can shop from the convenience of our homes.
• Variety in products:- on different platforms, a vast range of products is available. 
• Variety in payment options:- Debit card, cash on delivery, etc payment options make it all the more convenient.

Although there are many pros of online shopping, there are some drawbacks as well. There have been many instances where wrong or damaged goods got delivered. There can be instances where a product may not match its depiction when delivered in terms of color, etc. 

Some websites even scam people and are fraudulent. Hence, it is important to take caution while shopping online. 

Also Read:- Essay on Pollution

Essay on Online Shopping in 300 words

During the 1990s, the concept of online shopping came into play and since then, it has grown exponentially. Its principle lies in the ease of browning a wide variety of products on various e-commerce platforms. The e-commerce platforms have played a central role in enabling different businesses to connect with a global audience. 

There are various advantages of online shopping, one of them being the ease of online shopping. With virtual stores, you can shop whenever you want and from wherever you want. The limitations of time don’t apply to the online stores. They are accessible 24/7.

Wide Range of Products

When you shop online, you don’t have to limit yourself to only some products. Online shopping opens a portal to a wide range of products to select from.

Saves time and money

When you shop online, you don’t have to go to stores. You can shop from the comfort of your couch. That saves time. And generally, online stores have some kind of offers and discounts going on which saves you money. 

Although online shopping has many advantages, there are also certain cons that it carries with it. Some of those cons are mentioned below:-

Shipping issues

There can issues with the shipping such as the product may get damaged during its shipping or it may get delivered to the wrong address.

Return Policies

If the product is different and the customer wants to return it or get a refund, there can be certain policies that prevent the same. 

Different item Delivery

There can be instances where the product, when delivered, is different from the one shown in the images online. Returning the same can be a hassle too as it has to be repacked for some resellers. 

Hence, when shopping online one should always be cautious and take calculated decisions. 

Also Read:- Importance of Internet

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Ans: Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words The way of shopping has been revolutionised by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere.  The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores, online shopping is a boon.  Payments are easy this way with the variety of options available such as debit card, cash on delivery, etc. However, there are some drawbacks to online shopping as well. One of them benign the delivery of the wrong item or a different item than that seen online. So one should be cautious and should make informed decisions.

Ans: Online shopping can be explained as virtually buying of products from an e-commerce platform without going to the physical store.

Ans: Some of the key advantages of online shopping are mentioned below:- -Crowd Avoided:- since online shopping is virtual, going to crowded places is avoided. -Convenience:- we can shop from the convenience of our homes. -Variety in products:- on different platforms, a vast range of products is available.  -Variety in payment options:- Debit card, cash on delivery, etc payment options make it all the more convenient.

Related Reads:

This brings us to the end of our blog on Essay on Online Shopping. Hope you find this information useful. For more information on such informative topics for your school, visit our essay writing and follow Leverage Edu.

Deepansh Gautam

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

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.

• B2B Internet Communication
• EBay’s Market Entry Challenges in Asia
• Amazon's Online Shopping and Innovative Delivery
• E-Commerce Industry Development
• Zappos Company in the Footwear Market
• Online Bill Pay vs. Paying via Postal Mail
• Overcoming Challenges in E-Contracting for Effective E-Commerce
• E-Commerce in India: Growth, Challenges, and Future Prospects
• Electronic Payment Issues in E-Commerce
• Starting a New E-Business: Principles and Practices
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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

"Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." IvyPanda , 25 Apr. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping'. 25 April.

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

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

Bibliography

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

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Online Shopping Essay

500+ words online shopping essay.

The trend of online shopping has increased in recent times with the increase of e-commerce and digital technology. With just a single click, you can shop for everything by sitting at your home as per your choice, convenience and budget. This essay on online shopping will help students learn about the pros and cons of online shopping. We have also compiled a list of CBSE Essays on different topics to help them improve their essay-writing skills. These essays will also help them improve their scores on the English exam.

What Does Online Shopping Mean?

Online shopping is the activity of buying products and services over the internet using a web browser or mobile app. It means buyers have to go online to reach a seller’s website and then select the product they want to purchase. The buyer can pay for the goods and services either online with a credit or debit card or upon delivery. Online shopping sites are also known by many other names such as e-shop, e-web-store, e-store, internet shop, web-store, web-shop, virtual store and online store. An online shop creates a physical analogy for buying products or services. Some of the famous online retailing corporations which facilitate the experience of online shopping are Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.

