what is offline shopping essay

Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

Students are often asked to write an essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

Introduction.

Online and offline shopping are two different ways of purchasing goods. Online shopping is done on the internet, while offline shopping is done in physical stores.

Convenience

Online shopping is more convenient as you can shop from anywhere at any time. Offline shopping requires you to travel to the store during its operating hours.

Offline shopping provides a tactile experience, allowing you to touch and try products. Online shopping lacks this, but offers detailed product descriptions and reviews.

Delivery Time

Offline shopping gives instant possession of products, while online shopping involves waiting for delivery.

Both methods have their advantages. The choice depends on personal preference and circumstances.

250 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

The advent of the internet has drastically transformed the way we shop. Online and offline shopping have emerged as two distinct models, each with its unique advantages and challenges.

Online Shopping: Convenience and Variety

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. You can shop from the comfort of your home at any time, eliminating the need for travel and adherence to store hours. It also provides a vast array of choices, with the ability to compare prices and products from different vendors. Moreover, online platforms often offer attractive discounts and deals.

Offline Shopping: Tangibility and Instant Gratification

Offline shopping, on the other hand, provides a tangible experience. Consumers can touch, feel, and try products before purchasing, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction. It also offers instant gratification as there’s no waiting period for delivery. Furthermore, it allows for personalized customer service, which can significantly enhance the shopping experience.

Challenges and Trade-offs

However, both models come with their set of challenges. Online shopping may present issues with product quality, delivery delays, and cybersecurity. Offline shopping can be time-consuming, limited in variety, and often lacks the convenience of home delivery.

In conclusion, the choice between online and offline shopping is largely dependent on individual preferences and the type of product being purchased. A blend of both models, known as omnichannel retailing, is increasingly being adopted, providing consumers with the best of both worlds.

500 Words Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping

Online and offline shopping are two different methods of deciding how to purchase products. While online shopping offers convenience and a wide range of products, offline shopping provides the tangible experience of physically interacting with products before buying. This essay will delve into both these shopping methods, comparing their pros and cons.

Online Shopping: A New Age Convenience

Online shopping has revolutionized the way consumers purchase goods. The ability to shop from the comfort of home, at any hour, is a significant advantage. It saves consumers time and the hassle of travelling. Additionally, online platforms offer a wider range of products than most physical stores, allowing consumers to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

Moreover, online shopping platforms often offer discounts and deals that are not available in physical stores. This is particularly beneficial for budget-conscious college students. However, online shopping is not without its drawbacks. The inability to physically inspect a product can lead to disappointment if the product does not meet expectations. Also, concerns about data privacy and the risk of online fraud can deter some customers.

Offline Shopping: The Traditional Approach

Offline shopping, on the other hand, provides a sensory experience that online shopping cannot replicate. Customers can touch, feel, and try products before purchasing, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction. Additionally, offline shopping allows for instant gratification as there’s no need to wait for delivery.

Furthermore, offline shopping offers a social experience. Going to the mall or shopping center can be an enjoyable outing with friends or family. However, offline shopping also has its downsides. The limited range of products, higher prices, and the time and effort required to travel to the store can be off-putting for some consumers.

Conclusion: A Blend of Both Worlds

In conclusion, both online and offline shopping have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Online shopping offers convenience, a wider range of products, and often better prices. Conversely, offline shopping provides a tangible, sensory experience, instant gratification, and a social outing.

The choice between online and offline shopping ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences, needs, and the nature of the product. Some may prefer the convenience and range of online shopping, while others may value the tangible experience of offline shopping. As technology advances and consumer habits evolve, we may see a blend of both worlds, where the digital and physical realms of shopping merge to provide an enhanced shopping experience.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Mobile Mania
• Essay on Disadvantages of Online Shopping
• Essay on Say No Plastic in Our Daily Life

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

One Comment

cool broooo

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Offline Shopping

There are many essays on benefits and drawbacks of online shopping but now in this topic we’ll cover the advantages and disadvantages of offline shopping. Well this is the older method to buy everything you need by visiting the shop. While we always make comparison between of types online and offline atone side online is better on the other hand if we look we find the offline shopping more useful and beneficial. Mostly shopping is still done offline and physically by visiting the stores, I’ll name the offline shopping as traditional and there are many pros of offline shopping. Let’s read step by step;

What are the Advantages of Offline Shopping?

• The first advantage of offline shopping is the personal touch directly with the shop keepers. Let’s suppose you visited the shop to buy something regularly on daily or monthly bases. You are personally connected to each other and have good relation with shop keeper; it gives you to the benefit of discount and ability of product return.
• No need to wait for the product comes to home, just visit the shop or mall and buy the thing. It saves your time and money both.
• There are lot of verities and qualities you find in various prices. Buy the goods according to pocket range.
• New shopping mall always gives the discounts and also provides to participate in draw and win instant prizes.
• If you are living in Asian countries and purchase grocery items and home items daily. The shop keeper also provides the credit fancily, can pay monthly or weekly.
• Another big benefit in the list of Advantages of offline shopping that some items like machine, LED, Dryer, Juicer or Freezer are available on installments.
• Eating products like Pizza, Burger or Sharma etc. buying from shop will always be fresh and hot. If you order these things online, may be cool becomes late after your hunger die.

What are the Disadvantages of Offline Shopping?

• As we all know that offline shopping is a physical activity so it take our time, so we have the little bit drawback of time wasting and physical punishment.
• During visiting the shop we have always less choice. We can visit only three to four shop in a day haven’t enough choice while sitting at home we can easily visit thousands of online stores and websites.
• Another demerit of offline shopping is lack of time consuming. We lost much time during visit the shops after shop.
• Offline shopping is only available for limited hours in the day time. We cannot make offline shopping at night time.
• Offline shopping break your monthly budget, that’s easy to visit the store but the display attract you to buy ten more items which compel you to spend more money on extra items.
• At the end of the shopping we must wait for the billing in the long line, that’s hesitating and accrual time to wait for your number to pay bill. Sometimes it takes more time and the chance of robbery while standing in the line.

Ending Note:

Dear friends! Almost everything have the both ways Advantages and Disadvantages , it’s depend on us to use it for our benefits/pros or use it for our drawbacks/cons . What’s your opinion about the offline shopping, share your suggestions in the below comment box or add your point in our article by using the contact us page. If you find this link and article useful, so share with your other friends and family members.

Happy Offline Shopping.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

6 Tips to Improving E-Commerce Websites

Advantages and Disadvantages of Village Life in Points

Advantages and Disadvantage of Travelling

Advantages and Disadvantages of Milk

The benefits of playing an online live casino

10+ Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones in Points

8+ Advantages and Disadvantages of Motorcycle |Having Bike

Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization Full Essay

Offline Shopping vs Online Shopping – 6 Key Differences

Aashita Singh

Updated on: April 16, 2024

India has seen a rapid increase in online shopping especially since the post Covid era, but offline shopping or the traditional shopping way still has a very strong hold among the shopping market.

The decision of shopping through whichever mode should accompany with the priority, convenience, and need of the shopping at times. 

6 Key Difference Between Offline Shopping Vs Online Shopping 

• Convenience & Accessibility 
• Availability & Experience 
• Space & Gratification 
• Experience & Interaction 
• Price Dynamics 
• Returns & Exchanges

(A) Convenience & Accessibility 

Offline Shopping – The tactile experience of offline shopping offers various benefits like immediate access to a range of products, allowing customers to see, try & touch any product before purchase. Apart from the significant rise of online shopping, the offline traditional shopping method still holds its grounds. 

Offline shopping method offers you access to a large number of shops, negotiate the price, to see many ranges of products, and more. For some, being physically present in a store and shop is the trustworthy form of shopping.

Online Shopping – This shopping method allows to shop anytime and from anywhere, according to the convenience. This provides access to customers to browse, purchase, compare, view reviews about any product from the comfort of their home, and that is available 24/7. This online shopping is like a virtual round to shopping stores for products that match your preferences.

(B) Availability 

Offline Shopping –  Though confined by space, this shopping method offers the experience of being physically present in the market and shop. Provides immediate access to a diverse range of products and shops. One of the major benefits that very well differentiate it from online shopping is that  you can walk out of any store immediately after making your purchases, without any shipping charges or waiting for the product to be delivered.

