2. Definition of online shopping
• Online shopping or online retailing
is a form of electronic commerce
which allows consumers to
directly buy goods or services
from a seller over the Internet
using a web browser.
3. Advantages of online
shopping
• Convenience - shop from any computer with an Internet
connection any time while avoiding the need to travel,
pay for parking, queue in-store etc.
• Greater variety - more shops online than any high-street
or shopping center.
• Cheaper goods - increased competition between
retailers (for some on a global scale) brings down prices.
• Accessibility - those with a disability that limits their
mobility can choose to have goods delivered.
• Comparability - using the Internet it's easy to research
products or services very thoroughly, comparing prices
and product details in order to get the best deal.
4. Disadvantages
security concerns surrounding payment by credit
card over the Internet
not being able to physically inspect the goods
before purchase
goods getting damaged during transport
goods not arriving in time or at all
concerns over what information retailers are storing
about customers, eg buying habits