Online shopping is a growing area of the digital world and technology. Establishing a store on the Internet gives various options to consumers. With the growth of online shopping, most businesses have started selling their products online. Now, just having physical stores is not enough in this fast-paced world. Having online store interfaces for consumers has also become essential for running a business in the current scenario.

Benefits of Online Shopping

There are numerous advantages of online shopping. People feel more convenient while shopping online. They can shop from anywhere at their own convenient time through easy and safe payment methods. Online shopping has empowered consumers with various advantages such as convenience and time-saving, lower search costs, better product selection, lower prices, etc. One of the biggest benefits of online shopping is that you can buy the items you want with just a single click. Online stores are open 24 hours a day and are accessible from any location with an internet connection.

Online stores carry more variations and provide more varieties of a product as compared to traditional stores. This is because online stores don’t need to attractively display their items on shelves, and they can keep a larger amount of inventory on hand. They might also have small amounts of each item since they don’t need to display them and can order more from their supplier as needed.

Online shops tend to provide more information about items for sale than you would get in a physical store. Product descriptions most often include a description from the manufacturer, another description from the vendor, specific technical and size details, reviews from professional magazines and journals, and reviews from people who have bought the product. Having all this information available when you are considering a purchase makes you a more informed consumer without having to perform extra research by yourself.

Online stores are not burdened by the costs of running a physical store, such as the rent of the physical premises and wages of sales staff. The cost savings by online stores lead to lower pricing on the internet, passing on cost savings to shoppers. The internet encourages online vendors to compete with one another by lowering prices.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

The benefits of shopping online also come with potential risks and dangers. When you shop online, you can’t touch or try out the product. You have to depend upon product pictures only. You can’t buy the product instantly. If you don’t get the product in hand immediately after payment, you have to wait for delivery, which can take days to weeks. There is no guarantee that you will get the product in its original shape; it might get damaged on the way. Sometimes, the product is very different from the pictures and description due to various reasons and also has poor quality. If, after receiving the package, expectations weren’t met, you need to go through a returns process which can be time-consuming. Apart from these, there is also a chance of security threats from online shopping. If the site is not secured, you have a risk of losing your card information.

Online shopping is one of the convenient ways of purchasing different products. However, there are some products which are better if they are purchased from physical stores. So, in the future, we can expect online stores to improve their technology, making way for a much easier and faster shopping experience.

Students must have found the “Online Shopping Essay” essay useful. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e-shopping; with planning and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post is about ‘online shopping and its merits and demerits’ . Here, I’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of virtual/online/e-shopping and presented a model answer on this Task 2 question. This model answer can guide you to write an answer to any online shopping related essay.

Let’s have a look at the question we are going to discuss today.

The language of this task 2 question can be different in different exams.

Here’s another example of the same question:

An increasing number of people are buying what they need online.

What are the advantages and disadvantages for both individuals and companies to shopping online?

Nowadays, e-shopping or shopping online has an increasing trend among shoppers. It has both positive and negative sides. First, we need to make a plan for writing on this topic.

Here’s a short plan that may help you.

Planning and organisation:

Here is how I’ve planned the essay with a 4-paragraph structure:

• Introduction: topic + thesis (2 sentences can be sufficient): Introduce the topic – ‘online shopping getting more popular’. Then write a thesis on how you are going to show that there are some positives and negatives of the issue.
• Body paragraph on the reasons behind virtual shopping being so popular: You can write about straightforward ideas e.g. people get more convenience, and availability or choice of products. Give some real-life examples here.
• Body paragraph on the negative sides of online shopping: Again, present some very general ideas e.g. customers get cheated and people become more isolated. Give some real-life examples here too
• Conclusion: restate your ideas Online shopping has both advantages and disadvantages. You can give your personal opinion on how the disadvantages can be reduced.

Now let’s take a look at the model answer.

Model answer: expected band score – 7.5 to 8.0

In recent years, the rate of in-store shopping has plunged due to vast opportunities for buying different products including daily necessaries from hundreds of online stores. This essay will try to demonstrate chances such as convenience and product availability as the reasons behind the popularity of e-shopping whereas it will focus on swindling and isolation as the pitfalls of this issue.

