In the technology-savvy world, “shopping” and “online shopping” have become synonymous. As internet access and adoption continue to grow at a rapid pace, the number of online buyers is increasing year over year. Research shows that e-commerce sales are predicted to hit close to $6.5 Trillion by 2023. Not only this but 75% of people shop online at least once a month. Almost all brands and businesses are now serious about their online presence.
Why Online Shopping Has Become the New Normal
Before we move to the online shopping tips and tricks, let’s look at why online shopping has become so popular.
Online Shopping Is Far More Convenient Than In-Store Shopping
Online shopping is all about convenience and the comfort of shopping from your home or office. You can even shop while you’re traveling or working from home. Plus, you do not need to visit multiple stores to find your products. Most online stores comprise multiple product categories. Today, you can shop online using your smartphones and tablets too.
Online Shopping Is Safer in the Pandemic Era
With the growing importance of social distancing and zero-touch, online shopping is currently the safest option when it comes to shopping. Even though most stores have opened and are back to business, shoppers prefer online shopping as it involves minimum contact. Online shopping platforms are even providing safer delivery options, such as no contact delivery and sanitized delivery packages.
Online grocery sales skyrocketed during the pandemic. Research shows that 42% of the US population bought groceries online in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online Shopping Provides a Wide Variety of Buying Options
Offline stores have limited stock. They typically stock best-selling products only. However, the same is not the case with online shopping. You can easily find hundreds and thousands of products in each category, including new arrivals.
Online Shopping Comprises Product Ratings and Reviews for First-Time Buyers
This is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. If you’re purchasing a product for the first time, you can read the experiences shared by existing customers to make an informed purchase. In 2021, almost 70% of online shoppers read between one to fix product reviews before making a purchase.
Online Shopping Is Sales-Pressure Free
When shopping online, you do not have a team of sales representatives on your side, pressuring you to buy a particular product. You can scan hundreds of product pages without any interruptions. You’re free to decide which product suits your requirements the best without a commission-hungry salesperson at your side.
Critical Tips for a Safe Online Shopping Experience
Now that you know why online shopping is becoming popular, it’s time you also learn how you can make your next online shopping experience a smooth one. We’ve got you covered with these tips and tricks.
Ensure You Have a Reliable Internet Connection
First things first, ensure you have a solid internet connection. And if you don’t, it’s time to switch to a reliable internet connection. Also, ensure the connection is secure as you’ll be entering your bank details and passwords.
If you’re shopping using a wireless connection, ensure it’s encrypted so that cybercriminals cannot access it from outside. Always avoid using free wireless networks or public networks for online shopping.
For online shopping, one of the safest and most reliable wireless internet options is gotW3. You can bid goodbye to internet connectivity issues thanks to gotW3. It’s not just a cell phone WiFi hotspot or modem; it’s data internet at home and on the go. Plus, no contracts, no credit checks! All you need to do is order the device and plan and power online.
Read the Replacement and Refund Policies Thoroughly Before Purchasing
While almost all online shopping platforms provide refund and replacement options, certain product categories are not covered under these policies. Read the Terms and Conditions carefully before making a purchase.
Evaluate the Online Store’s Authenticity and Reputation
Before shopping from an online store, check its credibility and assess its online reputation. These days, you can easily find fraudulent online shopping websites that look genuine. Also, as soon as you visit the website, check if it is secure. See if the web address begins with "https:" and not "http:" That single ’s’ can tell you if the website is secure and encrypted to protect your information.
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