Online Shopping – One of the supreme benefits that online shopping offers. This shopping method transforms the shopping experience of a once limited marketplace into an all time available digital experience. These online stores are available and accessible anytime and anywhere, i.e. 24×7. Online shopping provides access and makes available products from many shopping sites, that provides you a good choice to choose from.

Note: Visit the article- Ajio Vs Myntra.

(C) Space & Gratification   

Offline Shopping – Offline shopping allows consumers to get into the details of every product in-depth and to know about it all until it becomes satisfactory in a physically confined space, where they can directly engage in a conversation with the retailer or the sales person for the product specifications and range.  The immediate purchase provides an instant gratification to the consumers, as they can take their product after making a purchase and don’t have to wait for it to get delivered.

Online Shopping – The space in online shopping is not confined to any store, instead it provides a virtual platform to explore the online shopping dimensions, avoiding the crowd of being in a physical store. Customers can navigate through a pool of products, domains, categories, brands, websites, etc. This online shopping game offers access to store space in a digital world. However, instant gratification can be a challenge in online shopping, although it does provide doorstep delivery, but for that you have to wait too.

(D) Experience & Interaction 

Offline Shopping – This shopping method excels in providing real-time interaction with shopkeepers, retailers, staff, etc. and can help in better buying decision making process for the product. Provides a perfect platform that facilitates the ability to seek advice, share opinions, and engage in conversations that can help you get a better shopping experience. 

Online Shopping – Interaction and shopping experience in online shopping comprises the reviews, recommendations, opinions, ratings, etc. This shopping method avoids social interaction with the shopkeepers or the retailers, instead they use reviews, opinions, customer satisfaction comments, etc. on their website with the product to provide more insights into the product range.

(E) Price Dynamics

Offline Shopping –  Offers a different price dynamic, as not all the physical stores offer cost-effective pricing. Instead, some shopkeepers offer seasonal deals, unique in-stores offers, discount ranges, etc. in the competitive price landscape of the market. They also incorporate some loyalty programs, special offers, promotions, membership for specific periods, etc. that can help in pocket savings. The face-to-face interaction with the shopkeeper helps in negotiating prices better.

Online Shopping – There are multiple websites that offer online shopping best deals with cost-effective prices. The competitive landscape of online shopping is the outcome of reduced overhead costs and the ability to see and choose from vast digital places. This digital realm has become a playground for shoppers who are conscious about price, and look for discounts and offers often.

(F) Returns & Exchanges 

Offline Shopping – The replacement or exchange can be done immediately as it’ll involve direct interaction with the store or the shopkeeper. The return and exchange policy may vary according to the store policy and they do have specific timings that are made for the return and exchange of products. In this shopping method the customer can discuss directly with the shopkeeper about the problem or the issue they are having with the product.

Online Shopping – This shopping method offers convenient return of products or goods, as people don’t need to go to the store to return it. The policies may vary according to the website. This ability of shipping products back without leaving the house contributes to more online buying behavior. This return and exchange window offers a user-friendly interface where customers can return the product and state the reason and can ask for an exchange.

In the ever-evolving landscape, customers prefer involving both the styles of shopping, either online or offline. Both the shopping ways offer unique advantages and features that will make your shopping experience a memorable one.

Online shopping provides a cost-effective landscape with convenience and all time availability within the pocket. While the offline shopping method thrives a well determined combination of having and seeing the product in hand and interacting directly with the shopkeeper or the store staff.

Related Posts:

Contact Info: Axponent Media Pvt Ltd, 706-707 , 7th Floor Tower A , Iris Tech Park, Sector 48, Sohna Road, Gurugram, India, Pin - 122018

© The Business Rule 2024

• > General Analytics

Online vs Offline Shopping

• Vrinda Mathur
• Mar 08, 2022

As soon as we hear the word shopping our minds are thrilled with excitement and joy. With the pandemic in which we are living today, online shopping has been no less than an essential organ to us. 

Be it daily household essentials or any sort of luxury, online shopping has been our best friend in these difficult times. Let us now understand the key distinguishing features of online shopping vs offline shopping. Primarily let us understand what we really understand by Online Shopping.

(Also Read - Guide to B2C Marketing )

Introduction to Online Shopping

Everyday shopping is a part of life. Some people receive what they need from shopping, while others get something more. It is considered as a technique to relieve tension, to fulfill a mental goal, or to give some flavor to the mechanical way of life. 

Shopping is arguably one of the oldest expressions for discussing what we have all been doing for several years. Online shopping , sometimes known as e-shopping, is a type of ecommerce in which customers use a web browser to buy products or services directly from a vendor via the internet. 

Other names for an e-web-store include e-shop, estore, internet shop, web-shop, web-store, online sort, virtual store, and so on. Simply simply, it is any type of sale conducted through the internet. 

Since the advent of the internet, shopping has taken on a whole new meaning because of what the internet has to offer, that is, any individual or organization from any area of the world who is able to publish and sell items on the internet using a website.

Furthermore, the customer does not have to worry about having to discover a way to trade monetary paper since not only is online banking made available; the client is given the choice to pay using various payment methods. 

It is now even easier to locate the most difficult product, by just entering in the product or item that a buyer is looking for. Don't be concerned. Concerning the site, since logistic businesses are also jumping on board, so to say, and assisting in making. They were certain that their items would be available to any and all places throughout the world.

Also Read |  Customer Retention Marketing

How does Online Shopping work ?

Most importantly, you will require an Internet connection, a debit or credit card, and a strong password. You may also need an email address or a phone number. 

Most retailers will let you create your own password. Make it a password that no one can guess. Avoid your and your family's birthdays. Ideally, you should use a mix of letters, numerals, and upper and lower case.

You then browse the things that the merchant has to offer. They may have a category list, such as furniture, sports equipment, gardening, and so on. Most stores additionally include a search function. This means you may jot down the name of the thing you're looking for to check if they have it.

Online Payments

When it comes time to pay, the shop will request your credit card information. They'll need the card's name, the lengthy 16-digit number, the expiration date, and a 3-digit number on the reverse. You may also be required to submit information about the card's billing address.

When providing your credit card information, ensure that their website begins with 'HTTPS' rather than 'HTTP.' A web address that begins with HTTPS' denotes a secure page that may accept payments.

Factors affecting Online Shopping

In the recent decade, online shopping has grown in popularity. The type of business that internet retailers do demonstrates that they provide some benefits to customers that physical purchasing does not. These are the factors that influence internet shopping:

When customers acquire things through internet shopping, they do not physically touch or feel the product. As a result, we recognise that there is a lot of risk involved when purchasing an online goods. 

Whether it will arrive on time or not is also a worry, and as a result, there may be a danger of product size and color as they may differ in actual view or sense. Occasionally, the ordered goods get damaged.

Convenience

Online purchasing is far more convenient than traditional shopping. Instead of driving around from store to store, you may conduct your shopping from the comfort of your own home. 

It is handy to sit in one area and shop for the goods of our choosing without having to move from one location to another. Once you've determined what you want to buy, the payment process is simple, and the product is delivered to your home or office.

The quality of products at online and offline businesses varies greatly, which influences the frequency with which people purchase online. Quality also has a positive impact on the environment when it comes to any type of buying. As a customer or buyer, you desire high-quality goods since you spent a lot of money on it.

Delivery Time

The goods bought by the consumer in online shopping takes at least six to seven days to be delivered to the customer. However, in the case of offline shopping, ownership of the products is instantly transferred to the customer. As a result, this is a significant element influencing internet buying.

(Also Read - Factors influencing customer behavior )

Introduction to Offline Shopping

Offline shopping advantages from the opportunity to physically choose and inspect what an item or thing is like, would look like, and its attributes. This is why some people still prefer conventional buying over internet purchasing since, for one thing, it allows them to thoroughly inspect an item. 

E-commerce platform is a popular location where buyers and sellers do not interact, resulting in a lack of product awareness. Despite the fact that the consumer visits the online buying site, he or she does not exhibit any interest in acquiring the product.

Among the causes include a lack of trust, a loss of tactile touch and feel, security concerns, and so on. One of the major advantages of offline shopping is  that you do not have to wait for the services or items that you purchase. 