Initially, the prime reason behind the popularity of e-shopping is convenience which can be easily understood from the thousands of virtual shops all over the world. To illustrate, people nowadays are busier than ever because of the fast pace of the world and they want to save as much time as they can for relaxation. Virtual shopping gives this magnificent prospect of time-saving and so people enjoy taking it. Besides, superstores sometimes run out of products in the precise moment when people need them which online shops rarely have this crisis. For instance, I needed a flat-screen monitor a few months ago but my local store had it out of stock. When I peeped into some online stores I found it easily on eBay.

Meanwhile, though shopping on the internet looks very promising, it is not without its setbacks. Many people, mostly the newcomers, regularly complain of getting tricked on virtual shopping and the rate of complaints is increasing at a faster rate. To explain, one of my friends has recently got swindled when he paid in advance for a smartwatch. Additionally, people often become isolated in their rooms through e-shopping which can affect their feelings and behaviour. As an example, a friend of mine started shopping online a couple of years ago even though the nearest superstore was only 500 metres away. His neighbours, nowadays, describe him as an ill-mannered and antisocial person which, needless to say, is the result of being home and becoming isolated from the outer world. 

In brief, virtual shoppers obtain greater benefits if compared to in-store shoppers. Converting such shopping to a stress-free experience, it is turning out to be progressively more convenient. However, as clients may sometimes get deceived and become cut off from the social world, concerned authorities should look into the matter cautiously. (360 words)

Here are some other Task 2 questions which can be answered taking help from the given essay example on online shopping:

• Some people support online shopping because it is convenient, while others argue that shopping on the internet poses threats. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
• Nowadays on-line shopping has become more popular than in-store shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development?
• Nowadays many people go shopping in their free time. Shopping has replaced many other activities that people used to choose as their hobby. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?

If you have written any answer to this question, you can post it in the comment box and we can discuss about it in details. 

Click here for a model answer to Cambridge 14 Test 4 Writing Task 2

Click here for a model answer to agree-disagree topic: elderly or young people as company leaders

Click here for a model answer to advantage-disadvantage topic: online shopping

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: urbanization in countryside/ problem of housing

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: qualities of a good supervisor/boss

Click here for a model answer to descriptive essay: advantages/facilities/benefits of vocational education 

9 thoughts on “ IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e-shopping; with planning and model answer ”

• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT; Writing Task 2: opinion essay on urbanization in countryside/ problem of housing: ; with discussion, tips and a great sample answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: opinion essay on qualities of a supervisor/boss; with discussion, notes, model answer and vocabulary practice | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT; Writing Task 2: essay on agree-disagree topic; elderly or young people as company leaders; with tips, strategies and a 8.5-9.0 band model answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS Writing Task 2: how to use structure/templete/format in an essay; with explanations and example agree-disagree essay on nuclear technology | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: problem-reason-opinion essay on language extinction/endangerment; with discussion, essay structuring, notes and model answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: descriptive essay on the advantages/benefits/facilities of vocational education; with discussion, essay structuring, notes and model answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: agree-disagree essay on difficult times teaching valuable lessons; with discussion, notes, model answer and vocabulary practice | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS Writing Task 2: both-view essay and agree-disagree essay on 'advertisement'; with model answers | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT; Writing Task 2: essay on agree-disagree topic; elderly or young people as company leaders; with tips, strategies and an 8.5-9.0 band model answer - IELTS Deal

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree disagree topic on using forensics to solve old cases; with 3 model answers

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers some sample answers to an agree-disagree topic. This agree-disagree topic asks the candidates to provide arguments as to whether new science related to criminal forensics should be used to look at old cases or not. In this post, you will find three great model answers which may help […]

IELTS Writing Task 2: an advantage-disadvantage essay on taking a gap year before starting university education; with plans and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers the insights of writing a great answer to an advantage-disadvantage essay. This task 2 question asks the candidates to provide their personal opinions on taking a gap year before starting university education. In this post, you will find a plan that can help you to write this answer […]

• Search Search Please fill out this field.

Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

6 Benefits and Drawbacks to Keep in Mind When You Shop Online

Pros of Online Shopping

Cons of online shopping, how to make the most of online shopping, money-saving tips for online shopping, frequently asked questions (faqs).

The Balance / Jiaqi Zhou

Online shopping is more popular today than ever before. U.S. businesses pulled in a record $285.2 billion from retail e-commerce sales in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For comparison, retail e-commerce sales were $69.2 billion in the same period one decade prior.

Due in part to new and growing technology, online shopping has become incredibly easy and convenient. It also offers a greater selection than one storefront, opening the doors to products and services that may not be available at a nearby brick-and-mortar store .

