One of the most common benefits of online shopping is convenience. In some cases, there are goods and services found online that are much cheaper than when you buy them in a brick-and-mortar shop. The popularity of shopping online has increased over the past few years and it seems like it’s not stopping anytime soon. Especially now that social media is taking part in the action, it is expected that online shopping will become an integral part of our lives from now on.
Even though online shopping is seen as the new hit and encourages positivity and convenience, it is also important to remember that it is the best way to ruin your budget. You tend to overspend easily because you are just clicking the ‘buy’ icon and the item gets delivered to you. If you don’t have financial software from IRESS that could help you with budgeting, then you’re account will be wiped out in no time. Check out these pros and cons of online shopping that you must be aware of.
Pros Of Online Shopping
It Is Hassle-Free
This is probably the biggest advantage of online shopping – you get the items that you want and it even gets delivered to your doorstep. With online shopping, you get to avoid the crowd or those pushy salespeople.
Product Reviews
In an online store, you can be sure that the products you are buying are worth every penny because there are product reviews written by past customers that future customers can check on. If you are hesitant about the product that you will buy, you can simply check the reviews and you will see how the customers who already received the item would rate it.
Free Shipping
If you are hesitant to make an online purchase because of the shipping fee, then worry no more! There are online shops that offer free shipping vouchers or free shipping if you reach a particular amount. For instance, Amazon Prime has this very appealing service in which, they offer two-day shipping, free of charge.
Cons Of Online Shopping
Return Fees
In some cases and you do not like the order that you received, you will be prompted to return it. But you cannot return it without paying the return fees. This is an additional expense that you have to deal with. If you love online shopping, you should be wary of your budget and use certain financial software like the ones from IRESS because they are capable of providing the best software to assist you with your finances.
Sales Tax
Paying for convenience is required in online shopping. But take note, not all products that you buy online require you to pay taxes. But certain items like clothing and jewellery might require you to pay sales tax or other fees. And if you are buying it from international stores, the shipping charge might be more pricey compared to local products.
Fraud
Online transactions, including online shopping, subject you to a higher chance of fraud and scams. Always make sure that you are transacting with legit brands and sellers.