What are the disadvantages of online shopping?
In an earlier blog post, I wrote about the advantages of online shopping. Even though there are advantages, there are also disadvantages that you should be aware of.
1. You cannot personally touch the item - if you are a shopper who likes to personally touch, see and feel the merchandise, this is an experience you will not have with online shopping. Online stores only show product photos and information which some shoppers find to be inconvenient.
2. Waiting period - unlike physical stores wherein after purchase you can actually enjoy the merchandise immediately, there is some waiting time involved for shipping. This may be in 1 or 2 days or could take as long as more than 4 weeks depending on where the merchandise is coming from.
3. Fraud - Online shops with checkout apps should start with https://; this is a sign that some security is being employed by the site. Online shops that just use the http protocol may be vulnerable to hackers which may eventually result into fraudulent purchases. Please take note also that there are online shops, like those found on Facebook pages and groups, that do not use checkout apps. These involve contacting the seller via FB Messenger or cellphones and the transaction is done manually. Sometimes you need to go out of the house or office to deposit payments in banks. These are usually the case for second hand or used items. You need to be aware also of scammers who sell products on FB; vigilance is the key here. Check first the feedback from other buyers, don't trust a seller that easily.
