Advantages and Disadvantages of an E-commerce Website
When it comes to utilising a service, especially an E-commerce type of service, customers experience many situations, whether are beneficial or not. Every service has disadvantages and advantages, and it is no different from what refers to using an E-commerce website. Advantages allude to the beneficial aspects of using such service, while on the other hand, disadvantages point to the detrimental aspects of service. This post highlights not only the benefits and drawbacks experienced by a customer using an E-commerce website, as also, highlights the benefits and drawbacks faced by the society.
Advantages for Customer
1-Buying 24/7
E-commerce stores are open 24/7, allowing customers to shop at any hour of any day throughout the year. This is especially beneficial for busy individuals who struggle to find time for traditional shopping. They can conveniently visit the website and make purchases whenever it suits them (Taher, 2021).
2-Convenience
E-commerce has become the most popular and convenient way to shop. Customers can simply use their mobile devices connected to the Internet to order products from anywhere in the world. This makes it easy for consumers to choose items from various sources without any limitations (Taher, 2021).
3-Time Saving
Online shopping saves a lot of time. Customers can complete their purchases quickly, sometimes in just 15 minutes. Moreover, products are delivered to their doorstep within a week, further saving time for buyers (Taher, 2021).
4-Comparison in prices
E-commerce platforms make it easy for customers to compare prices and features of products. This helps them choose options that are cheaper and of better quality. In contrast, comparing choices in physical stores is tiring and time-consuming, as it requires visiting multiple stores and inquiring about prices. Online shopping eliminates these difficulties by providing clear and easily accessible information
5-Adequate information
E-commerce provides customers with a lot of information about their purchases. They can quickly access detailed product information and even review their previous purchases. This level of information is hard to find in traditional stores, where displaying such a large amount of data is challenging
6-Many options and range
E-commerce offers a wide range of products and services, giving customers many options to choose from. Unlike traditional stores with limited stock, online shopping provides a broader selection
7-Accessibility
In physical stores, customers can get lost while looking for merchandise in different sections. However, e-commerce services allow customers to easily navigate through categories or use search tools to quickly find the desired product on the website
Advantages for Society
Enables flexible work arrangements: E-commerce facilitates flexible work practices, enhancing the quality of life for individuals by enabling remote work. This not only offers convenience and a less stressful work environment but also potentially reduces environmental pollution as fewer people need to commute regularly
Connects people: E-commerce bridges the gap between individuals, particularly those in underdeveloped regions and rural areas. It enables access to products, services, information, and social connections that would otherwise be less readily available
Enhances delivery of public services: E-commerce plays a crucial role in improving the provision of public services. For instance, it facilitates online consultations with healthcare professionals, providing remote access to medical advice and assistance. Additionally, it simplifies processes like tax filing through online platforms offered by government agencies, making them more accessible and convenient for citizens (Sage Publications, n.d).
Disadvantages for Customer
1-Inability to test items first-hand before buying
A significant challenge in online shopping is the inability to physically examine or try products before making a purchase. Customers lack the opportunity to assess product quality through direct testing, relying instead on videos and promotional materials that may not provide a reliable guarantee
2-Lack of the personal touch
E-commerce lacks the personal touch that many customers consider essential. Unlike physical stores, where customers can engage with sales assistants and establish interpersonal connections
3-Delay in delivery
A notable aspect of online shopping is the waiting period for product delivery. Customers may have to endure a week or longer to receive their purchases, which can be frustrating for those accustomed to the immediate gratification of in-person shopping
4-Cost and product feature comparison
Although online shopping allows buyers to compare prices and product features, it can be constraining for sellers. Many price options are excluded from the list of recommended or suggested items, based on the customer's specified price range
5-Damage during Transportation and Delivery
There is a potential risk of products being damaged or spoiled during transportation and delivery in online shopping
Disadvantages for Society
Breakdown in human interaction:
The increasing reliance on electronic communication may lead to a decline in personal and social skills. This could have negative effects on our society, as people become more comfortable interacting with screens rather than face-to-face interactions
Social division:
There is a potential for a wide gap between those who have technical skills and those who do not. This division can limit access to well paying jobs for individuals without technical skills, resulting in a disadvantaged group that could impact social stability
Reliance on telecommunications infrastructure, power, and IT skills:
In developing countries, the benefits of e-commerce can be diminished by the lack of reliable power supply, inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, and limited IT skills. Dependence on these resources can hinder the effective implementation of e-commerce and restrict its advantages in such contexts
Wasted resources:
The rapid obsolescence of technology poses a challenge in responsibly disposing of old computers, keyboards, monitors, speakers, and other hardware or software. The accumulation of electronic waste raises environmental and resource management concerns (Sage Publications, no date).
Facilitates Just-In-Time manufacturing:
E-commerce enables Just-In-Time manufacturing, which keeps stock levels minimal and relies on predetermined delivery patterns (Sage Publications, no date).
Closing Words
''Electronic trade will undoubtedly increase significantly in the coming years (Sharp, 1998). Despite what was mentioned earlier in this paper about the technical and non-technical disadvantages of e-commerce, the numerous advantages of this business manage to successfully attract the attention of both companies and customers. As we have already mentioned technology is evolving tremendously and quickly, so it is possible to witness the prevention of technological defects in particular in the near future'' (Taher, 2021, pg.164)
Reference(s):
Meyer, M (2018) People sitting down near table with assorted laptop computers Available at: People sitting down near table with assorted laptop computers photo – Free Website Image on Unsplash (Accessed: 15/07/2023)
(No date) Introduction to e-commerce - sage publications inc. Available at: https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-assets/9598_book_item_9598.pdf (Accessed: 11 July 2023)
Taher, G. (2021) ‘E-commerce: Advantages and limitations’, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, 11(1). doi:10.6007/ijarafms/v11-i1/8987.
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