While online shopping comes with several benefits, there are drawbacks to know about, too. Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons of shopping online.

Key Takeaways

• Online shopping is convenient and offers a variety of products you may not be able to find at your local stores.
• It's easier to comparison shop online, where you can access prices, reviews, and product details with a click.
• When you shop online, you need to wait for your product to be delivered to you, and you might spend more than you would if you went to a brick-and-mortar store.
• There's also a risk of fraud when you shop online. You can combat this by choosing trusted stores and paying with a card that offers fraud protection.

Convenience

Greater selection

Easy access to information

Can be more expensive

Increases risk of fraud

Leads to longer wait times

Using your computer or another digital device for your shopping needs can be convenient, offer more options, and provide insight you might not find in person at a store.

The greatest benefit of online shopping is its convenience. Through the digital space, you can buy almost anything you want from the comfort of your own home. Since online stores are open 24/7 and accessible from anywhere with internet access, it's easy to fit online shopping into your life no matter how busy you are. You don't have to plan your purchases based on when a brick-and-mortar store is open and available to serve you.

Greater Selection

Because products online live within the digital space, online retailers are not restricted to shelves and often have more inventory on hand with a wider selection of products. Also, online shopping gives you the chance to buy anything from any retailer, no matter where you're located. If you're in the market for a new lamp, for example, you'll have more options available to you than you would if you only shopped at stores in your local area.

Easy Access to Information

When shopping online, you will often find more details about a business's products than you would get in physical stores. Instead of speaking to one or two sales associates in person, you can peruse product descriptions, recommendations of similar products, and reviews from other shoppers online that may help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Online retailers also tend to have membership options, typically via email or newsletters, that give shoppers early access to sales, seasonal releases , and other events. This way, you can be one of the first to know of offerings from your favorite brands.

Shopping for items online can also have its pitfalls, including hidden price mark-ups, an increased risk of fraud, and the inability to use or wear the item you purchased right away.

Can Be More Expensive

Online purchases can cost you more for several reasons. Even though many major online retailers offer free shipping, they generally require you to meet a minimum to qualify for it. In addition, online retailers may use several strategies to encourage you to buy more items or more expensive items than if you were shopping in person.

Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to pay an internet sales tax , too. In Texas, for example, you may have to pay a tax on out-of-state purchases delivered into Texas or purchases made from online-only sellers.

Many online retailers take part in digital tactics to convince shoppers to make more purchases, often considered impulse buys . Some include using "limited-time" sale pop-ups that reset every time users reload the page, fake customer testimonials, or messages that promote higher-cost items.

Increases Risk of Fraud

Unfortunately, online shopping scams do exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), online shopping is among the most common fraud category for consumers. Some scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers with fake websites or create fake ads on real sites.

Always pay by credit card rather than a debit card, as you can easily report fraud to your credit card company. Also, it is best to avoid online sellers that only accept payment via money transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers may encourage you to pay through these methods so they can access your money faster.

Leads to Longer Wait Times

When you shop at a brick-and-mortar store, you can generally walk away with the product you bought and use or wear it right away. Online shopping forces you to wait days, weeks, or even longer for your order to arrive. If you're in a time crunch and need a product right away, such as a gift, going to an in-person shop may be a better option for you.

These tips can allow you to enhance your online shopping experience.

Know Which Products to Buy Online

Some items are better to buy online than others because you can find countless consumer reviews, discounts, or other deals pertaining to them. For items you regularly use (such as a laptop, phone charger, luggage, or textbook), the internet may be the best place to compare offers. For things you require to have long-lasting value (like a car) or must get right away (such as groceries), shopping in person may be best.

Additionally, if there's a brand you trust or are familiar with, it may be best to bypass third-party sellers and purchase directly from their website in order to avoid potential counterfeit products or unauthorized resellers.

Read Reviews

Before you check out, read reviews on the retailer's website as well as third-party sites like Google and Facebook. This can help you find out if the retailer is legitimate and whether there may be any potential issues with the product you're about to invest in. Reviews are beneficial for small businesses , too. Ninety-seven percent of consumers read online reviews of local businesses, according to marketing consultancy BrightLocal.

Some companies have more nuanced review options than others. Clothing rental service Nuuly, for example, lets customers add photos of themselves wearing products with written reviews, enabling future customers to make empowered, smart purchasing decisions.

