Shopping

Cashing in on the Benefits of Retail Digitization? Here Are 8 Potential Downsides of Online Shopping

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2021

Freelancer

Online Shopping: No one has embraced the world of e-commerce quite like American consumers. A recent survey showed that 69% of US adults prefer to make their purchases in the cybersphere.

The COVID-19 quarantines have had a significant hand in boosting e-commerce sales. It’s also led to an accelerated rate of retail digitization. Retailers have to build composable, adaptable business models to help withstand the disruptive environments of today’s market.

Like anything, online shopping has both benefits and risks. Cultivating a healthy awareness of these disadvantages makes you an informed shopper who can make better decisions about your purchases in the world of 1s and 0s.

Potential of porch piracy

A survey by C+R Research reveals that the number of online shoppers who had their package stolen by porch pirates rose from thirty-six to four hundred and thirty-five in 2020. 52% of American consumers were worried about porch piracy, and a whopping 48% of shoppers avoided purchasing expensive items for fear of theft after delivery.

The potential for theft is one of the most significant disadvantages of shopping online. Even if you’re home at the time of delivery, your package might be vulnerable to opportunistic criminals.

Fortunately, if you still have a click-happy shopping finger, you can solve the porch piracy problem with a virtual PO box. A virtual PO box is an actual location that receives your mail for you, from which point you can use your phone or computer to schedule a pickup or have your package forwarded directly to your house or office.

Shipping delays

If you’re thinking of ordering some urgently-needed items online, arranging their arrival by the day you need them might prove tricky.

Even with the seismic growth of e-commerce, the best shipping companies may not offer same-day delivery if you live too far from their distribution centers. And even if same-day shipping is on the table, sometimes shipping companies encounter delaying-causing obstacles such as driver sick days or traffic accidents.

In short, online shopping is not a habit built on instant gratification. It’s not like on-the-spot buying at your local store where you pick an item and take it home with you. When shopping online, things might be lost, damaged, detoured, or even delivered to different addresses.

Therefore, you can imagine the kind of delays you may experience when you choose the click over the swipe.

Shipping costs

Shopping online involves shipping costs. While most retailers offer free shipping, you have to meet a minimum purchase requirement to qualify for this offer.

A promo code can help you lower the shipping costs without necessarily buying things you don’t need, but these can be few and far between, especially if you aren’t on the email newsletter.

Using programs such as Amazon Prime and ShopRunner, your package ships for free without any minimum. Just ensure you weigh membership costs against your total savings so that you’re not wasting money on a service you use infrequently.

Chances of fraud are higher

Cybersecurity is a growing concern, and the risk of fraud is higher with online shopping than in-person shopping.

When a site asks for too many personal details, consider that a red flag. You can’t always trust an online retailer to send the products they say they will, and you could be a victim of fraud if you aren’t careful.

You should only provide the details necessary to complete a transaction and facilitate delivery—your name, credit card number, and delivery address. Any request for a bank account or social security number should have you exiting the site right away.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported a whopping 4.8 million fraud cases in 2020, with more and more occurring over the Internet. Exercise caution with your personal information to avoid adding to the statistics.

The return process can be complicated

While the best online retailer will make the return process straightforward for their customers, some make it challenging to return a package or acquire a refund. Many online-based companies charge what they call a restocking or refund fee, even for defective merchandise.

If your online retailer doesn’t give you a return shipment label, be ready to pay for postal service expenses out of your pocket. Often, you will not see reimbursement for shopping costs, regardless of the condition of the delivered item.

However, many retailers also allow you to return items to a brick-and-mortar store. Check your vendor’s website to see if in-person returns are an option.

Uncertainty surrounding what you’re buying

With online shopping, it’s hard to tell exactly how the item you’re purchasing looks in real life. Unless you’re familiar with the brand or you’re making a repeat purchase, buying over the Internet often requires a leap of faith.

You cannot view the actual item or touch it to confirm whether it’s the right size, texture, and quality. Just looking at a photo doesn’t always provide the clarity you want, and it wouldn’t be the first time someone was disappointed by an online purchase.

Before placing an order, research the product and read reviews to ensure you’re paying for a high-quality, durable, and well-fitting item.

Your contact with the community is reduced

Imagine a situation where you have to order everything online. When would you have the opportunity to leave your house and interact with others in your community?

Sometimes you want the experience of visiting a mall because while you’re there, you will interact with people, look around, or maybe grab a bite at a restaurant. There’s more to our lives than what’s on our phones and computers, and sometimes what you need is a breath of fresh air.

However, it may surprise you to learn that you can still find local goods while shopping online. Websites like Etsy allow you to filter by geographic location, so you can still support your community even while satisfying the cyber itch.

No immediate assistance from the seller

If you have a question about the product you’re shopping for online, it may take some time to find help.

