Traditional vs. Online Shopping Essay

Introduction.

Shopping constitutes a compulsory function for humans in all walks of life. For a majority of people, shopping is an activity that has transcended from being merely a necessity to one that has become a favorite pastime that brings happiness, recreation, and ‘quality time with friends and members of the family. There are basically 3 kinds of shopping where we buy things we require, things we convince ourselves we require, and things we look at (window shopping) just for pleasure. In the modern world of today, it is possible to indulge in all 3 kinds of shopping by utilizing 2 methods: Traditional shopping and ‘Online’ shopping.

Traditional shopping involves shoppers physically entering a brick-and-mortar store or shopping mall to select items of their choice, pay for them in cash or by credit card, and either take delivery personally or have them delivered to their homes by the retailer. ‘Online shopping is a relatively new method of shopping that involves the shopper sitting in front of a Personal Computer at any location (it could be at home, in the office, in friends’ apartments or in internet cafes), browsing through different categories of products at selected websites either alone or with the assistance of family members and/or friends, choosing items, paying for the purchases by credit card or by electronically transferring money from a bank account (from personal experience, I have noticed there is usually no other payment option).

The selected goods are delivered within a period ranging from a day to a week or even longer. In almost all cases, due to the fact that while selecting an item its availability is also clearly mentioned, the entire selection is delivered; if for some unforeseen reason some items are not delivered, then the value of those items is refunded to the customer by the ‘Online’ seller.

Traditional and ‘Online’ shopping are similar in two ways. Firstly, both forms of shopping follow the general concept of commerce; in both cases, there is a buyer and a seller, both of whom share a specific understanding of how the commercial transaction is expected to unfold, run its course and reach its satisfactory conclusion. Secondly, the prominent method of payment in both forms of shopping is credit card payment; although traditional shoppers can opt for check or cash payment, and although ‘Online’ shoppers can opt for electronic transfer of funds from their bank accounts, credit card purchases are preferred in both cases.

Traditional and ‘Online’ shopping is different in several ways. In one group of differences, Traditional shopping holds ‘absolute’ superiority: Firstly, shoppers experience the physical thrill of shopping. Shopping is commonly seen as a way of unwinding after a hard day’s work, or (especially in the case of housewives), escaping from the monotonous routine of everyday life (cooking, cleaning, and looking after the kids). Then there is festival shopping, which usually involves the entire family shopping for decorations and gifts for such occasions as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving (personally, I have several fond memories of this).

Secondly, Traditional shoppers are brought face-to-face with an item that they can touch, feel and examine at close proximity – this goes a long way towards making up their mind to buy it. Thirdly, Traditional shoppers are able to talk with the salespersons or merchants of the store or mall upfront, and freely seek clarification or additional information about products that interest them. Fourthly, Traditional shoppers are able to bargain and obtain a better price for their purchases.

Although people in the United States do not usually engage in energetic bargaining, there are people of several other international cultures (such as Italians, Greeks, and Indians), to whom bargaining forms the essence of the shopping experience, and without which they would end up with the uncomfortable feeling of being cheated. Fifthly, Traditional shoppers are able to judge the merchant’s reputation (and by association, the products being sold in that store) by interacting with other customers. Sixthly, Traditional shoppers are able to take home their purchases immediately, or at the most have them delivered to their homes on the same or the next day.

They, therefore, save time as do not have to wait for days or weeks to receive their purchases as is the usual case in ‘Online’ shopping (there is also the distinct possibility of some items not being ultimately delivered due to some reason such as shortages caused due to improper inventory management). Lastly, almost everyone is well aware that today’s world is blemished by an increasing number of cybercrimes.

These have grown at an alarming rate with increasingly ingenious methods being adopted by computer-savvy criminals. A very large number of innocent people have been, and are being fleeced of their hard-earned money over the Internet – their only crime being that they had to give their personal and bank details while shopping online. On the other hand, Traditional shoppers do not need to give their names, address, and (most importantly) bank account information which are all ‘must-do’s in the case of ‘Online’ shopping.

In the second group of differences, ‘Online’ shopping holds the ‘absolute’ superiority. The first difference involves selection. ‘Online shoppers can browse through a wide selection of products from different retailers and place a single order involving products from different retailers, rather than otherwise embark on the tedious exercise of visiting several stores or malls physically to pick up a few items here and a few items there.

Secondly, ‘Online’ shoppers are benefited by a significant reduction in prices as ‘Online’ sellers have vastly reduced overheads to contend with (especially store/mall rent/maintenance and salaries/perks for salespersons) and are able to comfortably pass on a sizeable part of this benefit to customers in the form of reduced prices for the products sold. Lastly, ‘Online’ shoppers have the luxury of doing their shopping at leisure from the comfort of their home, without having to drive to far-away shopping destinations and being traumatized by rash drivers and difficult car parking situations.

In the third group of differences, both types of shopping score nearly equal points. The first difference involves the time element. In Traditional shopping, customers save time as don’t have to wait for days or weeks to receive their purchases. ‘Online’ shoppers choose the time and place to shop, thus saving valuable time and problems associated with traveling to and from the store.

Secondly, while admitting that the ‘sight and touch’ factor is important, ‘Online’ shoppers find it is irrelevant in the case of items like computers, consumer electronic items, cosmetics, perfumes, and jewelry, where ‘Online’ specifications are clear-cut, very detailed and imminently satisfactory. Lastly, while Traditional shoppers can get clarification and further information about a product from the salesperson or merchant, ‘Online’ shoppers have access to clarifying the information in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and ‘Online’ customer service for the products they intend to purchase.

From a fair and impartial judgment of both cases, it is my contention that Traditional shopping is definitely better than ‘Online’ shopping simply because the comparative number and weight of its advantages vis-à-vis ‘Online shopping is much more significant as compared to ‘Online’ shopping own unique advantages. As a result, while agreeing that ‘Online’ shopping continues to grow in the United States, it will not overtake Traditional shopping mainly because of the two greatest ‘arrows in the quiver’ of the latter – Firstly, it involves the formidably unique ‘sight and touches’ advantage that Traditional shoppers enjoy.