Examine Product Details

If you’re interested in a product, read its description. Make sure you know what it’s made out of, whether it comes with a warranty, what sizes are available, and so on. By doing so, you can avoid unwanted surprises that cost you time, money, and headaches when the product arrives.

There are many ways to save some money while making online purchases. Consider these tips to improve your online shopping experience.

Comparison Shop

If you have a specific product in mind, it's in your best interest to comparison shop, similar to how you would when looking for life insurance. Look at various online stores that offer what you want. Then, compare prices so you can find the best deal.

As you comparison shop, read product descriptions very closely. The FTC recommends looking out for words like "refurbished" or "vintage," as this could mean a product will arrive at your door in less-than-perfect condition.

Follow Online Retailers on Social Media

Online retailers often promote their sales and discounted items on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. If you follow some of your favorite companies on social media, you may be one of the first to see and purchase the latest offers.

Use Money-Saving Apps or Plug-ins

There is no shortage of apps or plug-ins that allow you to save money online without the hassle. Some examples are Honey, Swagbucks, Capital One Shopping, and Rakuten. You can also look for coupon codes online on sites like RetailMeNot.com and Coupons.com.

How do you get your money back from an online purchase?

This process varies by retailer. Some may automatically refund your money when you report a problem with your purchase; others may require you to return the product first. You may not be able to get your money back at all, especially if it's after the retailer's return window. If you're buying something that may not work for you, like clothing, check the retailer's refund policy before you buy.

How has the internet changed shopping?

The internet has completely changed the shopping experience. People have access to products from around the globe. Payments are instant, and recommendations are tailored to your shopping and browsing habits. Brick-and-mortar retailers have had to respond by launching websites and improving their in-person customer experience.

U.S. Census Bureau. " Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales ," Page 1.

U.S. Census Bureau. " Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 4th Quarter 2013 ," Page 2.

Texas Comptroller's Office. " Taxes: Online Orders - Texas Purchasers and Sellers ."

University of Michigan. " Impulse Buying: Design Practices and Consumer Needs ," Pages 6, 9, and 11.

Federal Trade Commission. " Consumer Sentinel Network ," Page 8.

BrightLocal. " Local Consumer Review Survey ."

Nuuly. " Forget Me Not Mini Dress ."

Federal Trade Commission. " Online Shopping ," See "Comparison Shopping."

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

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

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.

Related Papers

VISHAL SINGH

International journal of marketing and business communication

Kirti Khurana

International Journal of Applied Research

Ashish Gupta

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.

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

IOSR Journal of Business and Management

SONIA GOSWAMI

hariramani seema

QUEST JOURNALS , Neena Brar

Marketing and Management of Innovations

Supriya Dhillon

Sheelan Misra

ICTACT Journal on Management Studies

abhishek gupta

ACR Asia-Pacific Advances

Vidushi Sandhir

Usman-e-gani Sharif

International Journal of Advance Study and Research Work

Ijasrw editor , Swathi Sivakumar

International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE)

Dr. S. Chandramohan

Ushus Journal of Business Management

Sunanda Vincent Jaiwant Management Studies

Journal of Internet Commerce

Arpita Khare

swatantra kumar

Indian Journal of Applied Research

hannah frederick

ASHISHKUMAR BHATT

Manar Elsharq Journal for Management and Commerce Studies

Bonfring International Journal

Review of research journal

Paramveer Singh

ELK ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF MARKETING AND RETAIL MANAGEMENT

Kiran Bangarwa

Jane Rose Versola

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Get expert insights delivered straight to your inbox.

What You Need to Know About Online vs. In-Store Shopping

11 Min Read | Apr 24, 2023

For some, shopping is a hobby. For others, it’s a chore. Love it or hate it, you’ve got to do it. (We all need food, clothes and home supplies, after all.)

And thankfully, you’ve now got options. But which one should you pick: online vs. in-store shopping?  Sure, one means a leisurely stroll down every aisle, sipping your latte to retro pop music. But the other means you can literally upgrade your entire wardrobe or fully stock your pantry while you wait for that casserole to finish baking.

With the change in shopping options comes a hot new debate: What’s the best way to shop? Online or in store?

Online vs. In-Store Shopping: Overall Considerations

As our lives get busier, online shopping grows more and more popular. And for some, you just can’t beat the convenience.

