Things that would make you lose money while shopping online

There are pros and cons relative to shopping online. The most obvious advantage is convenience.Other pros about shopping online include, but are not limited to:

  1. Unlimited options.A brick and mortar location may not offer the size you are looking for, but when shopping online, if one site does not offer your size or the model you are seeking, then another will.
  2. Quick.It can take mere minutes to shop online, and you do not have to deal with traffic getting to a shopping mall.
  3. Savings on gas, and the wear and tear on your vehicle.
  4. Compare prices with a few keystrokes, and get the best bargain available. Shopping online means you don’t have to settle for what is available in a store, at any given time.
  5. Available consumer reviews are found to be very helpful in making a decision about many products. Again, this important information is found almost instantaneously on the Web.
  6. Avoid potential pickpockets and carjacking’s.
  7. Ability to shop any day and at any time,because you are not limited to store hours, the internet is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

On the flip side, the negative points about online shopping are just as numerous as the positive points, so let’s take a closer look at how you can potentially lose more money by shopping online.

  1. Shipping costs from online retailers can get very costly. Although you may think you are getting a bargain, the packing and shipping fees could be through the roof, causing you to ultimately spend more than you planned. It is advised to check the shipping fees before you enter your credit card number.
  2. Delayed gratification.We live in an instant world, and when we shop online, we have to wait at least as day (or two) for our purchase to arrive.
  3. Buying sight unseen.This is a major disadvantage for many people, as they are unable to try on clothing, to see if they fit properly, or if the fabric and color is to your likely.
  4. If your online purchase does not meet your expectations,it needs to be sent back (more out of pocket expenses), and this process can be a hassle, if a return shipping label was not provided with your original purchase.
  5. Hidden fees. Prior to committing to an online purchase, make sure that you have a clear understanding of all potential charges. Don’t be hesitant to question anything you are unsure about, as a reliable site will have no problem providing you with clear answers.
  6. Damage. Shipping an item opens it up to potentially getting damaged in the process, and we don’t have much control over this. The disappointment, when an item arrives damaged is enormous, and then you become furious knowing that the online dealer will not refund your money, or send you a replacement product.
  7. Budget control.When you walk into a store, you may have cash on hand, and that is all you plan to spend. But, when shopping online, it is easy to go over budget, because using a credit card is not as painful as parting with cash.
  8. Identity theft is a scary thing, and the risk of these happening increases each time we make an online purchase, on a site that is not secure. Identity theft is not only stressful, but it can be very costly to correct. To confirm that the site you are doing business with is secure, and fully encrypted during the credit card transaction, look for a tiny “padlock” symbol or some other indication that you have entered a secure site.

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