And secondly, it gives people an opportunity to mingle with others, interact with acquaintances, friends, and relatives and spend ‘quality time with them – in our increasingly busy and modern world of today comprising people increasingly cocooned in their own lives and problems, this pleasurable human interaction afforded by Traditional shopping is literally priceless.

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IvyPanda. (2024, March 8). Traditional vs. Online Shopping. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-vs-online-shopping/

"Traditional vs. Online Shopping." IvyPanda , 8 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-vs-online-shopping/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Traditional vs. Online Shopping'. 8 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Traditional vs. Online Shopping." March 8, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-vs-online-shopping/.

1. IvyPanda . "Traditional vs. Online Shopping." March 8, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-vs-online-shopping/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Traditional vs. Online Shopping." March 8, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-vs-online-shopping/.

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Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping, Essay Example

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Even before internet became a widespread phenomenon, futurists used to predict that a day will come when we may shop from the comfort of our homes. It might have seemed a strange idea in those times but now we finally understand what they truly meant. Online commerce has emerged as a serious challenger to traditional brick-and-mortar commerce. Both formats have their own pros and cons and it may be mistake to declare either online shopping or traditional shopping as the superior of the two shopping formats. People have different lifestyles and whether online shopping or traditional shopping may be a better option, depend upon the needs of the individual customers.

Online shopping is a better option when time and prices are the main concerns. Online shopping makes it easier to do quick price-comparison among different online retailers and do so inexpensively. Unlike traditional shopping in which one has to go from store to store for price comparison, online shopping tools allow price comparison among hundreds of online retailers in few seconds. In addition, one can purchase items online from virtually anywhere and anytime of the day as long as there is an internet access. Thus, online shopping may also appeal more to those who have very busy work schedule and cannot afford to spare few hours for traditional shopping. Traditional shopping may appeal more to those who actually like to experience or try the items in person and who enjoy the experience of shopping in mall as much as they enjoy purchasing the items. They view the time spent in traditional shopping also as an opportunity to bond with friends and family. Those who prefer traditional shopping may also care about prices but they have an idea of what they want to pay and do not want to spend too much time and efforts to find the cheapest-possible price. But traditional shoppers may switch to online shopping during difficult economic times because not only online shopping results in better deals, it also allows the shoppers to save on fuel costs. Online retailers understand this which is why many now offer an opportunity to customers to qualify for free shopping.

Whether online shopping and traditional shopping is a better option also depends upon the nature of the goods and services purchased. While online shopping is suitable for many items such as electronics, clothing, and grooming products etc., goods such as perishable food item and big-ticket splurges may be best suited to traditional shopping. Big-ticket splurges are specifically suited to traditional shopping because they often require huge financial investment and require personal inspection and/or test-trials. Some items are so complex or need to be customized that traditional shopping is the only option.

Traditional shopping appeals more when we also enjoy discovering new things in the shopping mall and do not always know what we want to buy. In online shopping, we usually know what we are looking for. But when we know what we want, online retailers have an advantage over traditional retailers. Online retailers do not have to invest in physical infrastructure, thus, they can display lot more varieties on their website than a traditional retailer.

Both online shopping and traditional shopping meet different needs, thus, it is common for most people to employ both shopping formats. Shopping is a lot more than just purchasing goods or services. Online shopping is a relatively new phenomenon, thus, it will continue to evolve and get better over time while traditional shopping format may continue to exist more or less unchanged.

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Home Essay Examples Business Online Shopping

Online Shopping: Advantages And Disadvantages

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  • Topic Online Shopping

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Technology advances definitely make our life easier and more convenient. With the help of the Internet, people can do a lot of things without going out, like paying bills, watching movies, study online and so on. Among those, the most attractive one for people is doing shopping online. While online shopping does have many advantages, does it really mean that the traditional shopping will stop its existence?

Perhaps the greatest benefit of online shopping is its convenience and saving time: no standing in long lines at the cash register any more. With online shopping, a person logs onto the Internet, visits the store’s website, and chooses the items she desires. The items are held in a virtual shopping cart until she is ready to make her purchase. The shopper can remain in her pajamas as she does her shopping, and the process can be conducted in the wee hours of the morning or late into the night. Online stores never close – they’re open 24 hours a day. Many people choose shopping online also because they can’t stand that crowded and noisy environment. Moreover, online shopping gives you a possibility to conduct price comparisons from one website to another. This gives you freedom to determine which online store offers the most affordable item you are going to buy, so it saves your money.

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However, doing shopping online is not always a perfect thing, it also has disadvantages. It seems easy and quick, but there’s always a trap online. If you are careless, it will bring you some troubles. For example, if you order something, at the moment you get the item, you may find that the color is different from what you saw online, or the size is either too small or too big because it is not available to try on before ordering, or the material is not what you want. Online stores are only showing product description and photos of the merchandise, which can be a disadvantage for many online shoppers. Second is diminished instant satisfaction. Unlike buying at retail stores, you are able to use the product instantly after you buy it, which can be satisfying. However, online shopping requires patience to wait for the item to arrive at your doorstep about 2 to 3 days or even longer depending on the location you’ve ordered it from.

In conclusion, online shopping is offering convenience as well as disadvantages, but all things considered, I believe that their influence is beneficial, if we are careful when choosing and trading online.

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The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

6 Benefits and Drawbacks To Keep in Mind When You Shop Online

Pros of Online Shopping

Cons of online shopping, how to make the most of online shopping, money-saving tips for online shopping, frequently asked questions (faqs).

The Balance / Jiaqi Zhou

Online shopping is more popular today than ever before. A report from the U.S. Census Bureau found that in the first quarter of 2022, an estimated $250 billion was spent in retail e-commerce sales. In the second quarter of 2011, for comparison, retail e-commerce sales were $47.5 billion.

Due in part to new and growing technology, online shopping has become incredibly easy and convenient. It also offers a greater selection than one storefront, opening the doors to products and services that may not be available at a nearby brick-and-mortar store .

