Disadvantages Of Online Shopping

Retailers provide a service to customers at a profit. They are able to do this since the aspects of retailing – operating from an appropriate location, offering attractive product variety, ensuring enough stock is available to meet demand – add value to the products bought from suppliers and eventually sold to customers. Retailers cut their bulk deliveries from suppliers so individual customers can buy the quantity they require – very often a single item.

Types of retailers:

• Department stores

• Multiple chains

• Independents

• Supermarkets

• Specialist outlets

• Catalogue stores

• Membership clubs

• Discount stores

• Internet stores

• Internet auction

All retail stores now offer online shopping option which allows customers to buy products using the Internet. The Internet has three main advantages compared with traditional retail outlets. The main advantages of online shopping:

• Convenience - shop from any computer with an internet connection any time while avoiding the need to travel, pay for parking, queue in-store etc.

• Greater variety - more shops online than any high street or shopping centre.

• Cheaper goods - increased competition between retailers (for some on a global scale) brings down prices.

• Accessibility - those with a disability that limits their mobility can choose to have goods delivered.

• Comparability - using the Internet it 's easy to research products or services very thoroughly, comparing prices and product details in order to get the best