Some people still shop at brick and mortar stores, but it’s more common to do your shopping online these days. The reasons are plenty, but here are some of the biggest benefits you can expect when shopping online rather than in physical stores.
The convenience of online shopping
Shopping online is convenient because you can do it from the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to deal with traffic, long lines, or bad weather. You can also take your time to find the best deals and compare prices. Plus, you can have your items shipped directly to your door.
Lower pricing online
We all know that the prices in stores are marked up, but did you know that the average markup is 100%? That means that for every $1 an item costs to produce, the store charges $2. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but it applies to a lot of items. Clothing, for example, is typically marked up six times its production cost.
Tips for successful online shopping
1. Plan ahead and take your time. Rushing into an online purchase can lead to buyer’s remorse.
2. Do your research. Compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.
3. Check the seller’s return policy. It’s important to know what your options are in case you need to return an item.
4. Pay attention to detail. Be sure to double-check things like sizing, color, and shipping information before finalizing your purchase.
5. Protect your personal information. When shopping online, be sure to use a secure payment method and beware of phishing scams.
6. Be patient. Just because you can get something right away doesn’t mean you should.
The danger of credit card fraud
When you provide your credit card information to a retailer, you are trusting that they will keep your information safe. Unfortunately, not all retailers are able to do this. In fact, each year, there are cases of credit card fraud that cost Americans millions of dollars. By shopping online, you can avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud.