While online shopping comes with a number of benefits, there are drawbacks to know about, too. Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons of shopping online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online shopping is convenient and offers a variety of products you may not be able to find at your local stores.
  • It's easier to comparison shop online, where you can access prices, reviews, and product details with a click.
  • When you shop online, you need to wait for your product to be delivered to you, and you might spend more than you would if you went to a brick-and-mortar store.
  • There's also a risk of fraud when you shop online, which you can combat by choosing trusted stores and paying with a card that offers fraud protection.

Convenience

Greater selection

Easy access to information

Can be more expensive

Increases risk of fraud

Leads to longer wait times

Using your computer or another digital device for your shopping needs can be convenient, offer more options, and provide insight you might not find in person at a store.

The greatest benefit of online shopping is its convenience. Through the digital space, you can buy anything you want from the comfort of your own home. Since online stores are open 24/7 and accessible from anywhere with internet access, it's easy to fit online shopping into your life no matter how busy you are. You don't have to plan your purchases based on when a brick-and-mortar store is open and available to serve you.

Greater Selection

Because products online live within the digital space, online retailers are not restricted to shelves and often have more inventory on hand with a wider selection of products. Also, online shopping gives you the chance to buy anything from any retailer, no matter where you're located. If you're in the market for a new lamp, for example, you'll have more options available to you than you would if you only shopped at stores in your local area.

Easy Access to Information

When shopping online, you will often find more details about a business's products than you would get in physical stores. Instead of speaking to one or two sales associates in person, you can peruse product descriptions, recommendations of similar products, and reviews from other shoppers online that may help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Online retailers also tend to have membership options, typically via email or newsletters, that give shoppers early access to sales, seasonal releases , and other events. This way, you can be one of the first to know of offerings from your favorite brands.

Shopping for items online can also have its pitfalls, including hidden price mark-ups, an increased risk of fraud, and the inability to use or wear the item you purchased right away.

Can Be More Expensive

Online purchases can cost you more for several reasons. Even though many major online retailers offer free shipping, they generally require you to meet a minimum to qualify for it. In addition, online retailers may use several strategies to encourage you to buy more items or more expensive items than if you were shopping in person.

Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to pay an internet sales tax , too. In Texas, for example, you may have to pay a tax on out-of-state purchases delivered into Texas or purchases made from online-only sellers.

Many online retailers take part in digital tactics to convince shoppers to make more purchases, often considered impulse buys . Some include using "limited time" sale pop-ups that reset every time users reload the page, fake customer testimonials, or messages that promote higher-cost items.

Increases Risk of Fraud

Unfortunately, online shopping scams do exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), online shopping was the fourth most common fraud category for consumers as of February 2022. Some scammers pretend to be legitimate online sellers with fake websites or create fake ads on real sites.

Always pay by credit card rather than a debit card, as you can easily report fraud to your credit card company. Also, it is best to avoid online sellers that only accept payment via money transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers may encourage you to pay through these methods so they can access your money faster.

Leads to Longer Wait Times

When you shop at a brick-and-mortar store, you can walk away with the product you bought and use or wear it right away. Online shopping forces you to wait days, weeks, or even longer for your order to arrive. If you're in a time crunch and need a product right away, such as a gift, going to an in-person shop may be a better option for you.

These tips can allow you to enhance your online shopping experience.

Know Which Products To Buy Online

Some items are better to buy online than others because you can find countless consumer reviews, discounts, or other deals pertaining to them. For items you regularly use (such as a laptop, phone charger, luggage, or textbook), the internet may be the best place to compare offers. For things you require to have long-lasting value (like a car) or must get right away (such as groceries), shopping in person may be best.

Read Reviews

Before you check out, read reviews on the retailer's website as well as third-party sites like Google and Facebook. This can help you find out if the retailer is legitimate and whether there may be any potential issues with the product you're about to invest in. Reviews are beneficial for small businesses , too. Ninety-eight percent of consumers read online reviews of local businesses, according to marketing consultancy BrightLocal's 2022 Local Consumer Review Survey.

Some companies have more nuanced review options than others. Clothing rental service Nuuly, for example, lets its customers add photos of themselves wearing products with written reviews, enabling future customers to make empowered, smart purchasing decisions.

Examine Product Details

If you’re interested in a product, read its description. Make sure you know what it’s made out of, whether it comes with a warranty, what sizes are available, and so on. By doing so, you can avoid unwanted surprises that cost you time, money, and headaches when the product arrives.

There are many ways to save some money while making online purchases. Consider these tips to improve your online shopping experience.

Comparison Shop

If you have a specific product in mind, it's in your best interest to comparison shop, similar to how you would when looking for life insurance. Look at various online stores that offer what you want. Then, compare prices so you can find the best deal.

As you comparison shop, read product descriptions very closely. The FTC recommends looking out for words like "refurbished" or "vintage," as this could mean a product will arrive at your door in less-than-perfect condition.

Follow Online Retailers on Social Media

Online retailers often promote their sales and discounted items on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels. If you follow some of your favorite companies on social media, you may be one of the first to see and purchase the latest offers.

Use Money-Saving Apps or Plug-ins

There is no shortage of apps or plug-ins that can allow you to save money online without the hassle. Some examples are Honey, Swagbucks, Capital One Shopping, and Rakuten. You can also look for coupon codes online on sites like RetailMeNot.com and Coupons.com.

How do you get your money back from an online purchase?

This process varies by retailer. Some may automatically refund your money when you report a problem with your purchase; others may require you to return the product first. You may not be able to get your money back at all, especially if it's after the retailer's return window. If you're buying something that may not work for you, like clothing, check the retailer's refund policy before you buy.

How has the internet changed shopping?

The internet has completely changed the shopping experience. People have access to products from around the globe. Payments are instant, and recommendations are tailored to your shopping and browsing habits. Brick-and-mortar retailers have had to respond by launching websites and improving their in-person customer experience.

U.S. Census Bureau. " Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 1st Quarter 2022 ," Page 1.

U.S. Census Bureau. " Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 2nd Quarter 2011 ," Page 2.

