Online shopping
is convenient, quick and embraced by most every kind of connected consumer.
While it is well-known for the benefits, few are aware of the darker side of
purchasing from a “virtual store”. Get the facts behind shopping with the click
of a mouse, and use them to decide if your next purchase will be better made in
person.
1. Shipping Fees
With the cost of
fuel being an ever-increasing consideration, it may be easy to assume that
having your purchase shipped to your door is both efficient and affordable. Pay
close attention to that final shipping fee, however. Some stores charge the same
price for all packages (making light or tiny bundles a bad buy), while others
charge a separate fee for each item shipped. Even worse, many retailers punish
their most loyal shoppers by charging more for every dollar spent, making that
expensive but dainty gift pricier than necessary.
2. Inaccurate
Sizing
Most women know
their dress size, but are also aware that variations can occur. With the fickle
nature of U.S. catalog sizes, one brand may fit true to size while others can
run small. Perhaps the best way to assure that your online purchase will be a
perfect fit is to research the return policy to see if returns are free or can
be done via your closest brick-and-mortar location. If not, it may be wise to
see about trying items on before you buy. (If you must be a virtual shopper,
check any comments or feedback left by others who have purchased similar items.
They often share information about whether a brand runs true to size.)
3. Misleading
Product Descriptions
One of the
benefits of shopping online is that it is a truly visual experience. If a
product looks appealing on your computer screen, it may very well look superb
in real life. Unfortunately, the pictures and descriptions that accompany a
product page can be confusing or even completely fraudulent. The more trusted
the shopping site, the less risk you’ll have of ordering based on an ambiguous
photo or depiction, according to Forbes. Stick to sites you know, and if the
image and narrative don’t jive – don’t buy. (For many, online banking has
become a day-to-day routine. Still, there are some holdouts who refuse to
accept the method.
4. Payment Issues
Having an
adequate credit line may seem like all the discerning shopper needs to finalize
an online purchase. In some regrettable instances, however, customers have been
met at the final stages of their purchase with slow-loading pages, error
messages, or no indication that their order went through – leaving them to
wonder if their purchase was even made. Many websites instruct shoppers to
“avoid hitting the payment button twice”, since this could leave the consumer
with a duplicate order (and double the bill). Be aware of how the payment page
works before you hit “submit”, and if a retailer won’t allow a final review of
your order before you buy, it may be best to walk away.
5. Poor Packaging
Some sites are
known for their excellence in packaging. Amazon, for example, has even been
criticized for its over-zealous (and reportedly wasteful) packaging, using more
bubble wrap, inner boxes and packing tape for its packages than many of its
competitors. On the other side of the spectrum reside retailers who skimp in
this category, leaving a wake of frustrated shoppers who open their online
purchase to find broken and damaged items. Even those who have a good track
record of making sure their shipments are secure can’t escape the casualties
that can be caused by a careless order fulfillment employee or the hasty
delivery driver. The only way to be absolutely certain that your purchase will
get to you safe and sound is to pick it up from the store yourself.
The Bottom Line
Buying online
can be a gamble, so it is always best to allow for a little wiggle room with
your purchase. If you need a gift for an event coming up within a day or two
after your order is scheduled to arrive, you may not have time to rectify
issues and get a replacement in time. Still, shopping via the web can be a
money-saving endeavor, provided you’re patient, wise, and up for the
challenges.
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