Since it’s now possible, should you solely shop on the Internet, or does it have some drawbacks? We’ll let you know if online shopping is all it’s cracked up to be.

Online shopping was popular before the pandemic. Now, however, it’s more popular than ever, and it looks as if it will continue to be the shopping method of choice for many well into the future.

The combination of the Internet and delivery services like DoorDash and Instacart means you don’t even have to shop at the grocery store anymore, as workers will pick items for you and drop them at your door.

While such convenience is great, should online shopping be your sole method of making purchases, or are there some reasons why you should still visit traditional stores? Let’s break it down by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online.

The Disadvantages of Shopping Online

Before we jump into the good, let’s talk about the bad of online shopping. First, it’s not particularly ideal if you’re shopping for clothes, as every brand has its own unique fit that’s hard to gauge over the Internet. You can’t try clothes on when shopping online, so if they don’t fit, you’ll be looking at a return that can be time-consuming and leave you without what you wanted.

Second, online shopping involves waiting. Unless it’s an in-store or curbside pickup, you’ll need to wait days or possibly weeks before that item arrives at your door.

Third, to get the item to your door, shipping costs will usually be involved. Depending on factors like distance and weight, you could be looking at quite the increase in overall price.

Fourth, you may enjoy having personalized help when you shop, especially if you’re unfamiliar with a product. Shop online, and the most help you’ll get is via chat or phone call.

Lastly, there are security issues when shopping on the Internet, as you’ll need to provide payment info that could be hacked. If this is a concern, traditional in-store shopping may be a better fit.

The Advantages of Shopping Online

If safety is your top priority in this day and age, nothing beats shopping online from the comfort of your couch. And while safe, it’s also quite convenient, as you won’t have to get in a car or wait for store hours to kick in, which can fit better with your schedule or keep you at home with your kids.

What about deals? They’re easy to find on the Internet, thanks to search engines and apps. You can search for coupon codes for specific stores or items, or get notifications sent to your email when a sale goes live. Add in the ability to compare prices between online competitors within seconds, and it’s safe to say snagging deals is ideally done on the Internet.

When you shop online, you won’t have the pressure of a salesperson breathing down your neck. And you can also skip the crowds that can make traditional shopping a hassle.

Last but not least, you can find what you need online within seconds. You’re not constrained by a store’s selection, giving you more variety. And if you’re unsure of a product, you can read online reviews to see if something’s worth your hard-earned money.