Texas Comptroller's Office. " Taxes: Online Orders - Texas Purchasers and Sellers ."

University of Michigan. " Impulse Buying: Design Practices and Consumer Needs ," Pages 6, 9, and 11.

Federal Trade Commission. " Consumer Sentinel Network ," Page 7.

BrightLocal. " Local Consumer Review Survey 2022 ."

Nuuly. " Forget Me Not Mini Dress ."

Federal Trade Commission. " Online Shopping ," See "Comparison Shopping."

online and traditional shopping essay

Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping

Comparison point: costs, comparison point: immediacy, comparison point: tangibility, comparison point: convenience, conclusions.

Historically, traditional shopping practices dominated the field of selling and purchasing goods and services. If anyone needed to buy a new pair of shoes, a new dress, or even a new house appliance, they would go to the market, or visit a dedicated store, to make a purchase. While a rewarding experience, it was time-consuming as well as region-locked, with customers from rural areas having to travel great distances to purchase even the most basic of goods (Markham, 2016). Smaller companies, incapable of exporting their items abroad, were naturally oriented towards domestic clients. The 21st century saw the development of the Internet as well as the globalization of the supply chain, enabling sellers and customers to engage in online shopping from the comfort of their homes (Markham, 2016). Although the two premises share some basic traits attributed to shopping, the processes are inherently different one from another, making them suited for different types of purchase.

Traditional shopping is associated with a plethora of costs for the sellers as well as for the clients. A brick-and-mortar store would need to be built or placed inside of an existing structure, which is expensive. Warehousing and regular supplying also add to the costs of operation and maintenance. Finally, traditional stores have to afford to pay shopkeepers, consultants, janitors, and other support personnel. All of these expenditures increase the costs of final purchase for the end customer (Markham, 2016). Online shops do not have to face such issues. The only costs they have to endure are warehousing and good transportation from the seller to client, without having to worry about structural maintenance, paying sellers and supports, and dealing with numerous other issues that brick-and-mortar shops face (Markham, 2016). Because of these factors, buying online is typically much cheaper than doing so in a store.

One strong advantage traditional shopping has over online purchasing is the immediacy of purchase. The client can buy the item or service they need from a retailer and use it immediately, without any lag or waiting time (Markham, 2016). Online shopping, due to the nature of their business model, cannot offer the same. Usually it takes between one day to several months before the product reaches the end customer, the conditions depending on where is it purchased from and what company is handling the deliveries (Markham, 2016). Such waiting times can be too much for some customers to accept, as the items they need are often required immediately. An example of products that require immediacy include foodstuffs that have short shelf lives. Although online purchasing of foods exists, it is dominated by cooked food deliveries, whereas most customers buy their food products from traditional shops.

Another strong suit of traditional marketing is the ability to see and feel the item a person is buying. In case with clothes, the customer can try it on to see if it fits their body complexion. Online marketing cannot offer such an advantage, and has to rely on pictures, videos, and numbers in order to accurately describe the sizes of a good or an item. While in most cases it is enough to commit to a purchase, other times it becomes a significant obstacle, especially in cases where the appearance of a delivered item is significantly different than that on the picture. Clothes industry remains largely dominated by traditional marketing for those very reasons (Markham, 2016). In comparison, over a third of all clothing items being sold online is returned to the seller or exchanged for a different item due to a mismatch of some kind (Markham, 2016). At the same time, tangibility plays less of a factor when purchasing items that do not need to be held or felt to ensure quality. Electronics purchases are often done online due to price range differences.

Traditional shopping is a time-consuming process. Even the simplest purchases require leaving the house, traveling back and forth, and spending time selecting goods, paying for them, and bringing them home (Markham, 2016). A simple run to the store for groceries can take a whole hour. More significant purchases might take an entire day. In some countries, like the US, the lack of a personal vehicle is a significant obstacle, especially to the poor, who find it hard to reach the nearest Walmart. Online shopping is much more convenient, as the purchase can be achieved from the comfort of one’s own home, with the goods delivered to the client’s doorstep (Markham, 2016). The time spent waiting for the delivery can be focused on other tasks, especially when said delivery is not required to be urgent.

Traditional and online shopping offer their own distinctive sets of pros and cons when it comes to purchasing goods. Brick-and-mortar shops offer immediacy, tangibility, and the “true spirit of shopping, whereas convenience and cheapness are the primary selling points for online marketing. Depending on what types of goods are needed, customers may choose one over the other. It is unlikely for either one to replace the other in full, thus ensuring the harmonious coexistence of both types of shopping.

Markham, J. E. (2016). The future of shopping: traditional patterns and net effects . Springer.

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StudyCorgi. (2022, February 25). Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping. https://studycorgi.com/compare-and-contrast-online-shopping-vs-traditional-shopping/

"Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." StudyCorgi , 25 Feb. 2022, studycorgi.com/compare-and-contrast-online-shopping-vs-traditional-shopping/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) 'Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping'. 25 February.

1. StudyCorgi . "Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." February 25, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/compare-and-contrast-online-shopping-vs-traditional-shopping/.

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StudyCorgi . "Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." February 25, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/compare-and-contrast-online-shopping-vs-traditional-shopping/.

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A Comparison and Contrast Between Shopping Online and Traditional Shopping

Since time immemorial, shopping has been an integral part of human life. Over time, technological advancements have brought changes in the way people do their shopping. Notably, the advent of online shopping has paved way for an alternative mode of shopping from the traditional shopping and has been embraced globally. This paper compares and contrasts shopping online with traditional shopping.

Traditional shopping refers to the activity in which consumers purchase goods and services by physically visiting a given seller or store. When it comes to purchasing daily necessities like groceries, traditional shopping is considered an essential (Aryani et al., 2021). On the other hand, online shopping is the process of purchasing goods over the internet with the use of internet-enabled devices such as phones and computers. Traditional shopping methods have been in use for ages. It is the most common practice that people use to purchase products. Online shopping is, on the other hand, more recent practice of shopping. It is, however, considered by many, especially those in urban set-ups as the most convenient way of shopping (Aryani et al., 2021).

