Before the advent of online shopping, it has been physical or traditional shopping all along. This is an activity of visiting shops and purchasing goods from them while online shopping is an activity of buying goods on the internet which looks so convenient for buyers if they do not want to leave their houses.
It is when technology came into existence that we now have different websites where goods can be purchased, sites like Jumia.org, Konga, AliExpress, Amazon, eBay etc. All you have to do is to visit these sites to get what you want as it is convenient and easy to get, but the delivery isn't instant but takes days or weeks to be delivered, unlike physical shopping where you get your goods and take them along with you immediately.
One big difference between online and physical shopping is.
In online shopping, you cannot touch or feel what you are buying even though you will only see it but most times, in the end, it would be “what I ordered vs what I get” stuff which will make you sad and disappointed. But for physical or traditional shopping, you can feel, touch, see and weigh the quality of what you are buying and would easily reject it if you do not want or like it which can make you visit another shop.
I will always prefer physical shopping because it is easier for me. Though online shopping is convenient and one can order any time and anywhere, I don't want to feel sad getting something or waiting for it to deliver when I could easily get out to purchase at any available store or shop.
There are reasons for choosing physical shopping which are stated below:
Safety — Physical shopping is safer than online shopping and there is no risk of online fraud and security issues like hacking which online shopping can be risky in that aspect.
Ability to touch and see products — At least I would be able to see what I am buying before making my purchase and it would be easier for me to return a product I don't like which will not cause any disappointment to me.
Prices — I don't have to spend a lot to get something and there wouldn't be charges or delivery fees, unlike online shopping where you are charged fees apart from the goods or products you are buying.
Returning products — Returning goods being purchased online can be complicated but not in traditional shopping because you can do that immediately which is relatively easier for me.
Communication — In traditional shopping, it gives me the ability to see the person attending to me and would communicate easily even if there would be negotiation, but this can't be done online. You can only be able to compare prices online and it's non-negotiable as the prices online are fixed.
For all of these reasons, I will always prefer physical shopping except if I have an online retailer who is close to me to get and order it for me. For example, there is this wristwatch I bought from my sister two years ago and still works perfectly today. She is my sister and I trust her to send the perfect product for me which I wouldn't be disappointed. But visiting sites is a no-go area for me.
Even though online shopping is easier, more convenient and can purchase anywhere and at any time, I wouldn't want to stress myself at the end of reporting or making a review of a bad product when I could just go out to get it. It might be cheaper through negotiation than online shopping and this will also enable me to save more.
Thanks for your time on my blog.
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