6. Pros and cons for customers

Advantages for customers Disadvantages for customers
You can shop any time, night or day, 365 days a year You need to be at home to receive 'signed-for' parcels
There is no need to travel - saving time and money spent on fuel You can't check the quality of some items for instance the feel of clothes or the freshness of fruit.
You can shop from the comfort of your own home Security concerns with personal and credit card details
You can buy from shops that you wouldn't have access to normally e.g. in other countries Things may look different online to what you actually receive e.g. slightly different colours
You can easily compare prices between different shops The shop might not send exactly what you ordered, you might get a substitute unless you have opted out with that particular web site.
There are no heavy bags to carry If the item doesn't arrive, you might still get charged for it.
There are no crowds to deal with It can be expensive and awkward to return goods
It can mean that the elderly, the disabled and mothers with young children are able to purchase with ease. The item might get damaged in the post and you would have to arrange a replacement
You can often get discounts on prices when compared to normal shop prices Might have to pay for the postage for delivery which can counteract any discounts on the item itself.
  Loss of social contact and the 'buzz' of shopping with friends

 

 

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: Benefits of Ecommerce