Because you purchase it straight from the seller, your services or items are immediately available to you. There is no need to wait for the delivery of your purchased services and items. Because you can hold the things in your hands immediately while buying offline, you can inspect the quality immediately and provide feedback at the time of purchase

(Also Read - AI in Retail Sector )

Factors Affecting Offline Shopping

Offline shopping is impacted by multiple factors. We’ve discussed some of them below : 

Taste and Preference

The tastes and preferences of customers change all the time. When a buyer buys a thing in person, he or she has the option to try it on, but this is not feasible when ordering online.

Time Consuming

Buying items from offline stores takes a long time because the distance from home to the market place is long. When you buy goods and services offline, you have to pay extra money on transportation, which you may save by buying products and services online.

In offline buying, a client may physically haggle on pricing, discount offers, and so on, which is not feasible in online shopping because the prices of goods and services are fixed in online shopping. Some clients assume that internet shopping items are more expensive than offline shopping merchandise.

Feel and Touch

When purchasing things offline, a buyer may see, feel, and touch the product, which is not feasible when shopping online. Some individuals will not buy anything until they can touch and feel it.

(Also Read - What is Ecommerce and M-commerce )

Distinguishing Factors between Online and Offline Shopping

Online and offline shopping can be distinguished on the basis of :-

Difference between online and offline shopping

(Also Read - IoT in Ecommerce )

In the end, it’s up to you whether you prefer online shopping or offline shopping. Both have their pros and cons respectively. Later it depends on the preference and comfort of the customer what they prefer.

Share Blog :

Be a part of our Instagram community

Trending blogs

5 Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior

Elasticity of Demand and its Types

What is PESTLE Analysis? Everything you need to know about it

An Overview of Descriptive Analysis

What is Managerial Economics? Definition, Types, Nature, Principles, and Scope

5 Factors Affecting the Price Elasticity of Demand (PED)

6 Major Branches of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Dijkstra’s Algorithm: The Shortest Path Algorithm

Scope of Managerial Economics

Different Types of Research Methods

Latest Comments

Home — Essay Samples — Business — Online Shopping — Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping

Online Shopping Vs Traditional Shopping

• Categories: Online Shopping Shopping

About this sample

Words: 537 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 537 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Business Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 688 words

2 pages / 879 words

1 pages / 535 words

2 pages / 1223 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Online Shopping

Anupam, S. (2011). E-commerce: Evolution, challenges, and opportunities. Global Advanced Research Journal of Management and Business Studies, 1(4), 151-160.

Pappas, Stephanie. 'Consumer Behavior: How People Make Buying Decisions.' HBR Ascend, 2020.Smith, Aaron. 'Online Shopping and E-Commerce.' Pew Research Center, 2021.Thompson, Derek. 'The Economics (and Nostalgia) of Dead Malls.' [...]

Shopping has always been an integral part of our lives, and with the rise of online shopping, the way we shop has undergone a significant transformation. Despite the similarities between online shopping and traditional shopping, [...]

When you are registering for Amazon Prime make sure to select the Amazon Family membership. It’ll save you 20% off of diapers subscriptions and give you discounts on additional family items. Subscribe to all of your diapers, [...]

The advantages of online shopping, including convenience, accessibility, and economic benefits, have contributed to its growing popularity among consumers. As e-commerce continues to evolve, it is crucial for retailers and [...]

In our new emerging society today with the amazing access to online shopping instead of traveling to the store, which could take precious time away from us. As we can see the delivery trucks passing by our neighborhoods, more [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping Essay

Introduction.

The advent of internet shopping in the late nineties created a revolution in the retail industry. Benefits that were previously inaccessible to the masses became a reality. Today, buyers can get the latest I-Pad from Apple at the click of a button. They can purchase the latest designer-colognes from Paris, even if they live in New York. One, therefore, wonders whether online shopping will replace traditional shopping. Through a contrast and comparison of these two shopping channels, it can then be possible to answer the latter question.

Comparisons and contrast

Some of the most advent supporters of online shopping are environmentalists. Many of them assert that online shopping eliminates the need for consumers to transport themselves to a physical store. This saves on fuel charges and paper. Similarly, traditional shopping from a supermarket or in a mall can also save on plenty of energy costs.

Customers can get everything they require under one roof, thus eliminating the need to transport themselves from one point to another. This saves on fuel and other charges that emanate from physical movement of people for shopping. On the other hand, these two channels differ in terms of their environmental-friendliness.

Individuals can use the Postal service to ship their online commodities. Since the postal service is bound to come to a certain neighborhood anyway, then fuel costs can be minimized. Such economies are unavailable in traditional brick and motor stores. Furthermore, one can buy multiple items from distant locations and save volumes of fuel. Traditional retail stores would require one to drive physically to the concerned store, even though it might be located all the way in China.

Both types of shopping avenues provide buyers with a certain level of comfort and ease. Customers go to online stores in order to avoid the overcrowding and hurling that is synonymous to traditional stores. This is quite helpful during the holiday seasons. Buyers can transform their shopping into a pleasant experience by simply avoiding these crowded areas. Similarly, some customers go to traditional stores in order to enjoy a different type of comfort.

They approach these physical stores in order to access immediate help from sales persons concerning certain items. Shopping from traditional stores allows retailers to consult about the features of a certain product and this causes them a certain level of ease and comfort. On the other hand, traditional retailers cannot offer the same level of comfort that online stores can.

In online shopping, buyers simply have to select an item and pay; everything else is handled by the internet firm. Conversely, shoppers from physical stores have to plan for their transportation to and from the brick and mortar store. If the products they are purchasing are bulky, then they must make special arrangements to carry the item to their homes.

All channels of shopping furnish customers with information about the features of products. It is possible to know about the sizes, features, and costs of products in online and traditional shopping. Conversely, the dependability of the information differs substantially depending on whether one is using online shopping or traditional methods. Many customers have complained about misleading information or unavailable information in online stores.

Buyers who need advise about using a certain product or need to inquire about its capabilities in traditional stores can easily get this information from sales persons. On the contrary, one cannot get this information easily from internet forums. Some websites may have contact numbers or e-chat forums; however, these are not available in all of them. Online shoppers only have pictures and product descriptions to know everything they need to know about a product.

This method may work for certain types of products that have low prices and minimal modifications. However, the same approach may not work for expensive and highly customizable products such as cars or houses. Few customers would buy houses based solely on a product description or picture they saw; many would want to see the spacing and features in that house. Automobile purchasers would also need to test-drive items before they can walk away with them. In this regard, internet channels fall short because they cannot provide personalized information or experiences.

It is possible to compare prices in these two avenues. One can walk from shop to shop and find the best offers in one’s location. The same thing happens in internet shopping. One can visit a number of websites and compare the prices offered by these entities. In contrast, it is much easier to compare prices on the internet than in physical locations. If a store was located in a different city, it would be impractical to drive all the way to that store simply to find out what their prices are. Therefore, online shopping is superior in this regard.

These two platforms are both vulnerable to theft or fraud. In physical stores, criminals may organize a massive robbery and this can cause substantial losses to the concerned entrepreneurs. Alternatively, customers may shoplift or get away with non payment in physical stores. Similarly, theft can occur in online stores when an alleged retailer either purports to sell non – existent products or sells counterfeit or inferior goods to clients.

The main difference between these two types of channels is that in physical stores, customers do most of the stealing. Furthermore, they use relatively simple methods to carry out these activities. On the other hand, the internet has created a new breed of wrongdoers. Most fraudsters are fake sellers rather than buyers.

A number of them tend to use very sophisticated methods to lure their ‘clients’ and defraud them. It takes a lot of intelligence and security measures to guard against these individuals. Therefore, buyers must be wary of these challenges when they select online shopping as their preferred method of purchasing.

Cases of missing information exist in these two approaches. A customer may purchase something from a brick – and – mortar store, and this item may not be easily examinable at the retail store. This may make it easy to find flaws in it. For example, someone may purchase a television set from an electronics shop, and when the buyer gets to his or her house, he or she may find that the keys on the remote control do not work as stated.

Similarly, one may buy a book from Amazon and find that it has several missing pages. These issues occur because sellers may have hidden certain information about their materials. On the flipside, it is easier for retailers to hide information about their products on the internet than in physical stores. Many online customers often complain about the hidden costs that come with internet purchases. Shipping costs and other miscellaneous charges may hide the true price of a certain commodity on the internet.