Fortunately, most online retailers are improving their customer response time. Today, you will find an automated bot or instant chat service that can answer basic questions instantly. These bots can’t yet compare to someone attending to you in person, but it’s a significant improvement that allows you to avoid pushy salespeople.

Learning how to sell on Etsy can be challenging. But it is very possible to grow your shop, and boost your Etsy sales, by implementing some proven strategies to gain visibility and build a loyal customer base that will keep buying from you.

Wrap up

Moderation and education are critical when it comes to the world of e-commerce. Practice safe shopping habits, and you won’t have to worry about the confessions of an (online) shop-a-holic.

Shopping

Visit Shopping Malls if You Want to Shop at Discounted Prices

Published

5 months ago

June 15, 2024

Bchcomber

Retail therapy has always been the main reason for people to visit shopping malls, but these places are also where one can get great bargains or pay less. Online shopping has not killed off malls which still pull in shoppers with their low prices and unique experiences. This article will discuss why shopping mall plazas are good places to find cheap products.

A Variety of Stores and Brands in Shopping Malls

There is an assortment of stores and brands found in shopping malls, enabling consumers to make a wide choice of what to buy. Such diversity induces competition among sellers thereby encouraging price cuts as well as constant discounts. Different stores that sell similar goods mean that buyers can check out prices and select the best offer they see around.

Seasonal and Holiday Promotions

During such times, one is very likely to come across sales being organized by different malls at such times where he or she gets an opportunity to find lower-priced items on sale.

Malls bank on those occasions such as Black Friday offers, end-of-season clearance falls, or Christmas sales just so that they attract customers with attractive deals offered. In fact, if you time your buying periods properly you will enjoy these promotions leading to reduced amounts spent while purchasing anything.

Outlet Malls and Factory Outlets

Many shopping mall plazas feature factory outlets or outlet stores that specialize in selling products at low prices. These shops offer branded goods at cheaper rates, making them a favorite for bargain hunters.

Outlet malls are famous for their year-round discounts which allow shoppers to get good deals on everything from clothes, accessories, and electronics to homeware.

Clearance Sales and Overstocked Inventory

Malls often have clearance sales that help to clear out the extra inventory or discontinued products. Retailers give big discounts during these sales to make way for new stock.

To find excellent bargains on fashion items that are still in great condition but might be from the previous collections or seasons shoppers should check clearance sales events carefully. By clearing merchandise off shelves, substantial savings can be made when purchasing high-quality items.

Negotiation Opportunities

Shoppers may sometimes negotiate prices in mall stores, particularly the smaller boutiques. One may not be able to negotiate prices with bigger chain stores but it is worth trying with independent retailers. Shopping results will occasionally yield discounts and extra benefits through polite and respectful negotiation.

Other Merits and Services of Shopping Malls

Visiting shopping complexes has extra advantages that make discounted purchases more worthwhile. Many shopping malls also have services such as ample parking lots, nice seating spaces as well as food courts where shoppers can rest and eat. Also, malls frequently have customer loyalty programs with rewards, discounts, or special offers for customers who frequently shop there.

Wrap Up…

Shopping mall plazas are still popular places to get great deals on various products. Malls offer a unique and fun experience by having different stores, seasonal promotions, outlet stores, clearance sales, bargaining opportunities, and more.

While e-commerce is convenient; a physical presence at the mall allows for physical interaction with products making it easy to compare prices while buying cheaply. Therefore, if you want a good bargain next time consider visiting a shopping mall where you can enjoy savings and discounts.

Shopping

Adding Elegance and Comfort to Women’s Sneakers: Versace

Published

5 months ago

June 13, 2024

Bchcomber

Versace sneakers

If you love comfortable sneakers, you’re likelier to visit a sports shop than a high-end brand like Versace. But what if we told you Versace is changing the sneaker game while staying true to its reputation of elegance and luxury?

Now you don’t have to choose between looking good in extremely high heels or drab and dull in practical sneakers. You can have the best of both worlds!

Why You Should Choose Versace Women’s Sneakers

Do you have sneaker-sized space in your closet, ready and waiting feet and a wallet to make sure both your closet and feet get what they want? Here’s why Versace women’s shoes are exactly what you are looking for!

A Blend of High Fashion and Functionality

Versace women’s sneakers are everything your “high-couture-but-practical” dreams are made of. Every pair is crafted to absolute perfection, keeping in mind the uniformity of both—form and function!

Craftsmanship and Quality

The material and assembly that goes into making every piece is no less than extraordinary. Be it luxe leather or soft fabric—each pair is built with the finest materials to make them durable and comfortable.

Attention to detail, construction, and consistency are rooted in the brand’s artistry of Italian craftsmanship. This inevitably means that investing in a pair of Versace women’s sneakers offers high fashion and a durable investment that pays off in the long run.

