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The physical vs online debate
The big debate that is going on these days is whether to shop online or offline (good old brick and mortar stores) and which mode of shopping gives one a better experience.
Why are more people, especially youngsters, making a shift towards online shopping?
Lets Picture a Scenario. I have to buy a pair of Jeans and a Shirt. Why would and how could I order for online? I mean how can I purchase a piece of cloth without trying it or even feeling it? Everyone has a different fit and a size and it is not necessary that a Shirt that a dummy wears will also look good on me. In situations like these, it is best to try on whatever you are purchasing and see for yourself.
Having said this, I’m not completely against online shopping. Items such as Gadgets , Watches , Kitchen appliances, etc. are favorable to be purchased online because they might not differ in picture or real as they have specific features. As technology has changed our lives, there is no running from it. We can use the technology i.e. online shopping experience for a better, comparative experience.
As they say, every coin has two sides and this issue would not be an exception. Here are some of the Merits and Demerits of Online Stores and Physical Stores.
ONLINE STORES
1. You are open to the World.
One of the main advantages of having an online business is that you break the physical barriers. You do not depend on the number of people passing through your street or the number of brochures you have delivered to mailboxes. From the Internet you can sell to the world.
2. New Customers.
Have you ever been travelling and wished that incredible shop you discovered was in your city? With a local business you can only attract customers who come to your store . With the Internet, it doesn’t matter where customers are, it only matters how good your product are.
3. New Sales Options
Drop shipping is an attractive option for starting a new business and for those who already have one established. If you have a shop, drop shipping allows you to open new lines of products and diversify your revenue streams without making a big investment . Remember that the key is to find a good provider .
PHYSICAL STORES.
1. Customers Want to See the Product
There are still people who need to touch, see and feel the product before buying it .The online businesses have set the wheels in motion in this regard and are increasingly offering the possibility of a completely free return if the product does not satisfy.
2. Customer Loyalty
It is true that to serve customers in person promotes loyalty, but this isn’t a definitive argument in favor of local shops. Online stores have their own ways to get customer loyalty.If your products and services are competitive, you will earn their trust .
Conclusion: Physical stores vs. Online stores
Although each business model has its advantages, the trend is that sales through e-commerce is a growing slice of the pie. If you set out now, except in a very strange case, it is best that your first steps are with an online store.