Furthermore, even the process of purchasing an item on the internet is never as short as retailers claim. One must register, enter a series of personal details, read the privacy policy, and enter details about one’s credit card information. It may take a phone call or an e-chat to find out about certain order details. Therefore, what should have taken fifteen minutes ends up taking forty five or fifty minutes. There are more loopholes on the internet to facilitate missing information as compared to traditional shopping

Internet shopping still has a series of flaws that physical shopping does not. Nonetheless, the convenience and flexibility offered by this method are unrivaled in brick and mortar stores. It is likely that these two methods of shopping will continue to complement each other in the future as the pros and cons of one method are neutralized by another.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 27). Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping. https://ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/

"Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." IvyPanda , 27 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping'. 27 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." February 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/.

1. IvyPanda . "Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." February 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping." February 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/internet-shopping/.

• Is E-Commerce Killing Brick and Mortar?
• Changes in a Brick-and-Mortar and Virtual Organizations
• Transforming Brick-and-Mortar into E-Business
• Supply Change: From Brick-and-Mortar to E-Business
• The History of Bricks Making
• Book Retail Industry: Buyer Power Then and Now
• Amazon Company’s Porter’s Five Competitive Forces
• Internet Retail Service Quality and Consumer Repurchase
• Amazon's Online Shopping and Innovative Delivery
• E-Commerce Industry Development
• Online Bill Pay vs. Paying via Postal Mail
• E-Contracting Role in Business
• E-Commerce in India and China
• Electronic Payment Issues in E-Commerce
• Starting a New E-Business: Principles and Practices

IELTS Practice.Org

IELTS Practice Tests and Preparation Tips

• Sample Essays

Band 9 Essay Samples | Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

by Manjusha Nambiar · Published December 2, 2014 · Updated April 23, 2024

Nowadays online shopping becomes more popular than in-store shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your reasons and examples.

Now that we can buy just about anything with a few mouse clicks from the comfort of our home, very few people actually feel the need to venture into brick and mortar stores. There is no denying the fact that online shopping has become more popular than in-store shopping. This trend has both positive and negative aspects.

The huge popularity of online shopping can be attributed to the fact that it makes shopping easier. It saves both time and money. Buyers no longer have to drive all the way to shops to buy things. Also, online stores tend to offer attractive prices probably because they have lower overhead costs. This allows them to sell items for deeply discounted prices. This can lead to major cost benefits for shoppers. In addition, online shopping makes it easy to buy things from any part of the world. Even if an item is not available in your country, you can buy it from online stores. Online shopping also allows you to compare prices before hitting the purchase button.

On the flip side, the ease of online shopping has made many people compulsive shoppers. Most of us spend lots of time on the internet every day. And while we are on the internet, we get bombarded with numerous advertisements. For a compulsive shopper, this is a good reason to splurge. The fact that online shopping encourages us to buy things that we do not need or use cannot be denied. This can lead to debts. Also, there are security concerns. When you buy things online, you run a small risk of getting your financial information exploited by hackers. Of course, good anti-virus and anti-malware programs can offer a great deal of protection. But almost every week, we hear about data breaches at major online retailers.

To conclude, online shopping has several advantages and disadvantages. However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Of course, the shopper has to exercise some common sense and keep their device free of malware if they want to enjoy the benefits of online shopping.

Tags: band 9 essay samples

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

• Next story  Band 9 essay sample | Printed books and magazines have lost their importance
• Previous story  Protecting wild animals is a waste of resources

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Academic Writing Task 1
• Agree Or Disagree
• Band 7 essay samples
• Band 8 Essay Samples
• Band 8 letter samples
• Band 9 IELTS Essays
• Discuss Both Views
• Grammar exercises
• IELTS Writing
• Learn English
• OET Letters
• Sample Letters
• Writing Tips

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

IELTS Practice

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e-shopping; with planning and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post is about ‘online shopping and its merits and demerits’ . Here, I’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of virtual/online/e-shopping and presented a model answer on this Task 2 question. This model answer can guide you to write an answer to any online shopping related essay.

Let’s have a look at the question we are going to discuss today.

The language of this task 2 question can be different in different exams.

Here’s another example of the same question:

An increasing number of people are buying what they need online.

What are the advantages and disadvantages for both individuals and companies to shopping online?

Nowadays, e-shopping or shopping online has an increasing trend among shoppers. It has both positive and negative sides. First, we need to make a plan for writing on this topic.

Here’s a short plan that may help you.

Planning and organisation:

Here is how I’ve planned the essay with a 4-paragraph structure:

• Introduction: topic + thesis (2 sentences can be sufficient): Introduce the topic – ‘online shopping getting more popular’. Then write a thesis on how you are going to show that there are some positives and negatives of the issue.
• Body paragraph on the reasons behind virtual shopping being so popular: You can write about straightforward ideas e.g. people get more convenience, and availability or choice of products. Give some real-life examples here.
• Body paragraph on the negative sides of online shopping: Again, present some very general ideas e.g. customers get cheated and people become more isolated. Give some real-life examples here too
• Conclusion: restate your ideas Online shopping has both advantages and disadvantages. You can give your personal opinion on how the disadvantages can be reduced.

Now let’s take a look at the model answer.

Model answer: expected band score – 7.5 to 8.0

In recent years, the rate of in-store shopping has plunged due to vast opportunities for buying different products including daily necessaries from hundreds of online stores. This essay will try to demonstrate chances such as convenience and product availability as the reasons behind the popularity of e-shopping whereas it will focus on swindling and isolation as the pitfalls of this issue.

Initially, the prime reason behind the popularity of e-shopping is convenience which can be easily understood from the thousands of virtual shops all over the world. To illustrate, people nowadays are busier than ever because of the fast pace of the world and they want to save as much time as they can for relaxation. Virtual shopping gives this magnificent prospect of time-saving and so people enjoy taking it. Besides, superstores sometimes run out of products in the precise moment when people need them which online shops rarely have this crisis. For instance, I needed a flat-screen monitor a few months ago but my local store had it out of stock. When I peeped into some online stores I found it easily on eBay.

Meanwhile, though shopping on the internet looks very promising, it is not without its setbacks. Many people, mostly the newcomers, regularly complain of getting tricked on virtual shopping and the rate of complaints is increasing at a faster rate. To explain, one of my friends has recently got swindled when he paid in advance for a smartwatch. Additionally, people often become isolated in their rooms through e-shopping which can affect their feelings and behaviour. As an example, a friend of mine started shopping online a couple of years ago even though the nearest superstore was only 500 metres away. His neighbours, nowadays, describe him as an ill-mannered and antisocial person which, needless to say, is the result of being home and becoming isolated from the outer world. 

In brief, virtual shoppers obtain greater benefits if compared to in-store shoppers. Converting such shopping to a stress-free experience, it is turning out to be progressively more convenient. However, as clients may sometimes get deceived and become cut off from the social world, concerned authorities should look into the matter cautiously. (360 words)

Here are some other Task 2 questions which can be answered taking help from the given essay example on online shopping:

• Some people support online shopping because it is convenient, while others argue that shopping on the internet poses threats. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
• Nowadays on-line shopping has become more popular than in-store shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development?
• Nowadays many people go shopping in their free time. Shopping has replaced many other activities that people used to choose as their hobby. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?

If you have written any answer to this question, you can post it in the comment box and we can discuss about it in details. 

Click here for a model answer to Cambridge 14 Test 4 Writing Task 2

Click here for a model answer to agree-disagree topic: elderly or young people as company leaders

Click here for a model answer to advantage-disadvantage topic: online shopping

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: urbanization in countryside/ problem of housing

Click here for a model answer to opinion essay: qualities of a good supervisor/boss

Click here for a model answer to descriptive essay: advantages/facilities/benefits of vocational education 

9 thoughts on “ IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on online shopping/virtual shopping/e-shopping; with planning and model answer ”

• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT; Writing Task 2: opinion essay on urbanization in countryside/ problem of housing: ; with discussion, tips and a great sample answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: opinion essay on qualities of a supervisor/boss; with discussion, notes, model answer and vocabulary practice | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT; Writing Task 2: essay on agree-disagree topic; elderly or young people as company leaders; with tips, strategies and a 8.5-9.0 band model answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS Writing Task 2: how to use structure/templete/format in an essay; with explanations and example agree-disagree essay on nuclear technology | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: problem-reason-opinion essay on language extinction/endangerment; with discussion, essay structuring, notes and model answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: descriptive essay on the advantages/benefits/facilities of vocational education; with discussion, essay structuring, notes and model answer | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT Writing Task 2: agree-disagree essay on difficult times teaching valuable lessons; with discussion, notes, model answer and vocabulary practice | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS Writing Task 2: both-view essay and agree-disagree essay on 'advertisement'; with model answers | IELTS Deal
• Pingback: IELTS AC & GT; Writing Task 2: essay on agree-disagree topic; elderly or young people as company leaders; with tips, strategies and an 8.5-9.0 band model answer - IELTS Deal

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree disagree topic on using forensics to solve old cases; with 3 model answers

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers some sample answers to an agree-disagree topic. This agree-disagree topic asks the candidates to provide arguments as to whether new science related to criminal forensics should be used to look at old cases or not. In this post, you will find three great model answers which may help […]

IELTS Writing Task 2: an advantage-disadvantage essay on taking a gap year before starting university education; with plans and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers the insights of writing a great answer to an advantage-disadvantage essay. This task 2 question asks the candidates to provide their personal opinions on taking a gap year before starting university education. In this post, you will find a plan that can help you to write this answer […]

Welcome Guest!