Both traditional and online shopping methods offer a variety of stores to choose from. Most, if not all, physical stores available, have corresponding online stores that offer the same products. Like traditional stores, online stores offer a variety of items to pick from. Specialty stores, retailers and whole sellers can be found online. Both shopping methods give similar deals and offers in their stores to their customers. They both offer seasonal sales, end of season sales, and stock clearance sales. The promotions from both traditional and online stores are usually offered at similar times of the month. Most traditional and online stores also offer return policies to their customers. Refund or exchange of a product is typically allowed upon customers request for defective or undesired items.

In spite of the similarities between online and traditional shopping, the differences are plenty. When making an online purchase, a customer is unable to touch, feel, smell or even try out a product they are purchasing. A customer is therefore unable to effectively asses and determine the quality of a product. This may affect a customer’s decision to purchase an item, especially for those items that may require one to try them out like shoes and clothes. This is, however, not the case with traditional shopping where one gets to see, examine, feel, touch, smell and even try out a product then make payment upon satisfaction (Daroch et al., 2021).

Online shopping is handier, time-saving, and more convenient as compared to traditional shopping. One is able to go through thousands of items and do comparisons, check for offers and ultimately make a purchase within minutes at the comfort of their seat at any time. This, however, is not possible in traditional stores since one has to physically visit the store to make a purchase. Some traditional stores also have operational hours which, with increasingly busy lifestyles, may turn out to be inconveniencing to some customers.

Online shopping may require one to give out their details for delivery as well as payment methods and contact details which may pose security threats. This is not the case with traditional shopping where one walks in and walks out with their purchased item without giving out any of their details. Moreover, when doing online shopping, one needs to factor in the time taken to deliver the item, which may at times take longer than desired, unlike in traditional stores where one walks out with the item upon payment.

Overall, both online and traditional shopping have similarities and differences as well as advantages and disadvantages. This largely influences the customer’s decision on which method to use in doing their shopping. Some aspects of both methods of shopping may be a disadvantage to some people, while being beneficial to others, as in the case of knowledge of computers for older generations. The preference and benefits are, thus, more personal than communal.

Aryani, D. N., Nair, R. K., Hoo, D. X. Y., Hung, D. K. M., Lim, D. H. R., Chandran, D. A. R., Chew, W. P., & Desai, A. (2021). A Study on Consumer Behaviour: Transition from Traditional Shopping to Online Shopping During the COVID-19 Pandemic.  International Journal of Applied Business and International Management ,  6 (2), 81–95. https://doi.org/10.32535/ijabim.v6i2.1170

Daroch, B., Nagrath, G., & Gupta, A. (2021). A study on factors limiting online shopping behaviour of consumers.  Rajagiri Management Journal ,  15 (1), 39–52. https://doi.org/10.1108/ramj-07-2020-0038

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Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

Students are often asked to write an essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

Introduction.

Online and offline shopping are two different ways of purchasing goods. Online shopping is done on the internet, while offline shopping is done in physical stores.

Convenience

Online shopping is more convenient as you can shop from anywhere at any time. Offline shopping requires you to travel to the store during its operating hours.

Offline shopping provides a tactile experience, allowing you to touch and try products. Online shopping lacks this, but offers detailed product descriptions and reviews.

Delivery Time

Offline shopping gives instant possession of products, while online shopping involves waiting for delivery.

Both methods have their advantages. The choice depends on personal preference and circumstances.

250 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

The advent of the internet has drastically transformed the way we shop. Online and offline shopping have emerged as two distinct models, each with its unique advantages and challenges.

Online Shopping: Convenience and Variety

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. You can shop from the comfort of your home at any time, eliminating the need for travel and adherence to store hours. It also provides a vast array of choices, with the ability to compare prices and products from different vendors. Moreover, online platforms often offer attractive discounts and deals.

Offline Shopping: Tangibility and Instant Gratification

Offline shopping, on the other hand, provides a tangible experience. Consumers can touch, feel, and try products before purchasing, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction. It also offers instant gratification as there’s no waiting period for delivery. Furthermore, it allows for personalized customer service, which can significantly enhance the shopping experience.

Challenges and Trade-offs

However, both models come with their set of challenges. Online shopping may present issues with product quality, delivery delays, and cybersecurity. Offline shopping can be time-consuming, limited in variety, and often lacks the convenience of home delivery.

In conclusion, the choice between online and offline shopping is largely dependent on individual preferences and the type of product being purchased. A blend of both models, known as omnichannel retailing, is increasingly being adopted, providing consumers with the best of both worlds.

500 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

Online and offline shopping are two different methods of deciding how to purchase products. While online shopping offers convenience and a wide range of products, offline shopping provides the tangible experience of physically interacting with products before buying. This essay will delve into both these shopping methods, comparing their pros and cons.

Online Shopping: A New Age Convenience

Online shopping has revolutionized the way consumers purchase goods. The ability to shop from the comfort of home, at any hour, is a significant advantage. It saves consumers time and the hassle of travelling. Additionally, online platforms offer a wider range of products than most physical stores, allowing consumers to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

Moreover, online shopping platforms often offer discounts and deals that are not available in physical stores. This is particularly beneficial for budget-conscious college students. However, online shopping is not without its drawbacks. The inability to physically inspect a product can lead to disappointment if the product does not meet expectations. Also, concerns about data privacy and the risk of online fraud can deter some customers.

Offline Shopping: The Traditional Approach

Offline shopping, on the other hand, provides a sensory experience that online shopping cannot replicate. Customers can touch, feel, and try products before purchasing, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction. Additionally, offline shopping allows for instant gratification as there’s no need to wait for delivery.

Furthermore, offline shopping offers a social experience. Going to the mall or shopping center can be an enjoyable outing with friends or family. However, offline shopping also has its downsides. The limited range of products, higher prices, and the time and effort required to travel to the store can be off-putting for some consumers.

