1. Less expensive choices
Customers may be eligible for price reductions as a direct consequence of the lower operational expenditures connected with running an online company as compared to a physical shop. These savings might be passed directly on to the customers. One of the most important advantages of doing business online is the increased flexibility it affords. E-commerce companies are able to give more discounts and specials that are easier to claim, both of which contribute to the fact that online pricing is typically more affordable than that which can be obtained in traditional shops.
2. Easily accessible while yet being safe
It is a lot less attractive (and a whole lot safer) to go out to shop when you want from where you want in this COVID world that we are now living in than it is to shop when you want from where you want. Aside from the coronavirus, there is something to be said for the convenience of being able to shop without having to brave the elements, stand in lines, or deal with any of the other challenges that are associated with leading a consumerist lifestyle. This includes the ability to shop from the comfort of one’s own bedroom.
3. A wide variety of things to choose from
The proliferation of the internet has resulted in the creation of a global market in which consumers can shop for a wide variety of products without leaving the comfort of their own homes. These products come from all over the world, including China for electronic gadgets, England for books, Paris for clothing, and the United States for traditional goods. It is impossible to compete with the range and depth of product variety that is supplied by online shops.
4. Basing choices on information that is more reliable than before
When you make a purchase via an online platform, a wealth of information is instantly at your disposal, including the following categories:
It is quite probable that reviews written by genuine customers will be the single marketing tactic that is the most effective.
• Product descriptions • Usage videos • Product instructions
• Social validation
Because of the advent of e-commerce, customers now have the option to quickly compare products, brands, and websites, and they can even do so in a side-by-side way if they so want. Buying things online has several advantages, and this is another one of the most significant ones. There is a large number of websites that exist just for the purpose of providing clients with the chance to compare various products side-by-side in terms of pricing and discount characteristics. These websites are known as price comparison sites.
5. Saves time
The client may be able to save a large amount of time by completing their shopping online, which is especially beneficial in this day and age, when time is considered to be a valuable asset. Given that 63% of buyers start their shopping experiences online, it makes perfect sense to be able to make purchases wherever you happen to be at the moment. When you can shop from the comfort of your own home, where you have access to a broader variety of items at prices that are lower, there is no need to get dressed, travel to the store, wait in line, and then drive back home. Instead, you can save time and money by shopping online.
6. Discounts
The convenience of online shopping makes it simple for customers to look for discounts, sign up for loyalty programmes, and have special offers sent directly to their email inboxes. 45% of customers now use deal-finding browser extensions or plug-ins like Honey, Pricescout, and Amazon Assistant. Shoppers have also resorted to tech-forward solutions for further cost reductions.
7. Look for a certain company or brand.
54% of customers identify themselves as being loyal to a certain brand. The most important factor that influences a customer’s choice of which brand to purchase is, of course, price. Having prices that are regularly lower than those of rivals and having quality that is better to that of competitors are tied for first place, followed closely by having exceptional customer service.
8. lightning-fast delivery
The quickest delivery time feasible is a consumer expectation for the things they purchase. 48% of people who buy online are prepared to spend more money for speedier shipment, while 55% of those who shop on Amazon are willing to do the same. Amazon has cemented its position as the most trusted retailer in terms of speed: 64% of customers say that if they need to receive a product quickly, they go for it on Amazon.com.
9. Safety (avoiding public stores)
In spite of a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and progress made in the introduction of vaccines, an increasing number of customers are choosing to purchase online rather than visit physical businesses in order to reduce their risk of exposure. Sixty percent of customers have a better opinion of Amazon today than they had before the COVID-19 epidemic, and sixty percent of customers claim they make more purchases on Amazon now than they did before the pandemic.
10. See reviews
In addition, social proof is a significant factor in the decision-making process of customers. 71% of customers are swayed to make a purchase decision by the product that has received the highest number of positive ratings and reviews, and 68% of shoppers are swayed to make a purchase decision by reviews that include photographs or videos. The process of soliciting feedback from a large group of people may significantly improve an online retailer’s credibility by helping to build a sense of community around a certain product.
Additional product variety
Consumers have gotten more discriminating in the process of selecting items and desire the ability to readily compare products based on pricing, ratings, and features. Online shopping is preferred by customers in nearly every product category because it offers a wider selection. The only things that are exempt from this rule are necessities such as food, cleaning supplies, and medications available without a prescription, as well as other things like beauty and personal care products and alcoholic beverages.