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Speaking Part 2
• IELTS Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Practice Tests
• IELTS Listening Practice Tests
• IELTS Reading Practice Tests
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests
• IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
• All Courses
• IELTS Online Classes
• OET Online Classes
• PTE Online Classes
• CELPIP Online Classes
• Free Live Classes
• Australia PR
• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Austria Job Seeker Visa
• Sweden Job Seeker Visa
• Study Abroad
• Student Testimonials
• Our Trainers
• IELTS Webinar
• Immigration Webinar

Online Shopping is Replacing Offline or Shopping from Stores- IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Apr 01, 2022

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Online shopping is replacing offline or shopping from stores. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic with the use of synonyms to establish a base on which you will elaborate upon.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will try to understand how online shopping is a positive development.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Mention how online shopping became a reality. Also talk about how online shopping has made shopping easy and convenient for the user.

Paragraph 2 – Talk about other advantages of online shopping. Stress on how online shopping made life easier during COVID-19.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge that online shopping exerts stress on the environment as sustaining it results in pollution. But, mention that some companies are trying to switch to electronic vehicles or adapting other green initiatives, and that the positives of online shopping far outweigh the negatives.

Restate your views.

Sample Essay 1

Online shopping is an effect of the growing usage of the Internet. It essentially shortens the efforts necessary for buying articles, therefore conveniently enhancing the user experience. In my opinion, it is a positive development, and this essay will try to explain the same.

Being propelled by the unprecedented rise of the Internet, online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Nykaa, etc., have created unparalleled ease in the shopping experience of a customer. What used to take a couple of trips to buy electronics, clothes, footwear now takes not more than a click of the finger. This is the impact of online shopping, along with incorporating thousands of employees within their ranks.

Online shopping showed a massive surge due to COVID-19 as people were unable to leave their homes, but essentials were needed to run a household. In India, retail giant DMart started its own delivery platform, wherein a customer shops their groceries from an application or the website, and the goods are then delivered within a set time to their doorstep. Such services tremendously helped people all around the world.

It is true that online shopping lays a lot of stress on our planet. For instance, housing servers that facilitate the seamless running of the platform draw a lot of electricity, and the delivery boys use a lot of petrol as they require to deliver goods in every nook and corner. These activities exert pollution directly and indirectly. But, one cannot ignore how beneficial these platforms are, and some are even switching to e-vehicles for their delivery to show their commitment to battle climate change. Such major anecdotes showcase the importance of online platforms.

Hence, it is safe to say that shopping through online platforms is a wonderful adaptation, and a positive development.

Sample Essay 2

These days, we can see an increasing trend of online shopping. People prefer to buy goods and services online, as it provides them convenience, confirming their purchase with just a few simple clicks. It is one of the main reasons physical shopping from stores has been substituted with online shopping. However, in this essay, I will discuss how this change will remain incomplete due to some issues of virtual shopping.

While online shopping does offer convenience, there is a considerable compromise that one has to adjust on quality. While sitting at home, one can’t make out how a particular product would be in-person. One has to decide whether or not to make the purchase based on a few photos.

Another downside of online shopping is the monopoly of only a few big retailers, as a result of which small shops have taken a hit. These shop-owners are forced or compelled to either turn to the big retailers to sell their products, of which a colossal cut goes out of their pockets or be content with the offline sales they make.

However, despite all these negatives, one might think online shopping has, it is still seen that people prefer it over shopping in physical stores. The reason for this is what has been mentioned earlier-convenience like less time-consuming, huge discounts and easy accessibility.

It is hard to compete with the convenience and comfort offered by the availability of multiple products in a single place, the ideology on which the concept of malls was created. Other than that, to have a comprehensive display wherein, you can compare products prices and even apply filters according to your need is comfortable to a majority of people.

Meaning – intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of. Example – The company tried everything towards enhancing its image after a failed marketing campaign.

• Unparalleled 

Meaning – having no parallel or equal; exceptional. Example – His technique of painting is unparalleled.

Meaning – drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward. Example – The push for indigenisation propelled all the local industries in a profitable direction.

• Unprecedented 

Meaning – never done or known before. Example – Unprecedented times rocked as the financial world came to a standstill in 2008.

• Incorporating  

Meaning – take in or contain (something) as part of a whole; include. Example – Many companies are incorporating AI-powered tools in their workforce.

Meaning – a sudden powerful forward or upward movement. Example – Due to COVID-19, sanitisers saw a surge in sales.

Meaning – a step leading up to the outer door of a house. Example – Many companies promise a 30 minute delivery at your doorstep.

• Tremendously  

Meaning – to a very great extent. Example – Since Jay came back from the USA, he has changed tremendously.

Meaning –   smooth and without seams or obvious joins. Example – Technology has helped us maintain a seamless life in many aspects.

Meaning – apply or bring to bear. Example – Exert almost all your strength while you exercise.

• IELTS Essay Topics
• IELTS Sample essays
• IELTS Writing task 2 Tips
• Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

Explore other Opinion Essays

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Whitney Houston

Post your Comments

Posted on Apr 1, 2022

Shopping habits of folks are changing worldwide. Due to the changing trend towards online shopping offline shopping is being overtaken by shopping from online stores. This essay will strongly agree that this is a positive development. To support this viewpoint I will firstly discuss about convenience of buy from home then, shed light upon one stop shopping. To embark with, online shopping made it possible for the customers to buy from home. In other words there is no need to go to the market to buy anything because everything is available on the touch of the screen of cell phone and computers, which makes the shopping easy and hassle free. Furthermore, buyers do not have to worry to get out of home to buy medicine, vegetables or fruits, they can order from online and it will be delivered to their doorstep. For example, website like Amazon and Flipkart are providing the facility for their customers to order from home and the items are then delivered to address which buyers provide without actually visiting the stores physically.

In addition to that, with the help of shop from almost all items are available on single platform. Due to which it is easier to search anything that a customer need. As a result, they do not need to visit various stores which eventually save a good amount of time. Also, on single store a customer can compare a significant number of product from different manufacturers, for best and low cost product with better quality and more features. To illustrate, a survey from The Times of India on 20th January,2022 states that the amount of people shopping from online has significantly rise in last year at a rate of 55% when compared with offline shopping which is declined by 60%. In conclusion, changing offline shopping stores with online provide customers a better convenient way of shopping with time saving shopping experience.

Band Score – 5

Since it is an opinion essay, you are also required to write one line of contrast after the two opinionated body paragraphs.

Concentrate on correct use of article, punctuation, compound words, preposition, verb form, and subject verb agreement.

Use C2 level of words.

Meet Prajapati

Posted on Mar 10, 2022

Nowadays, we all know that majority of people prefer to purchase from online rather than offline and it gives lot of benefits to customers as well. According to my perspective, online shopping is a great development and there are many advantage along with. This essay will elaborate about the my point of view in the upcoming paragraphs.

In modern era, number of people move from physical shopping to online. The first and foremost benefit that it save amount of time. Although many individual spend large amount of time for shopping only, they can utilize their time by using different kind of application, where they can purchase from that. In addition, people can have range of choice. If people want to purchase from online store then it will suggest list of items for particular product. To illustrate, Amazon is one of the best example of the online store, around more than 10 millions items available on this store so user have multiple choice and they can choose from that.