But for others, in-store shopping is still king. It scratches that retail-therapy itch in a way online shopping just can’t. In fact, 85% of sales recorded in 2022 were offline . 1

So, which is better? Drumroll, please . . .

Yeah, there’s no straightforward answer—because what’s better depends on so many things !

Before we get into the specifics of those “so many things,” check out this quick list of overall  considerations:

Overall Benefits of Online Shopping

• Online-only deals
• Helpful reviews from other customers
• Digital alerts for promotions
• Convenience (no parking hassles, checkout lines, etc.)
• Easy price comparisons

Overall Benefits of In-Store Shopping

• Ability to touch and feel the item before buying
• Fewer exchange hassles
• No delivery waiting time
• Confident purchases

Pros and Cons of Online vs. In-Store Shopping

Now, let’s break down the pros and cons of shopping online vs. in store. We’ll look at a few popular budget lines: groceries, clothes, household items and home décor.

Online Pros

• Less Tempting: Ordering your groceries online and picking them up at the store can save you money. How? You’ve already heard you shouldn’t shop hungry. But when you’re physically in the grocery store—hungry or not—your five senses can tempt you into overspending. Those tiny pictures online aren’t as tempting, making it easier to avoid impulse buys .
• Easier Math: When you grocery shop online, there are no surprises at the cash register. You can watch that total add up before you ever hit “Check Out,” and if you start to go over budget, it’s easy to delete items. No need to carry around a calculator to keep things in check.

Online Cons

• Extra Fees : The convenience of shopping online is hard to resist, but don’t forget, it comes at a cost. A delivery fee or tip could cancel out the money you’d save with the pros we just covered.
• Less Control: You can’t pick your own produce, which means someone else will decide just how ripe you like your bananas. Plus, if the item you ordered is out of stock, you could be stuck without the pot roast you needed for dinner.

In-Store Pros

• Fresh Food Options: We already mentioned this, but some people are pretty picky about their produce. Buying in store means you can thump that melon and squeeze that avocado. You can inspect all the packages of meat and pick the one you prefer. A can of beans is a can of beans, but fresh food looks different in person.
• Focus: We tend to online shop when we’re doing a ton of other things. But when you’re in the actual grocery store, you can focus on the task at hand—instead of multitasking purchases at midnight while binging The Office (again) and answering emails that can honestly wait until tomorrow.

In-Store Cons

• Time: Hey, we’re busy. And going to the store can be a time suck—especially when you think about how long it takes to make the drive, search the aisles, and stand in line at the register.

Clever Marketing: Grocery stores are clever with their marketing. They know how to position the shiny temptations right where you’ll see them. And it’s way harder to put your blinders on in an actual store.

 Quick Tips

• Never forget the power of coupons —when shopping online or in store!
• The in-store deals work differently than the online deals. Check out both options to make the best shopping choices for your grocery budget .
• Customer Reviews: Before you buy something, you can check out reviews from customers who already purchased it. That’s a huge advantage of online shopping. How does the item look after it's been worn, and washed, a few times? This kind of insight can help you decide if you’ll add the item to your virtual shopping cart.
• Email Alerts: If you sign up for emails from your favorite clothing stores, you’ll be notified when they have huge online sales. And we mean huge. If you’re willing to wait (and you should be!), those pants that were full price last week could be 50% off (and an extra 30% off that) today!
• Kids Clothes: Once you know which stores and brands fit your kids best, you can watch for online sales before you stock up on what they need for the next season—or when they outgrow those pants after wearing them only twice.
• Complicated Returns: If you buy online and need to return the item for any reason, you’ll probably have to notify the retailer, box up the item, and take a trip to UPS. If you’re reordering in a different size, you’ll have to wait for the retailer to receive your returned item, deposit your refund into your bank account, and then ship the new item.
• Many Choices: Since online stores have unlimited scrolling real estate, it's really easy to get lost in a sea of choices and overspend by buying a shirt in every color or five different pairs of pants because who knows which you’ll like better in real life. (Yes, shopping addiction is real, folks! And online shopping can be a real temptation.)
• No Waiting: Even with the explosion of the two-day shipping option, nothing gets your new clothes to you faster than buying them in a physical store.
• Easy Exchanges: If you take the wrong size to the dressing room, all you have to do is go pick a different size off the rack, walk back to the dressing room, and try it on. Easy peasy.
• Less Indecision: If the item fits well, the fabric feels great, and the price is right, you can purchase your item right away. No more buying two (or three) of the same thing in two (or three) different sizes because you have no idea what size will fit. You get to leave the store feeling like a shopping champion.
• Not Enough Time: Life is busy! Getting into an actual store, looking through rack after rack, and trying on piece after piece might seem like more work than it’s worth.
• Dressing Room Drama: Have you ever been in a dressing room with a child who's trying on clothes? It's not fun. Either they take waaay too long to decide or they quickly pick whatever they think you like just so they can escape. Will they ever wear it? Not likely.

