Before you counter me with the benefits of online shopping let me tell you that I already know all that. I shop online on various e-commerce stores. I have experienced what it feels like having your product home-delivered and unwrapping it in the comfort of your home. Online shopping has changed the retail market forever. Consumers today prefer to shop from their laptops and mobile devices and buy products online. I completely agree with the fact that online shopping is all about saving time, money and effort. However, shopaholics would agree that there is nothing like traditional shopping. Offline shopping benefits are quite different from the online ones and it is just a matter of perspective. So, during the festive season shopping, I still prefer to shop offline because I believe offline shopping advantages surpass online shopping.
Experience a Sense of Joy
Wasn’t the true purpose of shopping to bring you a feeling of joy and happiness? I remember as a kid when I used to go shopping with my mother it was an exciting experience. The word shopping would excite me and fill me with a sense of joy. It was not about what I want; but about what I will find as I hop from store to store.
The experience was a surprise party because I never knew what I would find in the stores. Till date, shopping for me is a joyful experience because I want retailers to surprise me with products that I haven’t come across. Plus, I am always excited about spending quality time with my loved ones as I hop through different stores. Online shopping robs me of that joy completely. We did some offline shopping in Udaipur market and the experience was surreal.
Live the Experience
How many times have you cherished the experience of buying products online? One of the offline shopping advantages is that you get an experience that you can cherish in the future. When you are shopping for your loved ones, friends and family you go through so many small experiences. You remember all those small talks, funny incidents and the experience of being together.
Offline shopping also allows you to try your clothes and products before you buy it. So, you can make an informed decision as you feel and hold the product unlike just watching a zoomed image of it online. During the festive season, I want to enjoy the experience and make the most of the time I have. Sarah and I both go for offline Christmas shopping in Mumbai and we make the most of the time.
Instant Gratification
I’m not sure how many people enjoy the pleasure of carrying shopping bags as they hop store to store. A lot of shopaholics feel pleasure in carrying those multiple shopping bags that display logos of top brands. This is also one of the offline shopping advantages that you can get. It is a matter of pride for those who love shopping. More bags means more shopping and that means more pleasure.
Online shopping is all about making the payment and waiting for 24 hours or more to get your hands on the product you bought. One of the offline shopping benefits is that you buy the product and you have it then and there. I don’t want to wait and find myself trapped in the process of returning the product (if I am not satisfied) especially during the festive season. When I am shopping offline I can return home, try it and show it to my loved ones. Isn’t that fun?
Enjoy Food and Drinks Along Side
Additionally, one of the offline shopping advantages is that you also get to enjoy some food and drinks. When you shop online all you do it look for the products, click it, and buy it, done. When you are hopping from store to store you eventually might halt at the nearest restaurant, café or bar for a break. You enjoy some great food and drinks before you continue your shopping streak.
This gives you to spend more time with your family and friends which is hard to find while shopping online. During the festive season, restaurants and cafes come up with new food items on their menu which you can try. If you are a foodie, shopping offline brings you more fun than you can imagine. During the Diwali season, both Sarah and I go for a full-day treat as we do offline Diwali shopping in Mumbai.
Convenience and Safety
Believe it or not, but many consumers in India and around the world feel that they want to protect their privacy. When you shop online companies constantly spam you with emails and text messages until it boils your blood. Consumers want privacy and safety and that is one of the offline shopping benefits.
Also, you may have that one-off experiences when the product you bought isn’t what you expected. While most e-commerce stores offer easy returns option it can leave a bad taste in the mouth if the retailer isn’t cooperative.
So, what kind of shopper are you? Do you shop online or offline? Or do you research online and shop offline?
2 comments
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thanks for sharing