Furthermore, individuals can save their money and it is second major advantage of this development. Large number of people buy from online because of they get good discount and they can also win rewards. It is not possible at local shop so they does not prefer this way of shopping. For instance, according to survey of the Times of India, roughly 60 per cent of users select online shopping because they can buy anything with reasonable price as compare to super market. Eventually, virtual shopping is more secure and trustful than other.

To conclude, according to my opinion, to considering all points that virtual store is leading positive side. It consists many pros such as give significant options and it save time as well as money.

Band Scored: 5 Since it is an opinion essay, you are also required to write one line of contrast after the two opinionated body paragraphs. Concentrate on correct use of article, comma, preposition, verb form, subject verb agreement, plural forms and sentence structure. Use more transitional phrases or linkers.

Posted on Jan 13, 2022

In recent times, online shopping has evolved into our daily lives immensely that people resist stepping out to the stores. Although this ever-increasing phenomenon comes as both a boon and bane for some, I think virtual shopping is essential to survive in the fast-paced life we lead today.

To begin with, buying products online not only saves time and energy in our hectic lifestyle rather provides thousands of product choices based on brand, price, quality, size etc. at just a mouse click from the comfort of our homes. Subsequently, this practice cuts down the cost of store space, power and other utilities for the business, indirectly boosting the economy. Another aspect to consider is that certain items are made upon order, i.e., they are produced only when an order is placed. This helps reduce wastage and caters to the particular needs of the end consumer. Especially during the Covid pandemic, when physical stores were shutdown, individuals survived only by ordering off online sites.

However, we cannot turn a blind eye to its negative impacts as well. For instance, not all of the population has access to internet or smartphones, as they rely only on offline stores for their everyday needs, and many of them are unaware of the numerous online shopping sites which are slowly ousting physical stores. Consequently, local businesses face steep losses due to rise in popularity of virtual buying. Furthermore, the personal touch and feel that we enjoy in offline shops cannot be met by online stores, which might cause error in judgement, difference in product specifications or quality.

In conclusion, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks of online shopping, as the economy is progressing and the needs are multiplying, it is indispensable to keep up with our demands. Though, it has to be maintained in such a way that affordable local shops are not completely replaced, making it a hardship for certain section of our society.

Posted on Jan 17, 2022

Band score: 5

This is an opinion essay which means you will have to pick a side and support it in both the body paragraphs. You cannot discuss both sides. Concentrate on articles, grammatical numbers Learn how to join two independent clauses and the linkers of contrast.

Recent Articles

Raajdeep Saha

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Get free eBook to excel in test

Please enter Email ID

Get support from an Band 9 trainer

Please enter phone number

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

Interested in blogging for timesofindia.com? We will be happy to have you on board as a blogger, if you have the knack for writing. Just drop in a mail at [email protected] with a brief bio and we will get in touch with you.

Please note:

• TOI will have complete discretion to select bloggers
• TOI's decision in this regard will be final
• There's no remuneration for blogging
• TOI reserves the right to edit all blogs

• Times Evoke
• Entertainment
• Spirituality
• Environment
• Foreign Media

Follow us on

Online shopping vs offline shopping: the need of the hour.

Manoj Jain, Director, Harbour 9.

Shopping is something that can never go out of style. One is always going to have to buy new things, hence shopping is inevitable in one’s life. When once shopping meant dressing up and going to malls, today it can be done from the comfort of your house. Online shopping was already booming , but with the coronavirus making stepping out of your house a tricky thing, online shopping took a front seat and became the preferred method for the majority of the market. 

Kids are ever changing – their needs, wants and sizes can change from day to day. Every T-shirt you buy for your child will probably be too small within 6 months. What does this lead to – more and more shopping! 

So when you need to shop so much, which is the best option for you? Let’s take a look at the breakdown of factors for both offline and online shopping!

Online Shopping 

• Time Saving 

  One of the major benefits of online shopping is that it can save you a ton of time. It can be done at home, in bed, in a car, between work calls, sometimes even in the bathroom! For a parent, time is of the essence with little kids. The process of going to the mall can take hours, while the same thing can be achieved within minutes from your couch and smartphones! Especially if you’re a working parent, stepping out of the house for shopping can be next to impossible! Hence with online shopping, this can also be solved while shopping over dinner. 

• Lucrative deals 

E-commerce stores offer a wide variety of deals that one can avail. As a parent, you’re constantly looking for quality yet inexpensive things as children tend to outgrow clothes easily. Offline shops have offers going on only a limited number of months a year, while with online shopping, there are offers going on around the year like clearance sales, discounts, coupon codes, etc that you can avail.

• More options 

Online shopping offers a wide variety of options that offline stores cannot compete with. The internet is an endless place, making the options endless too. For every sweater you might wanna buy your child, you can have a thousand options to look from. This can help you make the best choice in terms of design as well as pricing! 

• Ease of handling children 

One of the hardest things of being a parent is dressing up your children and taking them into the outside world, all the while praying that they remain on their best behaviours. Children can be unpredictable, they need attention and care, something that is difficult to do while also trying to run from store to store buying their clothes. With online shopping, there is no need to dress up! You and your kid can just sit on the table and go through the clothes together – if your child is picky, they can also be an active and willing participant in choosing their clothes, in a hassle free manner!

• Easy returns 

Online shopping allows for easy returns and easy delivery – with almost no charges! If the size is too small for your child? With one click, you can return it. You can also replace the size with the one you desire. Shopping has never been easier. 

• No pressure shopping 

The biggest turn off of offline shopping can be the constant pressure and vigilance of the store staff. You’re under a microscope, and with kids it can become an even more cumbersome activity as the staff subtly pressurises you to buy and try various things. Online stores let you browse to your heart’s content with nobody hovering around you!

Crowds have become a major source of anxiety for a lot of people now. Ever since the pandemic, people have become more and more conscious about how much they step out, and how many people they come in contact with. Especially with younger children, going out in heavy crowds has become a risky business. Due to this, online shopping has gained an edge as it is a contact – free option. Hence for you and your child’s safety, online shopping can be a way to get your work done without going out! 

Offline shopping 

• Feel of the clothes 

Shopping for things in person gives you the option to feel the clothes. The quality of the material is easier to judge. While selecting clothing for children, it’s important that the material does not itch, or is uncomfortable.  When selecting clothes in a store, you can get the feel of the cloth, hence making a more informed choice. 

• Staff help 

A staff at any store is well versed in the outlets’ many pieces, and hence their recommendations are worth their weight in gold. Especially in bigger multi brand stores, the staff can point you in the right direction and help you pick out select pieces. This helps you save time and discover new things you didn’t know about before! 

Top Comment

{{{short}}} {{#more}} {{{long}}} ... Read More {{/more}}

Start a Conversation

Views expressed above are the author's own.

END OF ARTICLE

Mental health and well-being- A CWSN perspective

What’s the real issue? Distribution of growth benefits post-reforms is uneven, across the board

‘Elections, the world and us’

Heat’s on, vote’s on

More verification, more trust, better democracy

What we lose when words become weapons

My marriage, my way: Laws make marriage complicated. State’s role should only be in registering marriages, not specifying sacraments

• Not just Patanjali in the Dock

Same actors, different nataka

Can India, as part of G20, help calm things down in West Asia?

Blogs by Manoj Jain

• Business casual vs smart casual: Understand the difference
• Understanding the different types of Kids’ clothing
• What is the difference between sleepwear and loungewear?

TOI Edit Page,Voices

Bachi Karkaria

Erratica,TOI Edit Page,Tracking Indian Communities

Jug Suraiya

Juggle-Bandhi,TOI Edit Page

Speaking Tree

TOI Edit Page

TOP EDITORIALS

• Vasuki Indicus and the divine serpent
• Unlocking the masterclass on spirituality

Online Shopping Essay

500+ words online shopping essay.

The trend of online shopping has increased in recent times with the increase of e-commerce and digital technology. With just a single click, you can shop for everything by sitting at your home as per your choice, convenience and budget. This essay on online shopping will help students learn about the pros and cons of online shopping. We have also compiled a list of CBSE Essays on different topics to help them improve their essay-writing skills. These essays will also help them improve their scores on the English exam.

What Does Online Shopping Mean?

