I love going to the mall and spending hours browsing the different shops, looking for the perfect items I want. While that is totally enjoyable to me, what is not enjoyable are the hassles that now come with this activity.
The first daunting hurdle to overcome is the horrendous traffic that now plagues Metro Manila. Those who will be commuting go through an obstacle course trying to get a ride, and those who will be driving have to pray for available parking slots.
So it’s no wonder why online shopping services like Lazada and Shopee have become so popular. One can order something online, at their convenience, without having to waste time in traffic! And, depending on the service, the order can be delivered as soon as the same day! This has made online shopping an increasingly attractive option especially for those with jam packed schedules.
Here are five reasons why online shopping is now the internet savvy shopper’s new best friend:
1. Access to Small and Medium Enterprises
Nowadays, more and more businesses are building their brands by attracting a large client base through the Internet. This is especially true for artisan products, social enterprises, cause-oriented ventures, and other niche markets. Online shopping may be the best, or even the only way for you to get specialty items such as shampoo bars, health foods, and other products from small and medium entrepreneurs. This saves you the trouble of hopping from bazaars and expos, hoping that your favorite sellers still have items in stock when you arrive!
2. Staying Away From Horrendous Traffic Jams
A major deterrent to most activities away from home is the still unsolved traffic situation, especially in our large urban centers. Online shopping saves you from the hassle of sitting through hours in a traffic jam en route to the mall, only to do it all over again on the way home! Logging on to shop online saves you not only plenty of hours, but also helps reduce your stress and aggravation, both of which can undo all the gains from your retail therapy experience.
3. Cutting on Incidental Expenses
Apart from the actual cost of the things you buy, other little expenses can add up in your shopping experience. These include paying for gas and parking, or alternatively the fare for commuting or booking a ride via TNVS. Long shopping trips necessitate getting even just a little food and drink to stay on your feet. Forgot your eco-bags? You might have to buy some just to be able to hold your purchases. Over time these expenses can add up, making shopping with one’s feet even more costly than simply ordering online and paying for shipping.
4. Ease with Handling Large or Bulky Purchases
A logistical problem when buying something big, be it a piece of furniture such as a bed, or a bulk order such as weekly groceries, is moving these purchases to your home. Online shopping saves you from this hassle by helping ensure that your acquisitions are delivered right to your doorstep. You click, the seller brings it. You no longer need to worry about booking or borrowing a ride large enough for your stuff; all you need to make sure is that it can fit right through your door.
5. Flash Sales and Special Promotions
Last but not the least, especially for sale aficionados, online shopping also allows you to make the best use of sales and promotions that mark down prices significantly. Some items such as pet foods go on flash sales regularly, thus increasing the chances of getting great discounts. Other products such as appliances, books, cosmetics and even clothes are often included in website-wide sales. With a bit of savvy, you can save real money since all you have to worry about in addition to the price is the shipping fee!
As the shopping scene becomes increasingly reliant on the Internet for advertising and transactions, it appears as if online shopping is here to stay! Instead of running from this change, it is best to learn about it, and see how it can be best used to give you extra time, money, as well as peace of mind. Now that is truly a deal that cannot be topped!
