DANGERS OF ONLINE SHOPPING IN NIGERIA

The world has gradually metamorphosed into a global market and Nigeria, not wanting to be left behind has seemingly tapped into this global channel in terms of online shopping. Online shopping otherwise known as e-shopping can simply be referred to as a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy goods or serviced over the internet using a web browser. Online shopping is an extremely popular (sometimes preferable) way to shop these days especially in developed countries. Nigeria, one of the fastest growing countries in the world has recently joined the trend as dozens of Nigerian online retail stores flood the internet. Online shopping has been well proclaimed to be the best way to shop at no stress. Its numerous advantages have been well documented. It has been widely argued to be faster (which I seriously doubt when i can get my goods 'cash-and-carry' at any offline retail store), cheaper, incredibly convenient, allows price comparison and infinite choice to buyer; added to previously known factors such as saves time and energy, best discount and favourable deals and even home delivery (free or at little cost depending on buyer’s location).

The advantages are legion and thus outweighs its cons. Buyers are often blinded (sic) or misguided by these when purchasing goods and are therefore exposed to unknown crapshoot.

This article will however let you in to the not-so-good side of online shopping. Listed below are some of disadvantages of online shopping.

1. Inferior Goods on Delivery: Many people have fallen timelessly into this trap. Sometimes the description of the product might be different than the actual product. As a result you might end up with inferior quality product. You see a beautiful gown online, quality material and very cheap too. Before one could say Jack Robinson, you've ordered for it and smacked your lips in excitement and sense of shrewd bargain. Unknowingly, you've fallen victim of buying an outfit, way low on quality from what your purchased online of which you don't get to know about until when delivered. Smart deal? I don't think so.

2. Lose the Tactile Experience: When you shop online, you don't have an opportunity to touch and feel items you are considering purchasing. With some products – like books and electronic equipment - this isn't an important consideration. However, with clothing, bedding, pillows, furniture, rugs and other textile-based merchandise, it can be hard to gauger quality without hands-on contact. Fit is also a concern with any kind of apparel.

3. Bargaining Power Lost: The feel good factor enjoyed while haggling with a seller for merchandise is totally lost. You don't get to beat down the price of the wares on display to your favour. The buyer is left consigned to whatever price tag placed on the item, favourable or not. One might argue that the buyer is at liberty to do price comparison, alas, only with similar but inferior product. So the buyer either ends up with the inferior one or accepts whatever price tag attached to the good of choice.

4. No Prior Assessment/Diminished Instant Satisfaction: Unlike buying at retail stores, where you are able to use the product instantly after you buy it, which can be satisfying. There is absolutely no chance to assess whatever goods a buyer wish to purchase before pre-ordering. No in-house room to try on that lovely blouse or check how fitted that shirt looks on. The buyer has to wait anxiously for days and experience nail-biting moments before getting to try out those goods hands-on. The worst part, the buyer might be left disappointed if unluckily the goods fall way below expectation.

5. Delayed Delivery: Online shopping is said to be the fastest mode of shopping. True, but delivery services take donkey years. Buyers have to wait for days (mostly 2-5 days after purchase is made or even longer depending on the location you've ordered it from) before goods are delivered. Thus, delivery service for online shoppers is very poor and most victims are buyers who live outside the commercial hubs of the country. The waiting game may even test your patience if a problem arises. This tends to kill your excitement of shopping. So think twice before placing that order or at best order weeks or days before the needed time for that good. Bottom-line, online shopping is the 'wrongest' (sic) choice when you need a particular good or service ASAP.

The fact that online shopping is widely available simply means that consumers today have more choices available to them than in decades past. Consider your options carefully so you can be sure that you're making wise, informed purchasing decisions that meet your needs and that you feel comfortable with. Online shopping can be a rewarding experience only if you browse reputed websites and shop wisely. Yet, it cannot match the effect that retail therapy has on women. Don’t you agree?

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