Online shopping is the activity of buying products and services over the internet using a web browser or mobile app. It means buyers have to go online to reach a seller’s website and then select the product they want to purchase. The buyer can pay for the goods and services either online with a credit or debit card or upon delivery. Online shopping sites are also known by many other names such as e-shop, e-web-store, e-store, internet shop, web-store, web-shop, virtual store and online store. An online shop creates a physical analogy for buying products or services. Some of the famous online retailing corporations which facilitate the experience of online shopping are Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.

Online shopping is a growing area of the digital world and technology. Establishing a store on the Internet gives various options to consumers. With the growth of online shopping, most businesses have started selling their products online. Now, just having physical stores is not enough in this fast-paced world. Having online store interfaces for consumers has also become essential for running a business in the current scenario.

Benefits of Online Shopping

There are numerous advantages of online shopping. People feel more convenient while shopping online. They can shop from anywhere at their own convenient time through easy and safe payment methods. Online shopping has empowered consumers with various advantages such as convenience and time-saving, lower search costs, better product selection, lower prices, etc. One of the biggest benefits of online shopping is that you can buy the items you want with just a single click. Online stores are open 24 hours a day and are accessible from any location with an internet connection.

Online stores carry more variations and provide more varieties of a product as compared to traditional stores. This is because online stores don’t need to attractively display their items on shelves, and they can keep a larger amount of inventory on hand. They might also have small amounts of each item since they don’t need to display them and can order more from their supplier as needed.

Online shops tend to provide more information about items for sale than you would get in a physical store. Product descriptions most often include a description from the manufacturer, another description from the vendor, specific technical and size details, reviews from professional magazines and journals, and reviews from people who have bought the product. Having all this information available when you are considering a purchase makes you a more informed consumer without having to perform extra research by yourself.

Online stores are not burdened by the costs of running a physical store, such as the rent of the physical premises and wages of sales staff. The cost savings by online stores lead to lower pricing on the internet, passing on cost savings to shoppers. The internet encourages online vendors to compete with one another by lowering prices.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

The benefits of shopping online also come with potential risks and dangers. When you shop online, you can’t touch or try out the product. You have to depend upon product pictures only. You can’t buy the product instantly. If you don’t get the product in hand immediately after payment, you have to wait for delivery, which can take days to weeks. There is no guarantee that you will get the product in its original shape; it might get damaged on the way. Sometimes, the product is very different from the pictures and description due to various reasons and also has poor quality. If, after receiving the package, expectations weren’t met, you need to go through a returns process which can be time-consuming. Apart from these, there is also a chance of security threats from online shopping. If the site is not secured, you have a risk of losing your card information.

Online shopping is one of the convenient ways of purchasing different products. However, there are some products which are better if they are purchased from physical stores. So, in the future, we can expect online stores to improve their technology, making way for a much easier and faster shopping experience.

Students must have found the “Online Shopping Essay” essay useful. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Counselling

Essay on Online Shopping

Online shopping in simple words: The form of shopping in which people can easily purchase goods and services by using the internet is called online shopping. Online shopping gives us an idea of the availability of everything online at a cost of our data. Online shopping is a growing and trending aspect. It provides customers with buying various products and services, and sellers to carry on their business and transactions in an online mode. It is time saving and convenient way of shopping. It can be said that it is the development of traditional shopping ways to make shopping more accessible, relaxing, and flexible.

Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Short and Long Online Shopping Essays in English

Find here number of essays on online shopping vs offline shopping under various words limit for the ease of students of different classes. These essays justify all the aspects of online shopping vs offline shopping, so, you can better understand the topic in all perspectives:

Online Shopping Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Shopping by making use of the internet is called online shopping.

2) Online shopping allows us to shop for anything from our phones.

3) With online shopping, the days are gone to go to physical markets to buy things.

4) People, who don’t know how to use smartphones, cannot do online shopping.

5) Through online shopping, you can order your favorite things at your doorstep.

6) In online shopping, you can compare the prices of products and can buy the cheaper ones.

7) Alibaba, Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, etc are some famous sites for online shopping.

8) While doing online shopping, you can only see the products virtually.

9) Online shopping does not provide you with the product instantly.

10) Online shopping is a modern and flexible way of buying goods.

Essay 1 (100 words – 150 words) – Challenges of Online Shopping

Introduction

Online shopping is the better way of buying several items of your own choice at one place and get it delivered wherever you do live itself. Therefore we can define online shopping as one of the convenient and interesting ways of shopping. It reduces market crowd and saves our money and time.

Challenges of Online Shopping

Instead of providing best ways to make choices without getting out of our comfort zone, online shopping has many negative aspects too.

• It requires a good knowledge of using smart technologies as well as net surfing.
• There are many sections of society that do not have easy access to the same and thus are dependent on traditional ways of shopping.
• Old people need to specify the products after touching thus they prefer traditional shopping and have not much confidence in online shopping.

Online shopping has turned out to be an essential need of the time. Because, nowadays in the so competitive world, people are busy in their offices and do not have time to shop. And this technology is making their life easier and fast.

Essay 2 (200 – 250 Words) – Essay on Online Shopping is a Boon for or Against

With the emergence of the internet, people can now shop online using their mobile phones or other related electronic devices. Online shops are virtual stores from where people can order the stuff of their choice.

Online Shopping is a Boon : For many people, online shopping is a boon as it offers many advantages. It not only saves your time but also helps to save your money and energy. Instead of spending a whole day in the market, you can buy things by sitting at your home. The prices of products in online shops are comparatively lower than those available offline. One reason behind this is that there is no need of maintaining any physical stores. It also offers different methods of payment. During festive times, online shopping offers discounts on various products. Online shopping is a convenient way of shopping these days.

Online Shopping is a Bane : Everything has a dark side and so is online shopping. The major drawback of shopping online is to compromise with quality. Sometimes you may receive the wrong product and returning can be a headache. You can only check the quality when you receive the product. Even on ordering your product you can get it delivered after some days. No instant service is available in online shopping methods. When doing online shopping, you will miss out on the joy of shopping with your friends or family. Precautions are a must in Online paying, as it involves several risks.

So, we can say that Online Shopping is both, boon and bane, we have to choose and use them as per our interest and skill.

Essay 3 (300 Words) – Essay on Online Shopping vs Offline Shopping or Traditional Shopping

Today, customers have the option to shop either online or offline. Both the methods have some advantages, and they do show some disadvantages. Online shopping is a method of purchasing goods via the internet. Offline shopping is the traditional means of going to the market physically to buy goods. Before the advent of the internet, people only had the option to buy things offline.

Online Shopping

The biggest advantage of Online shopping is time saving. People need not physically go to various shops to purchase items. You can select items of your choice from your phone. Shopping online is a good way to save your energy and money. You need not burn fuel to go to the markets. Another advantage we can enjoy in online purchasing is availability. You can go for online shopping at any time that best suits you, irrespective of your location. The online stores are open 24 hours a day. You need not take a holiday to go shopping.

Offline Shopping or Traditional Shopping

There are many reasons for which people go for offline shopping or traditional shopping instead of shopping online. The major advantage of going to physical stores is that the quality of the product can be checked on the spot. You can even try the clothes for perfect fitting. This feature is lacking in the online market. In traditional shopping, you get the product directly in your hands. No waiting for long days to receive the product. For purchasing items of daily use, traditional stores are far better than online stores. In offline shopping, you can bargain for prices, while in online shopping prices are fixed. Offline shopping gives you the facility of easy return.

So, we can say, both modes of shopping have their own advantages and disadvantages; we have to use them as per our choice and safety.

Essay 4 (400 Words) – Online Shopping: A Positive Approach to Digitalization

Online shopping is an emerging e-commerce technology. What can be more soothing and easier than facing the rush and crowd of the markets offering a limited range of products at a time? Yes, it is online shopping, making the way to shop easier and more convenient. The sellers are making the product details online which can be easily seen while browsing the website. There are many websites that have easy access.

Pleasure of Online Shopping

We are well aware of this fact that most of the people find shopping as an interesting aspect. Generally, women and girls are addicted to shopping. Now, since technology is advancing day by day and letting newer ways to develop, we have been benefitted by a way of shopping by sitting at our places and browsing over the internet. We are able to get various range of products in a single place. Also, we can search for the product related to men, women, and kids by entering the categories in the spaces meant for the same. We search, select, and order for the products and services and get it delivered to our places.

This is helping the people in remote areas too. We could search and order for the latest apparel through online mode. Generally, the shops are taking the time to bring and present the same.

