Shopping Online: The Good, The Bad and The Stressful

Spring is just around the corner and with any new season comes new clothes, new homeware, new electricals and new bargains. It’s about time for a Spring clean, to get rid of any bits we no longer use or need, time to pack away the winter coats, hats and scarves and prepare for the upcoming warmer months.

Whether you’re on the hunt for new garden furniture, a summer wardrobe or black out blinds to keep the kids sleeping in, in this day and age, going into town or a busy shopping mall is no longer a necessity. With just a click of a button, everything you want and need could arrive at your doorstep – in a matter of hours!

There are still many who are skeptical about shopping online, whether they simply prefer traditional methods of shopping or are not entirely trusting of online returns policies and fine print. The thought of having to return a product can be off-putting too. I once tried to arrange a return with Zara, and it was such a nightmare, that I gave up in the end. I’ve still the jumper that doesn’t fit me sat in my wardrobe! So I get why that can put people off. But the benefits of talking through your options over the phone with a retailer to discuss all about returning an item (like do you keep the product in its original packaging, can you exchange it, and how to actually rearrange a delivery, for instance), can be really helpful.

Which is where Contact Numbers UK comes in. They can provide you with all of the numbers for the retailers you need to call, like Very and Amazon for example. Being able to talk through what you need with a ‘real-life’ person, can be the thing that could keep you shopping online, rather than heading into town.

But if you’re sitting on the fence, here are some of the pro’s and con’s of online shopping:

Pros of online shopping:

  • You save time and money that you would use for parking and petrol
  • You can easily compare the prices and find discounts. There are many voucher stores online that have coupons for online shopping, for example, you could check out this site to see what current savings there are to be had with some of the most well-known retailers.
  • There is more variety online
  • You can buy the product at your leisure and convenience, whether you have time to kill on the commute or lying in the comfort of your own bed.
  • You can send gifts without the faff of wrapping, packaging and post offices.
  • You can usually buy the same thing you’ve seen in a local shop for less money
  • Your “Shopping cart” icon will help remind you how much money you’re spending, rather than arriving at the check out and over spending.
  • You avoid strangers and sales people
  • You are under less pressure, as you don’t have to rush around visiting every shop

Cons of online shopping:

  • You can’t see the product physically to determine its quality
  • You can’t try it on so you may be unsure about whether it will fit or suit you
  • You must wait for the product to arrive rather than buying it there and then at the shop
  • There is a possibility for not receiving the order because of wrong address or some other reason
  • You will often need to pay for shipping
  • You are under risk of online fraud

Perhaps people might be more confident about online shopping, knowing that you can call someone to talk through returning an item, and finding out what the terms are; do you have to pay for the return delivery, for example?

We don’t always realise that behind the scenes of a renowned website there are real life people waiting to take your call on the other end of a phone. And of course, there are huge benefits of being able to talk through your options over the phone. Whether you need to organise a delivery, a return or an exchange, the customer service team is accessible to you, which is why using the Contact Numbers UK site can be really handy.

So next time you’re hesitant about taking the plunge online, making a call can often ease your conscience.

Do you like shopping online? I’d love to hear if you’ve had any good or bad experiences when it comes to returning an item!

*post in collaboration with Contact Numbers UK. All opinions are my own.

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