Conclusion: A Blend of Both Worlds

In conclusion, both online and offline shopping have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Online shopping offers convenience, a wider range of products, and often better prices. Conversely, offline shopping provides a tangible, sensory experience, instant gratification, and a social outing.

The choice between online and offline shopping ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences, needs, and the nature of the product. Some may prefer the convenience and range of online shopping, while others may value the tangible experience of offline shopping. As technology advances and consumer habits evolve, we may see a blend of both worlds, where the digital and physical realms of shopping merge to provide an enhanced shopping experience.

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Online Shopping Essay

500+ words online shopping essay.

The trend of online shopping has increased in recent times with the increase of e-commerce and digital technology. With just a single click, you can shop for everything by sitting at your home as per your choice, convenience and budget. This essay on online shopping will help students learn about the pros and cons of online shopping. We have also compiled a list of CBSE Essays on different topics to help them improve their essay-writing skills. These essays will also help them improve their scores on the English exam.

What Does Online Shopping Mean?

Online shopping is the activity of buying products and services over the internet using a web browser or mobile app. It means buyers have to go online to reach a seller’s website and then select the product they want to purchase. The buyer can pay for the goods and services either online with a credit or debit card or upon delivery. Online shopping sites are also known by many other names such as e-shop, e-web-store, e-store, internet shop, web-store, web-shop, virtual store and online store. An online shop creates a physical analogy for buying products or services. Some of the famous online retailing corporations which facilitate the experience of online shopping are Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.

Online shopping is a growing area of the digital world and technology. Establishing a store on the Internet gives various options to consumers. With the growth of online shopping, most businesses have started selling their products online. Now, just having physical stores is not enough in this fast-paced world. Having online store interfaces for consumers has also become essential for running a business in the current scenario.

Benefits of Online Shopping

There are numerous advantages of online shopping. People feel more convenient while shopping online. They can shop from anywhere at their own convenient time through easy and safe payment methods. Online shopping has empowered consumers with various advantages such as convenience and time-saving, lower search costs, better product selection, lower prices, etc. One of the biggest benefits of online shopping is that you can buy the items you want with just a single click. Online stores are open 24 hours a day and are accessible from any location with an internet connection.

Online stores carry more variations and provide more varieties of a product as compared to traditional stores. This is because online stores don’t need to attractively display their items on shelves, and they can keep a larger amount of inventory on hand. They might also have small amounts of each item since they don’t need to display them and can order more from their supplier as needed.

Online shops tend to provide more information about items for sale than you would get in a physical store. Product descriptions most often include a description from the manufacturer, another description from the vendor, specific technical and size details, reviews from professional magazines and journals, and reviews from people who have bought the product. Having all this information available when you are considering a purchase makes you a more informed consumer without having to perform extra research by yourself.

Online stores are not burdened by the costs of running a physical store, such as the rent of the physical premises and wages of sales staff. The cost savings by online stores lead to lower pricing on the internet, passing on cost savings to shoppers. The internet encourages online vendors to compete with one another by lowering prices.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

The benefits of shopping online also come with potential risks and dangers. When you shop online, you can’t touch or try out the product. You have to depend upon product pictures only. You can’t buy the product instantly. If you don’t get the product in hand immediately after payment, you have to wait for delivery, which can take days to weeks. There is no guarantee that you will get the product in its original shape; it might get damaged on the way. Sometimes, the product is very different from the pictures and description due to various reasons and also has poor quality. If, after receiving the package, expectations weren’t met, you need to go through a returns process which can be time-consuming. Apart from these, there is also a chance of security threats from online shopping. If the site is not secured, you have a risk of losing your card information.

Online shopping is one of the convenient ways of purchasing different products. However, there are some products which are better if they are purchased from physical stores. So, in the future, we can expect online stores to improve their technology, making way for a much easier and faster shopping experience.

Students must have found the “Online Shopping Essay” essay useful. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

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Compare and Contrast Essay: Online Shopping vs. In-Person Shopping

Over the recent year shopping has taken two turns, the have the most classic form in person shopping and online shopping. They may be similar in their basics but online shopping and in person shopping are different based on the experience, time consumption, and the variety and availability of the items. They may be but the environment changes the situation a person is in and the interaction one has go through home or in an actual store.

Experience is a major component in shopping be it experience with the way a shop or way a website is set up. Amazon and target are two good examples in the difference between online and in person. While shopping in amazon.com consumers can expect to find almost anything with ease and minimal problems, but there can be other factors that can lead to problems. For example, consumers internet can be slow, or their phones could be cut off because they forgot to pay their bill. In person shopping does not have problem with slow internet or forgotten phone bills, any shopper can browse and find what they need or finds something that they might have needed but forgot. But in person shopping also has their downside for instance a shopper may forget the list of items they need or run into other fellow customer that will bother them believing them to be an associate of the store. In the end online shopping experience has a better impact on the shopper.

Another component is time consumption. Many shoppers are workers as well and need to organize their day to be early to their jobs and have time for their shopping for home necessity. Online shopping is time consuming but can be controlled because it can be done from anywhere. A consumer can be at home shopping and getting ready for work and still make it in time. But of course, there are consumer that get stuck and stay online shopping locked onto their screen looking for items they need or just want. In person shopping is good because you can browse on your way to work early in the morning and get your necessities and leave easily. But there is the possibility of getting stuck in traffic. Traffic can happen at any given time and a shopper can shop and then find out they are stuck and would be late for work. Given the time consumption of each online shopping comes to the top for less time consumption because traffic wouldn’t faze it at all.

Lastly it comes down to variety and availability. Variety and availability brings in more consumer to look and buy for items they need. Online shopping can have variety to the max. You have many shops at your disposal and can move to each site with ease. The chance of online shops to not have the product are low and if they don’t have what a consumer need then their other websites. With shopping in person, the chance of items being out of stock are higher than online. The shopper then must leave and go to another store where they may or may not have the item they need. In online shopping a consumer can find almost exactly what they need no problem but in person shopping chance are almost less than half of online shopping making online shopping more convenient.

