Articles | Advantages and Disadvantages of Online eBook Shopping

Before online shopping became commonplace , people who need to buy something had to stand up, go out of the house, and visit a store. Though pizza, Chinese noodles, and similar items can be delivered free to your house or office in 30 minutes or so, items such as eBooks cannot be sent for free delivery in half an hour. Most of the time, a trip to the bookstore would be the best option.

The rise of online shopping

Online shopping has definitely changed how people shop for eBooks nowadays. By harnessing the power of the Internet and e-commerce technology, anyone with a credit card can go online and purchase the item he or she wants and have it delivered within a couple of days. In the case of eBooks, instant download is possible after confirmation of online payment. However, everything has its pros and cons . The following is a short exposition on the boon and bane of online eBook shopping.

Advantages

Convenience. Going online to a bookstore website is much easier since one does not need to search bookshelves for a novel or "for dummies" guidebook . Product information is as simple as clicking your computer mouse or your laptop touchpad. In addition, online stores never close and it won't mind if you decide to visit the online store wearing your pajamas at 3 am .

No pressure to purchase. Online shopping allows customers to browse over hundreds, if not thousands of titles without feeling any pressure to make a purchase right away.

Variety. Online bookstores normally have hundreds or thousands of titles offered.

No gas or transportation costs. Shopping online can be done at the comfort of one's home. Literally, anyone can make an online purchase sitting down.

Lower costs. Items sold at online bookstores are cheaper compared to its brick and mortar counterparts. This is mainly due to reduced overhead cost and zero printing cost.

Disadvantages

Reduced emotional involvement. Online shopping has become impersonal and offers almost zero exchange of communication and other forms of externalities. Online shopping can never match the enjoyment that conventional shopping can provide.

Privacy/security issues. Most people have a natural dislike to providing their personal information online. Credit card fraud, identity theft, and unsolicited emails are just a few concerns that Internet users have raised over the years.

Technology requirements. One cannot shop online without a computer or similar Internet-ready device. Also, the use of computers is quite limiting to the elderly and financially disadvantaged.

Information overload. Due to the sheer number of items available, a customer may find itself overwhelmed by all the information being presented. However, the use of search filters can lessen the mental burden borne by customers.

Product returns can be a hassle. Unlike policies for tangible objects such as home appliances, online stores normally have a No Return, No Refund policy on the sale of eBooks.