The internet has revolutionised a lot of sectors. It has changed the way people process events and accomplish their tasks. Just as in any other sector, the internet has changed shopping for the better. It has simplified the process and added a lot of benefits along the way.
The shopping task was combined with many other services and items that could be sold online and grouped under one sector – E-commerce. This sector allowed people to make purchases for any item or service from around the world or specific to an area from the comfort of their homes. For example, if a person from Canberra needs a plumber, a simple google search for “plumbers Canberra” would do the trick.
eCommerce has changed and grown a lot since its inception. Online services were included fairly recently compared to shopping. They have various benefits like removing intermediaries from the equation and selling directly to the consumers. Efficient supply chain management meant the businesses could run smoothly. eCommerce is growing rapidly in Australia, which currently has the 11th largest eCommerce market in the world.
Benefits of eCommerce
eCommerce has everything in one place. This can be considered its greatest benefit. Anything people can need is just a few clicks away. Benefits of eCommerce include the following.
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Variety of products and services
eCommerce provides services and products from sellers around the globe, allowing the consumer to choose whatever is best suited to them. The consumer has the freedom to go over all available deals without time constraints and make an informed choice. As online businesses do not display their products in a physical store, there is more space to accommodate more products, providing more variety. In some cases, the website may not update its stock. This may lead to the customer having to wait for a few more days.
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Ease of Use
Shopping on eCommerce websites are not influenced by factors like the weather. Even economic situations do not affect such businesses to a major extent. Consumers have access to a larger variety of products than actual stores. There is also the ease of getting them delivered without having to step out of their homes. Like in the previous example of plumbers in Canberra, customers can choose the services or products that are essential.
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Saving Money
eCommerce saves money compared to traditional shopping. This is true for both the businesses and the consumers. eCommerce cuts the cost of running the business as a physical store is not needed. This means there is no need to pay rent or maintain the store location. The store can be a warehouse full of products. Online shopping is also beneficial to the customers as they often offer great offers and deals that significantly reduce the products’ price.
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Saving Time
Going to an actual store would take loads of time. The time to get dressed, the time taken to travel, time taken to choose and pay all add up to make quite a lot. Online shopping removes all these hassles. Products can be chosen and paid for in not more than 15 mins. Delivery of products is usually done within a week, which is the worst-case scenario in most cases.
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Information
eCommerce is very transparent with the products. Customers can look up any information regarding the products online before buying them. Customers can also search for reviews by other customers who already bought the product. This can ensure that the customer knows what they’re buying and are satisfied with it even before purchasing.
