177k views
3 votes
Examine the experience of shopping online versus shopping in a traditional environment. Imagine that you have decided to purchase a digital camera (or any other item of your choosing). First, shop for the camera in a traditional manner. Describe how you would do so (for example, how you would gather the necessary information you would need to choose a particular item, what stores you would visit, how long it would take, prices, etc.). Next, shop for the item on the Web or via a mobile app. Compare and contrast your experiences. What were the advantages and disadvantages of each? Which did you prefer and why?

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

Shopping in a traditional manner

If I had to buy, let’s say an iPad, I would visit the official store. First of all, I would take a closer look at the product, revising it carefully, if it feels right and if it meets my needs. Then I would ask for the price if they have a discount or any sale upcoming or payment plan. If everything meets my requirements I would buy the item. On the other hand, if there weren’t any official stores around the place I live in, I would visit three different department stores, preferably where they have the product of my interest displayed, also I would ask about the price and/or payment plan or discounts and availability. I must mention that cost is an important aspect to make a decision on where to buy the item. All of this process would take about 1 or 2 days at most.

Advantages

  • -You can see, feel, check the product to dissipate any doubts, there are people willing to answer any question and help to make a better choice.
  • Get the product at the same moment you are paying for it and if you want to you can use/wear it immediately.

Disadvantages

  • If they are out of stock of the item of your interest, there is a chance you will have to wait a long time for it, although it could happen the store won’t have the product available again.
  • The offers are not as wide as on the web sites.

Shopping on the web or via a mobile app

It is almost the same as shopping in a traditional manner, the greater differences are that there are more virtual places/shops online to compare prices and availability and sometimes they have great offers, because of the competition. Generally, the items are cheaper than a department store.

This process could take about a week, especially if you are waiting for a specific offer.

Advantages

  • There are lots of options, lots of different online stores, that increase the chances to get a good offer or an item with better characteristics at the same price; if you don’t find availability in one web you can find it in another in no time.
  • There is no need to leave your house or put on pause your busy schedule, as you will receive the item at your door.

Disadvantages

  • You can’t check the product given they only display a few pictures of it and a brief description, there is no one to answer your doubts about the item, basically, the decision relies on your research and recommendations of the product.
  • After making your purchase, you will have to wait a few days to receive your item at home or the workplace. Sometimes happens the store confuses your order sending a different product or other with different characteristics, resulting in having to return the item and wait days to get what you order in the first place.

Step-by-step explanation:

Which did I prefer and why?

Considering the advances in technology, I prefer to shop online, there I can find what I'm looking for and of course, they have a great offers, too. Besides, with day to day occupations I barely have time to go to a department store, so is easier to access using a computer or an app on the smartphone.

User Jason Heo
by
6.2k points