The most preferred online shopping sites are Snapdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, Ajio, etc.

Online shopping – a Positive Approach to Digitalization

Online shopping involves transactions or business over the internet. The buyer purchases the products and services required, by means of choosing the same over the internet. Therefore the technology is leading towards the digitalization concept. The normal shopping has been given a new face by the addition of technological aids. Offline or traditional ways have been advanced by making it online. It is a successful change in the business strategy. The new ideas and methods have been implemented to make it flourish, and provide greater revenue or economical benefits.

Online shopping is the result of a change in business strategy therefore helping in competing. It is proving it to be an easier, convenient, and better option and therefore is the best example of the concept of digitalization.

We can say that online shopping is a trending business. We can search for our choices over the internet by sitting in one place. We can get our desired products and can also gift the same to our close ones. Online shopping successfully reduced the pressure on traditional shopping methods and is time-saving too.

Long Essay 5 (500 Words) – Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Technological advancements are changing our standards and lifestyle. One of the fascinating aspects of technology has favored is Online shopping that is the best way to business and safe transactions over the internet. It provides us broader way to search, choose and delivered the desired products and services at our specified addresses.

People these days are tugged up with several work pressures. They are spending much of their time intervals in offices or other important works. Traditional ways of shopping require a larger time to be consumed by visiting different stores for different products. Therefore online shopping provides a way to tackle the same by saving time and effort.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Shopping

Everything in this world is connected with both positive and negative aspects. The same is with online shopping too. On one hand, it is benefitting, and on the other hand, it has disadvantages too.

Advantages of Online Shopping:

• It provides us with a convenient way of shopping.
• We can see different products and services just by one click. Different variants are available in the required size and shapes.
• It saves us from the rush and crowd of the markets. Also, saves our time wasted in roaming from one shop to another and standing in queues for hours for billing purposes.
• We get products in our price ranges and also at a lower price.
• We can order dresses according to our choice and occasion requirements. As most of the time, we are unable to get the dress we want, in offline shopping.

Disadvantages of Online Shopping:

• The products we buy, generally when delivered, do not match with one we have ordered.
• If we require the product immediately, then we cannot have that option or we will have to pay extra charges.
• Offline shopping has a benefit to buy the product and use it immediately, but when we opt for online shopping the same benefit is not granted.
• Many of the times we save our card details for the transaction purpose, hackers use the same card details for the cybercrime.
• The returning of any product may be chargeable and time taking too.
• Most of the time, damaged goods are received.

Online Shopping – Best Option during Pandemic (Covid-19)

The outbreak of COVID-19, throughout the world was most devastating for us. During those times, moving outside was banned and different countries were under lockdown for several months. People, all over the world, preferred online mediums to get their products and services ordered and delivered.

Therefore it can be stated that online shopping has been the best choice or alternative. People have been provided with the option of getting delivered every product at their doorstep.

Online shopping is the love of youngsters of today’s generation. It is an interesting way of exploring several products with variety and different prices at the same portal or place. Online shopping has blessed us with emerging ideas to give surprises to our closed ones on their special days. But on other accounts, it has some of the impacts too.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans . Online shopping was invented by an entrepreneur Michael Aldrich in 1979.

Ans . The concept of online shopping begins in India in 1995.

Ans . The first online shopping site launched in India was Amazon.

Ans . The website through which customers can easily purchase goods and services is called an online store.

Ans . The world’s largest online shopping retailer is Amazon.

Also read these essays :

Essay on Rainy Season

Related Posts

Essay on digital india, cashless india essay, essay on child is father of the man, essay on causes, effects and prevention of corona virus, essay on dr. sarvepalli radhakrishnan, durga puja essay, essay on summer vacation, essay on my plans for summer vacation, essay on holiday, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Essay on Online Shopping in 100, 200, and 300 Words.

• Updated on  
• Dec 23, 2023

Shopping is something that many people love. It is particularly cherished during festive occasions such as Diwali, Navratri, Christmas or New Year etc. The shopping world has changed and evolved majorly providing us with various options of the same. The convenience of online shopping platforms has now come into play. Those days when individuals have to take on a long journey of shopping are now past us, all thanks to the various online shopping platforms that are now at the tip of our fingers. This is just a brief introduction to how to write an essay on online shopping. Now let’s have a look at the samples of essay on online shopping.  

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words
• 2 Essay on Online Shopping in 200 words
• 3 Essay on Online Shopping in 300 words
• 4 Advantages

Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words

The way of shopping has been revolutionized by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere. 

The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores, online shopping is a boon. 

Payments are easy this way with the variety of options available such as debit card, cash on delivery, etc. However, there are some drawbacks to online shopping as well. One of them is the delivery of the wrong item or a different item than that seen online. So one should be cautious and should make informed decisions.

Also Read:- My Aim in Life

Essay on Online Shopping in 200 words

In today’s world, as science and technology are progressing, a lot of things have become more convenient for us. One such thing is online shopping. Over the years due to its high demand and convenience, it has become very popular. It involves virtually placing an order on any e-commerce website without the need to go to a physical store. Various items such as shoes, gadgets, household products, and even groceries can be ordered from the comfort of your couch.  

Some of the key benefits of online shopping are mentioned below:-

• Crowd Avoided:- since online shopping is virtual, going to crowded places is avoided.
• Convenience:- we can shop from the convenience of our homes.
• Variety in products:- on different platforms, a vast range of products is available. 
• Variety in payment options:- Debit card, cash on delivery, etc payment options make it all the more convenient.

Although there are many pros of online shopping, there are some drawbacks as well. There have been many instances where wrong or damaged goods got delivered. There can be instances where a product may not match its depiction when delivered in terms of color, etc. 

Some websites even scam people and are fraudulent. Hence, it is important to take caution while shopping online. 

Also Read:- Essay on Pollution

Essay on Online Shopping in 300 words

During the 1990s, the concept of online shopping came into play and since then, it has grown exponentially. Its principle lies in the ease of browning a wide variety of products on various e-commerce platforms. The e-commerce platforms have played a central role in enabling different businesses to connect with a global audience. 

There are various advantages of online shopping, one of them being the ease of online shopping. With virtual stores, you can shop whenever you want and from wherever you want. The limitations of time don’t apply to the online stores. They are accessible 24/7.

Wide Range of Products

When you shop online, you don’t have to limit yourself to only some products. Online shopping opens a portal to a wide range of products to select from.

Saves time and money

When you shop online, you don’t have to go to stores. You can shop from the comfort of your couch. That saves time. And generally, online stores have some kind of offers and discounts going on which saves you money. 

Although online shopping has many advantages, there are also certain cons that it carries with it. Some of those cons are mentioned below:-

Shipping issues

There can issues with the shipping such as the product may get damaged during its shipping or it may get delivered to the wrong address.

Return Policies

If the product is different and the customer wants to return it or get a refund, there can be certain policies that prevent the same. 

Different item Delivery

There can be instances where the product, when delivered, is different from the one shown in the images online. Returning the same can be a hassle too as it has to be repacked for some resellers. 

Hence, when shopping online one should always be cautious and take calculated decisions. 

Also Read:- Importance of Internet

Ans: Essay on Online Shopping in 100 words The way of shopping has been revolutionised by online shopping. It has made it possible and convenient to shop virtually from literally anywhere.  The sheer convenience of shopping is one of the biggest advantages of online shopping. For those individuals who are busy and struggle to find time to visit stores, online shopping is a boon.  Payments are easy this way with the variety of options available such as debit card, cash on delivery, etc. However, there are some drawbacks to online shopping as well. One of them benign the delivery of the wrong item or a different item than that seen online. So one should be cautious and should make informed decisions.

Ans: Online shopping can be explained as virtually buying of products from an e-commerce platform without going to the physical store.

Ans: Some of the key advantages of online shopping are mentioned below:- -Crowd Avoided:- since online shopping is virtual, going to crowded places is avoided. -Convenience:- we can shop from the convenience of our homes. -Variety in products:- on different platforms, a vast range of products is available.  -Variety in payment options:- Debit card, cash on delivery, etc payment options make it all the more convenient.

Related Reads:

This brings us to the end of our blog on Essay on Online Shopping. Hope you find this information useful. For more information on such informative topics for your school, visit our essay writing and follow Leverage Edu.

Deepansh Gautam

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out