Versatility in Style

However, the most distinctive feature of Versace women’s sneakers is the fact that they are inclusive of everyone. These shoes are versatile enough to be paired with all your outfits—casual or sharp, day or night—thus making them a staple in every wardrobe. Style them with tailored pants, chic dresses, and even denim, and you have a winning look that reeks of style and opulence in the same breath.

This versatile nature ensures that such high-fashion lovers can champion these sneakers and still root for their style without needing to compromise on comfort.

The Perfect Statement Piece

Statement pieces, especially in luxury fashion, are like a treasure for expressing one’s individuality. And Versace women’s sneakers are just that statement piece that you require.

The bold, all-encompassing designs featuring monograms and vibrant shades work as the perfect conversation starter—thanks to their pop representation on your feet. Owning these pairs is not just a style but a statement that speaks volumes of your love for luxury fashion.

Investing in Versace Women’s Sneakers

Comfort does not mean you have to skimp on luxury and looking good. As a matter of fact these things go together like cheese, bread and fruit on a charcuterie board.

So why not invest in your feet and add value to every step with a pair of Versace sneakers?

Shopping

Comfort Meets Functionality: Best Apple Watch Bands for Nurses

Published

5 months ago

June 12, 2024

Bchcomber

Apple Watches are common among nurses nowadays. These watches have beautiful designs and numerous healthcare and safety features. Some of these features can even help nurses be more efficient at work.

However, the best Apple Watch bands for nurses must be comfortable and practical to wear for long shifts. So, read on to discover the most comfortable and easy-to-maintain Apple Watch straps for nurses. Remember to visit www.sharkwatchband.com to get these bands at discounted prices.

Apple's Newly-Filed Patent Approve That New Apple Watch Will Include A Camera

Best Apple Watch Bands for Nursing Professionals

1. Silicone Bands – For Durability and Comfort

Silicone bands provide excellent comfort and durability. They are soft, lightweight, and flexible, providing a comfortable fit during long working hours. The silicone material is also resistant to discoloration and UV radiation, meaning your watch band will always look new. Moreover, cleaning silicone bands is easy, keeping them fresh and shiny.

Features:

Smooth silicone material.
Multiple color options.
Adjustable band size.

2. Nylon Bands – For Breathability and Flexibility

Nurses are always active at work, meaning they may sweat more than other healthcare professionals. For this reason, nurses need Apple Watch bands designed for sweaty skin. Nylon bands are often well-ventilated for good airflow during your 12-hour shift. They are also available in various colors and designs to add flair to your smartwatch.

Key features:

Easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Resistant to wear and tear.
Sweat absorption and fast drying.

3. Elastic Bands – For Convenience and Style

Are you looking for Apple Watch bands for big wrists? Elastic bands should provide the perfect fit. These bands use strong, super-stretchy elastic material, which allows you to put them on and take them off effortlessly. Elastic bands also use soft materials for comfortable fit and convenient pull tabs for fast adjustments.

Key features:

Made of soft elastic material.
Easy and direct to wear.
Multiple color and design options.

4. Leather Bands – For Comfort and Professionalism

An Apple Watch leather band is comfortable, lightweight, and looks cool on any wrist. Compared to other materials, leather offers a gentle feel, significantly reducing skin irritations. They are also perfect for nurses with hairy wrists because hair won’t get trapped in the straps. You can even sleep with leather bands on to track sleep time.

Key features:

Environmentally friendly material.
Beautiful and stylish looks.
Tough and durable material.

5. Metal Mesh Bands – For Elegance and Durability

Mesh watch straps or Milanese bands are popular among smartwatch enthusiasts these days. They use a distinctive woven design that adds style and sophistication to your watch. The intricate weaving technique gives these straps a classic aesthetic feeling and a comfortable fit. What’s more, you can find mesh bands in varying colors.

Key features:

High-quality stainless steel material.
Magnetic clasp for easy installation and removal.
Easy to clean and quick to dry.

Best Apple Watch Bands for Nurses

Choosing the Right Apple Watch Bands for Nurses

With so many band options for nurses, choosing the right fit can be confusing and challenging. This part shares the ultimate guide for nurses looking for the best Apple watch bands.

Wrist size: Apple Watch bands are available for large or small wrists. Therefore, measuring the band length is vital to getting a good fit. For example, the XL size is the perfect Apple Watch band for large wrists.
Comfort: The best Apple Watch band should feel comfortable to wear all day. In this case, leather and silicone should fit well. These band materials are often flexible and lightweight.
Style: Always choose a band that fits your style. Metal, nylon, and leather bands offer more style whether you wear the watch to work or on a dinner date. The watch band should also be available in multiple colors and finishes.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading! I hope this guide has helped you choose the best Apple Watch straps for nurses. You can find a fitting strap whether you’re looking for comfort, durability, or style.