Online retail sales are surging. In fact, in the first four months of 2016, all online retail sales rose to an 8.1% percentage growth from over a year ago, according to the Commerce Department. Internet retailer outlets which seem to provide lower prices and convenience are being favored over in-store retailers as more consumers turn to online shopping.
More than just an easy way to shop, online shopping stores benefit consumers in many ways. Convenience is the number one perk that makes shopping online suitable for people who don’t have the time, the energy, or the mood to visit malls. Aside from its accessibility, the internet is a great place to find cheap products and good deals. With a variety of choices, shoppers have all the freedom to choose an item based on their preferred style, brand, or color. Here are several tips for creating smart online shopping habits.
1. Always Examine Product Details
Not reading the product description is a grave mistake. The problem with the majority of online consumers today is that they make most of their purchase decisions based on the displayed product image. They don’t take time to read and understand the contents of the item. To avoid suffering from a bad case of buyer’s remorse, always check product information before adding the item on your cart. Don’t be fooled by edited and photoshopped pictures which may distort the item’s real appearance.
2. Check Shipping Costs
The law states that an online retail store must ship an order within the time stated upon purchase or as seen in its ad. In cases where the timeframe isn’t stated or is subject to changes, the product should be delivered within around 30 days of the order’s placement. Shipping costs can also vary depending on your location, the cost, the size, and the date you want your order delivered. Most companies have “free shipping” applied to bulk orders or to orders over a certain amount. This can be a good way to save money but can discourage consumers who want to simply buy one or two items.
3. Compare Prices of Similar Products
When comparing product prices, your goal is to purchase the best product for the best price. While some consumers will willingly spend their money on discounted and bottom-priced goods, others are more wary of these “too good to be true” deals and discounts. After all, doesn’t a low price also mean low quality? The best way to get more bang for your buck is to be discerning in prices and product quality.
4. Read Product Reviews
A simple way to find the best product or item is to go through product reviews. Buying guides and product reviews help you learn a great deal about the item you are planning to buy. Some user reviews can give you a comprehensive and realistic expectation of the item. These are based on real customer experiences and can help you decide whether or not you may want to buy the product.
5. Know Your Rights
Every e-commerce and online store has policies about the process in purchasing their items. They may have strict return policies for every item. Some stores forbid the return of items such as electronics and personalized goods once the package is opened. As a customer, it is your right to know the refund and return policies of the store. You can visit the site’s help pages or contact customer service to learn more about your rights.
6. Be Wary of Scams and Fraud
Lastly, avoid getting scammed. Privacy and security is a serious concern among users who worry about deceitful fraudsters who may use different methods to access your valuable personal details, such as your usernames and passwords. There are many deceitful websites out there disguising themselves as online shopping stores in order to to get information from you. But how can you tell if a website is fake? By using Google Trusted Stores, a verification system for all online shopping sites, users can determine which shop is trustworthy or not.
Featured photo credit: Dai KE via images.unsplash.com