Quick Tips:

• No matter how you shop, check the return policy. Always.
• Don’t get a store credit card . The discounts aren’t worth the debt.

Household Items

• Fast Discounts: For basic items like paper towels and light bulbs, an Amazon Prime membership often provides free two-day delivery and the lowest cost—plus coupons with discounts you can apply at checkout!
• Easy Comparison: Buying household items online offers an incredible chance to easily compare prices. You can visit 10 stores online in the time it would take you to drive to one, maybe two.
• Overpayment Danger: The convenience of buying in bulk online and having those 40 rolls of toilet paper delivered to your door is a beautiful thing. But watch out—make sure you aren’t overpaying each month just so you don't have to worry about running out of something.
• In-Store-Only Deals: Store promotions, coupons and sales often apply to things you buy in the actual store only . Of course! That’s how they get you in the building to also buy all the things you didn’t plan on! But for a shopper with a plan, you can score those deals on what you need without being tempted by the stuff you don’t.
• Human Interaction: Getting advice from an actual human is often well worth your time and gas money to drive to a physical store.
• Time: We’ll talk about this con a couple times because it’s a big deal. The time it takes to run to the store for a few household items (when you know you could buy them online and have them delivered that day) can have a big impact on your schedule.
• Out of Stock Items: If you go in for a specific brand of window cleaner and it’s out of stock, you’re out of luck. Or you’re driving to another store.
• Keep your eye on your household supplies. No one wants to run to the store at 10 p.m.  because you didn’t realize you were out of trash bags. When you think ahead, you can buy ahead.

Home Décor

• Rare Finds: You can find beautiful, affordable art online at sites like Etsy, Society6 and Jenny’s Print Shop. It’s like exploring craft shows from your couch. With the popularity of online small businesses, you have access to so much more—without having to pay for gas to get to your favorite hand-lettering pro in a neighboring town.
• See It in the Space: Technology to the rescue! Some online home stores (and even some Amazon products) will let you see how an item would look in your home before you even buy it. If the app you're shopping in offers this feature, all you have to do is point your phone's camera and tap to virtually place the item in the spot you want it. 
• Slow Delivery: Even though choosing and buying an item online might not take more than 15 minutes, the delivery can be super slow. Especially with home décor, lack of inventory can delay your shipment anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
• Damaged in Shipping: Okay, items don't arrive damaged often, but it does happen. And it always seems to be that one thing you were looking forward to using right away. Now you have to send it back and wait for a new one. Major bummer.
• Fun Outings: If you love the thrill of the in-store shopping hunt, you can save big by starting your search at stores like T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Target and others. Even your local flea market, antique stores, bargain centers and consignment shops offer good deals and could be a fun Saturday outing.
• No Shipping Costs: That antique hutch you’ve been eyeing would fit perfectly in your dining room—and would also fit perfectly in the back of your SUV. Just imagine how much it would cost to ship it. Okay, no need to imagine. It’s a lot!
• Forced Decisions: Like we mentioned before, design choices are super individual. And when you’re shopping for a design piece for your home , it’s even more individual. So, when a pushy salesperson is breathing down your neck at the consignment shop or antique store, you might be wishing you stayed home.
• Real-life cart or virtual cart—don’t go through checkout if you can’t pay cash (or debit) for it.

Whether you shop online or in store is really a personal choice. Just be sure you base your decision on your money goals . How can you do that? Good question . . .

Shop With Your Budget in Mind

No matter where you find yourself on your next shopping trip—on the couch or in the aisle—make sure you’ve got the most important money-saving tool by your side: your budget.

Start budgeting with EveryDollar today!

With a monthly budget , you give yourself permission to spend. That means you can shop without guilt and worry, knowing that today’s spending won’t derail tomorrow’s plans. Because it’s in the budget!

And hey, we just so happen to have a free budgeting tool called EveryDollar . You can use it on your phone or desktop, aka in the store or at home. Or anywhere!

