Online shopping is the method of selling goods and services that allows individuals to sell goods directly over the internet. Online shopping is the newest trend in retail ventures and it has become very popular over the last few years. Other forms of retail supply include delivery, counter service, self-service, and use of sales people. Online shopping offers customers a convenient shopping schedule because it remains operational for twenty-four hours a day.
This mode of operation is better than the use of door-to-door sales people who can only contact customers for a limited amount of time each day. Supplying goods over the counter gives retailers the chance of getting immediate feedback from customers. In addition, customers are able to inspect their purchases on the point of purchase thereby reducing chance of customer-dissatisfaction and after sales services. Nevertheless, most online retailers are able to get useful reviews from customers because most online shopping outlets pay close attention to this functionality. The only method of retail supply that has the least useful type of feedback is telemarketing/delivery.
This method of supply is centered on maximizing sales without necessarily focusing on customer feedback. Furthermore, retailers who use deliveries are intent on finding new markets as opposed to retaining customers. Online shopping is associated with many cases of fraud and identity theft. This risk is small in other forms of retail supply such as use of sales people and self-service. For instance, self-service is often the purchasing mode of choice for security-conscious shoppers.
Most companies have an online presence because they want to satisfy the needs of a substantial number of consumers. Most modern consumers have fully embraced online shopping especially where trusted brands are involved. Consequently, most companies are requested by their customers to offer online shopping options. In addition, online presence also serves advertising and branding needs for the retailer.