Online shopping experience

Kishore

(April 2002)

Exactly two years back I wrote this article "Confessions of a potential e-shopper"[1] and also received some comments[2] from many people on that article. Two years after I wrote this article I would like to share my experiences on the article. 

In last one year after coming to US there were around 10 instances when I purchased online. Items I bought online are: Audio CDs, Video, DVDs, Books. I have not spent lot of money online. 

When do I purchase online?

Better Price: Only after coming to US I realized that there can be vast price difference for the same product from different stores. Because of the competitive nature different stores sell the same at item at different prices. So a major factor in shopping online is: a good deal. A price that is not matched by any other store. Many times you get items at almost 75% less price when you purchase online. Then it does make good sense to buy at the better price. 

Avoid hassle: Only after coming to US again I realized that shopping is not always a pleasure. Even to go and get groceries you need to drive for at least 10-15 minutes and the overall trip may be anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the shopping you do. When hard pressed for time (there are so many things to be done, with so little time!!!) shopping online makes sense. Compared to India where you always have a shop at the end of street this hassle of driving becomes additional factor for buying online. 

Earlier Comment: I can straight away state that one-time shopping items need personal verification before I can take them home.

Now: I would change my view on the above comment. In US when you purchase online, you always have the option to return if you are not satisfied with the item. So even for one-time shopping items you can go online and purchase. It is also possible that you verify the item in a store on a previous visit and purchase online to get a good price. If you saw a camera in store and noted the model you can always order that online where you get it for a cheaper price. There is a guarantee that you get the same item and you don't need personal verification. 

Earlier Comment: Will a person sacrifice the luxury of going out and shop at leisure. This is one of the relaxation methods I find in the hectic pace life. Why should I sacrifice this?

Now: As I explained earlier shopping is not always fun when it becomes a hassle and compared to that when you get it for a better price it would be stupid to spend more money at shop.

Earlier Comment: I would choose/check the piece carefully before asking anyone to just send a package.

Now:  Because of reliable quality of product and delivery I have used online services to send gifts to friends and family members.

Summary

I wrote my previous article before I made any online shopping. I have changed my views a little after my experience and coming to US. I don't know whether online shopping has picked up so much in India.

I still prefer to do Grocery purchases in person and whatever grocery delivery services are available are not free of charge and delivery charges are not worth the amount being charged. But there may be 'extremely busy' persons who would like to avoid even making trips to Grocery shops and they may use the services.

Overall, I would say shopping online is also nice experience and most of the times 'cheaper price' is what makes a difference. 

Related Articles

1. Confessions of a potential eshopper.
2. Comments on the above articles from friends