In the grand finally of online shopping and in person shopping consumers can have better experiences online shopping. Time consumption would go in favor for online because of its flexibility of location and speed of looking for items. For variety and availability online shopping come out as more favorable.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e-shopping; with planning and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post is about ‘online shopping and its merits and demerits’ . Here, I’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of virtual/online/e-shopping and presented a model answer on this Task 2 question. This model answer can guide you to write an answer to any online shopping related essay.

Let’s have a look at the question we are going to discuss today.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e-shopping; with planning and model answer

The language of this task 2 question can be different in different exams.

Here’s another example of the same question:

An increasing number of people are buying what they need online.

What are the advantages and disadvantages for both individuals and companies to shopping online?

Nowadays, e-shopping or shopping online has an increasing trend among shoppers. It has both positive and negative sides. First, we need to make a plan for writing on this topic.

Here’s a short plan that may help you.

Planning and organisation:

Here is how I’ve planned the essay with a 4-paragraph structure:

  • Introduction: topic + thesis (2 sentences can be sufficient): Introduce the topic – ‘online shopping getting more popular’. Then write a thesis on how you are going to show that there are some positives and negatives of the issue.
  • Body paragraph on the reasons behind virtual shopping being so popular: You can write about straightforward ideas e.g. people get more convenience, and availability or choice of products. Give some real-life examples here.
  • Body paragraph on the negative sides of online shopping: Again, present some very general ideas e.g. customers get cheated and people become more isolated. Give some real-life examples here too
  • Conclusion: restate your ideas Online shopping has both advantages and disadvantages. You can give your personal opinion on how the disadvantages can be reduced.

Now let’s take a look at the model answer.

Model answer: expected band score – 7.5 to 8.0

In recent years, the rate of in-store shopping has plunged due to vast opportunities for buying different products including daily necessaries from hundreds of online stores. This essay will try to demonstrate chances such as convenience and product availability as the reasons behind the popularity of e-shopping whereas it will focus on swindling and isolation as the pitfalls of this issue.

Initially, the prime reason behind the popularity of e-shopping is convenience which can be easily understood from the thousands of virtual shops all over the world. To illustrate, people nowadays are busier than ever because of the fast pace of the world and they want to save as much time as they can for relaxation. Virtual shopping gives this magnificent prospect of time-saving and so people enjoy taking it. Besides, superstores sometimes run out of products in the precise moment when people need them which online shops rarely have this crisis. For instance, I needed a flat-screen monitor a few months ago but my local store had it out of stock. When I peeped into some online stores I found it easily on eBay.

Meanwhile, though shopping on the internet looks very promising, it is not without its setbacks. Many people, mostly the newcomers, regularly complain of getting tricked on virtual shopping and the rate of complaints is increasing at a faster rate. To explain, one of my friends has recently got swindled when he paid in advance for a smartwatch. Additionally, people often become isolated in their rooms through e-shopping which can affect their feelings and behaviour. As an example, a friend of mine started shopping online a couple of years ago even though the nearest superstore was only 500 metres away. His neighbours, nowadays, describe him as an ill-mannered and antisocial person which, needless to say, is the result of being home and becoming isolated from the outer world. 

In brief, virtual shoppers obtain greater benefits if compared to in-store shoppers. Converting such shopping to a stress-free experience, it is turning out to be progressively more convenient. However, as clients may sometimes get deceived and become cut off from the social world, concerned authorities should look into the matter cautiously. (360 words)

Here are some other Task 2 questions which can be answered taking help from the given essay example on online shopping:

  • Some people support online shopping because it is convenient, while others argue that shopping on the internet poses threats. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
  • Nowadays on-line shopping has become more popular than in-store shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development?
  • Nowadays many people go shopping in their free time. Shopping has replaced many other activities that people used to choose as their hobby. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
If you have written any answer to this question, you can post it in the comment box and we can discuss about it in details. 

Click here for a model answer to Cambridge 14 Test 4 Writing Task 2

Click here for a model answer to agree-disagree topic: elderly or young people as company leaders

Click here for a model answer to advantage-disadvantage topic: online shopping

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: urbanization in countryside/ problem of housing

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: qualities of a good supervisor/boss

Click here for a model answer to descriptive essay: advantages/facilities/benefits of vocational education 

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Home — Essay Samples — Business — Online Shopping — Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

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Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

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Words: 500 |

Updated: 1 December, 2023

Words: 500 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

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  • Liang, T. P., Ho, Y. T., Li, Y. W., & Turban, E. (2011). What drives social commerce: The role of social support and relationship quality. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 16(2), 69-90.
  • Liu, Y., Li, H., & Hu, F. (2013). Website attributes in urging online impulse purchase: An empirical investigation on consumer perceptions. Decision Support Systems, 55(3), 829-837.
  • Manzoor, A., Rehman, C. A., & Sattar, A. (2017). Antecedents and consequences of customer satisfaction in online shopping: A case of Pakistan. Information Technology & People, 30(3), 625-645.
  • Park, J., Lee, C., & Ahn, J. (2016). Effects of social commerce factors on social media trust, perceived value, and purchase intention. Journal of Business Research, 69(9), 3801-3808.
  • Shim, S., Eastlick, M. A., Lotz, S. L., & Warrington, P. (2001). An online prepurchase intentions model: The role of intention to search. Journal of Retailing, 77(3), 397-416.
  • Wang, D., Yu, C., & Wei, Y. (2012). Social presence as a double-edged sword: The effects of social presence on mobile shopping. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 17(3), 257-282.
  • Yoo, B., & Donthu, N. (2001). Developing a scale to measure the perceived quality of an Internet shopping site (SITEQUAL). Quarterly Journal of Electronic Commerce, 2(1), 31-46.

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online and traditional shopping essay

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  1. ≫ Contrast of Shopping Online and Traditional Shopping Free Essay

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  4. Online shopping essay||How to write an essay on online shopping in 2020

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  5. Pros and Cons of Online Shopping Essay Example

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    online and traditional shopping essay

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  1. Online Shopping is better than traditional shopping

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COMMENTS

  1. Traditional vs. Online Shopping

    Traditional and 'Online' shopping is different in several ways. In one group of differences, Traditional shopping holds 'absolute' superiority: Firstly, shoppers experience the physical thrill of shopping. Shopping is commonly seen as a way of unwinding after a hard day's work, or (especially in the case of housewives), escaping from ...