This awesome mobility helps you with the most important part of budgeting—keeping up with your spending the entire month. As soon as you buy something—whether in person or online—go ahead and add that transaction into your budget so you can stay on track and on top of your spending.

Hopefully all this helps you make the best decisions for you and your money. Next time you’re shopping, just remember— you’re the one in control of your spending, no matter if the cart is virtual or has three out of four squeaky, wobbly wheels.

Your Shopping Sidekick

No matter how you shop, don’t forget to budget that spending.

Did you find this article helpful? Share it!

About the author

Ramsey Solutions

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners. Learn More.

 Impulse Buying: What It Is and How to Stop

Making an impulse buy might feel good, but it can wreck your budget and savings goals. Here are 10 easy ways to stop overspending and shop intentionally.

Does Couponing Really Save You Money?

Couponing is a great way to save money on purchases. But how far is too far? We’ve got the scoop on how to save without taking it to the extreme.

To give you the best online experience, Ramsey Solutions uses cookies and other tracking technologies to collect information about you and your website experience, and shares it with our analytics and advertising partners as described in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse or by closing out of this message, you indicate your agreement.

Home — Essay Samples — Business — Online Shopping — Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

• Categories: Online Shopping Shopping

About this sample

Words: 500 |

Updated: 1 December, 2023

Words: 500 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

• Chen, Y., & Xie, Y. (2008). Online consumer review: Word-of-mouth as a new element of marketing communication mix. Management Science, 54(3), 477-491.
• Huang, Z., & Benyoucef, M. (2013). From e-commerce to social commerce: A close look at design features. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 12(4), 246-259.
• Kim, J., Fiore, A. M., & Lee, H. H. (2013). Effects of online shopping experience on risk perceptions and online purchase intentions: A cue‐utilization perspective. Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 14(3), 299-315.
• Liang, T. P., Ho, Y. T., Li, Y. W., & Turban, E. (2011). What drives social commerce: The role of social support and relationship quality. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 16(2), 69-90.
• Liu, Y., Li, H., & Hu, F. (2013). Website attributes in urging online impulse purchase: An empirical investigation on consumer perceptions. Decision Support Systems, 55(3), 829-837.
• Manzoor, A., Rehman, C. A., & Sattar, A. (2017). Antecedents and consequences of customer satisfaction in online shopping: A case of Pakistan. Information Technology & People, 30(3), 625-645.
• Park, J., Lee, C., & Ahn, J. (2016). Effects of social commerce factors on social media trust, perceived value, and purchase intention. Journal of Business Research, 69(9), 3801-3808.
• Shim, S., Eastlick, M. A., Lotz, S. L., & Warrington, P. (2001). An online prepurchase intentions model: The role of intention to search. Journal of Retailing, 77(3), 397-416.
• Wang, D., Yu, C., & Wei, Y. (2012). Social presence as a double-edged sword: The effects of social presence on mobile shopping. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 17(3), 257-282.
• Yoo, B., & Donthu, N. (2001). Developing a scale to measure the perceived quality of an Internet shopping site (SITEQUAL). Quarterly Journal of Electronic Commerce, 2(1), 31-46.

Video Version

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Business Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 626 words

2 pages / 1116 words

4 pages / 1708 words

2 pages / 1100 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Online Shopping

Pappas, Stephanie. 'Consumer Behavior: How People Make Buying Decisions.' HBR Ascend, 2020.Smith, Aaron. 'Online Shopping and E-Commerce.' Pew Research Center, 2021.Thompson, Derek. 'The Economics (and Nostalgia) of Dead Malls.' [...]

The online shopping vs traditional shopping essay explores the evolving landscape of consumer behavior and the choices individuals make when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Over the past few decades, the rise of [...]

Anupam, S. (2011). E-commerce: Evolution, challenges, and opportunities. Global Advanced Research Journal of Management and Business Studies, 1(4), 151-160.

Shopping has always been an integral part of our lives, and with the rise of online shopping, the way we shop has undergone a significant transformation. Despite the similarities between online shopping and traditional shopping, [...]

In our new emerging society today with the amazing access to online shopping instead of traveling to the store, which could take precious time away from us. As we can see the delivery trucks passing by our neighborhoods, more [...]

The advantages of online shopping, including convenience, accessibility, and economic benefits, have contributed to its growing popularity among consumers. As e-commerce continues to evolve, it is crucial for retailers and [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free