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.