  2. Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping: [Essay Example], 537 words

    The online shopping vs traditional shopping essay explores the evolving landscape of consumer behavior and the choices individuals make when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Over the past few decades, the rise of technology has transformed the way people shop, giving rise to the convenience of online shopping. ...

  3. A Comparison and Contrast Between Shopping Online and Traditional

    Shopping has always been an integral part of our lives, and with the rise of online shopping, the way we shop has undergone a significant transformation.Despite the similarities between online shopping and traditional shopping, their differences in convenience, variety, and social interaction make them distinct experiences.

  4. Online Shopping Vs in Store Shopping Essay

    The first dissimilarity of online shopping and traditional shopping is the convenience Shopping via internet, you can get your wanted things to be delivered to your house with just a smart device in your hand. ... Online Shopping Vs in Store Shopping Essay. (2022, February 18). Edubirdie. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com ...

  5. Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping, Essay Example

    Online shopping makes it easier to do quick price-comparison among different online retailers and do so inexpensively. Unlike traditional shopping in which one has to go from store to store for price comparison, online shopping tools allow price comparison among hundreds of online retailers in few seconds. In addition, one can purchase items ...

  6. The Contrast Between Online and Traditional Shopping

    The Contrast Between Online and Traditional Shopping. "You get what you pay for". This saying actually has great merit when shoping in an online or a traditional store that will give you a lovely dress. Last summer,I went for my husband's funeral in Africa and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend my sisters' wedding a few months ...

  7. Online Shopping: Advantages And Disadvantages: Essay Example, 418 words

    Online stores are only showing product description and photos of the merchandise, which can be a disadvantage for many online shoppers. Second is diminished instant satisfaction. Unlike buying at retail stores, you are able to use the product instantly after you buy it, which can be satisfying. However, online shopping requires patience to wait ...

  8. Online Shopping Vs Traditional Shopping: The Better Way To Shop

    Traditional shopping definitely has several advantages over shopping online. Traditional shopping allows the customer to actually know what they are buying firsthand and visually see it before they buy it. Furthermore, there is nothing like a day out with friends just hanging out at the mall and socializing to catch up on what has been going on.

  9. Online Shopping Essay Examples

    Online Shopping Vs In-store Shopping. With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, traditional in-store shopping still holds its ground. This essay will compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping and in-store shopping, ultimately determining which method is ...

  10. Online shopping vs. Traditional Shopping Free Essay Example

    Essay, Pages 4 (978 words) Views. 6265. Shopping is an exciting part of American culture, whether you participate or not. With a boost from cyberspace, a person can buy just about anything without leaving the couch. Both types of transactions coexist with one another, yet window-shopping is a distinctly different experience from Internet shopping.

  11. Pros and Cons of Online Shopping

    The greatest benefit of online shopping is its convenience. Through the digital space, you can buy anything you want from the comfort of your own home. Since online stores are open 24/7 and accessible from anywhere with internet access, it's easy to fit online shopping into your life no matter how busy you are. You don't have to plan your ...

  12. Compare and Contrast: Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping

    Comparison Point: Immediacy. One strong advantage traditional shopping has over online purchasing is the immediacy of purchase. The client can buy the item or service they need from a retailer and use it immediately, without any lag or waiting time (Markham, 2016). Online shopping, due to the nature of their business model, cannot offer the same.

  13. PDF A Comparative Study of Traditional Shopping and Online Shopping

    Keywords: Online Shopping, Traditional Shopping, Comparative study 1. Background of the study Traditional shopping is a method of buying a product by going to the shop directly. In the early days, before the invention of money, there was a barter economy. People exchanged the goods and

  14. Online Shopping is Better Than Traditional Shopping ...

    To discuss why online shopping is better than traditional shopping, this essay will analyze the history of retail, advantages and disadvantages of online retail and how online retailer get people's attraction. ... The online shopping vs traditional shopping essay explores the evolving landscape of consumer behavior and the choices individuals ...

  15. A Comparison and Contrast Between Shopping Online and Traditional

    When it comes to purchasing daily necessities like groceries, traditional shopping is considered an essential (Aryani et al., 2021). On the other hand, online shopping is the process of purchasing goods over the internet with the use of internet-enabled devices such as phones and computers. Traditional shopping methods have been in use for ages.

  16. Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping for Students

    250 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping Introduction. The advent of the internet has drastically transformed the way we shop. Online and offline shopping have emerged as two distinct models, each with its unique advantages and challenges. Online Shopping: Convenience and Variety. Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience.

  17. Online Shopping Essay for Students in English

    An online shop creates a physical analogy for buying products or services. Some of the famous online retailing corporations which facilitate the experience of online shopping are Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, etc. Online shopping is a growing area of the digital world and technology. Establishing a store on the Internet gives various options ...

  18. Compare and Contrast Essay: Online Shopping vs. In-Person ...

    With shopping in person, the chance of items being out of stock are higher than online. The shopper then must leave and go to another store where they may or may not have the item they need. In online shopping a consumer can find almost exactly what they need no problem but in person shopping chance are almost less than half of online shopping ...

  19. IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e

    Here are some other Task 2 questions which can be answered taking help from the given essay example on online shopping: Some people support online shopping because it is convenient, while others argue that shopping on the internet poses threats. Discuss both views and give your opinions.

  20. A Comparative Study of Traditional Shopping and Online Shopping

    With regards to the convenience, variety, prices of the products, and discount of online and traditional shopping, there is no significant difference found between them. Conclusion: The ...

  21. Comparison of Shopping Online Vs In-store Shopping

    Typically, the expenses associated with online shopping tend to be lower than those of in-store shopping. This is because an online business owner doesn't have the overhead of paying for store associates' wages. For instance, they may only need to employ one customer service representative to handle questions, exchanges, or returns online ...