The rapid development of information technologies (in particular, the Internet) has revolutionized practically every sphere of our activity. Online shopping is a relatively new phenomenon but its influence on our lifestyle has already become noticeable; a vast variety of commodities are now readily available on the Web, consumers can purchase goods or services without having to leave their apartment, which was impossible ten or fifteen years ago. For some people, online shopping has even become an inseparable part of daily activity.
While discussing electronic commerce, it is necessary to mention such companies as eBay. It sells equipment, appliances, vehicles, décor, and other products. To some extent, this company acts as a mediator between the manufacturer (or seller) and the customer but its role cannot be limited only to mediation, eBay also performs the function of the advertiser, promoting goods or services into the market.
The question arises why it has recently become so popular. The increasing tendency to purchase commodities on the Web can be ascribed to several reasons. First, online shopping is very convenient for the prospective buyer; he or she can purchase goods at his or her convenience because such websites work practically round-the-clock. Another factor is the choice of goods that online shops offer, for instance, if one enters eBays official website, he or she will be stunned by the range of products that can be purchased: cell phones, musical instruments, furniture, cosmetics, etc. This list can be easily continued but there is no need to enumerate every item. There are very few super or even hypermarkets, which can excel online shops in this respect. In addition to that, in the virtual shop, the customer does not have to spend so much time looking for the particular item that he or she intends to buy because already existing searching software simplifies this procedure.
However, the most powerful stimulus is the low prices, which are offered by online shops. In the overwhelming majority of cases, electronic stores practically do not spend money on utilities, rent, or personnel thus, they can pursue a low price policy, which gives them an advantage over other shops.
It stands to reason that every phenomenon has its advantages and disadvantages, electronic commerce is not an exception to this rule. Every customer is concerned with the problem of return, for example, if the product is damaged or not of merchantable quality. Naturally, such companies as eBay ensure that customers rights are protected but there are cases when buyers file lawsuits against online sellers. Moreover, while purchasing a product, the customer cannot be sure of the products quality or its functionality because he or she cannot consult with a shop assistant.
eBay is often subjected to criticism for the high number of fraud cases. It is very widespread when sellers who have already received payment or prepayment, do not deliver the product or deliver it much later than the deadline. It is worth mentioning that eBay does not provide insurance to its clients. Only if the payment is made through Pay Pal the buyer can be refunded.
Among other drawbacks of online shopping, one can also single out the problem of privacy. Customers are disinclined to provide personal information about themselves; they usually argue that security systems still leave much to be desired. Therefore, so many people still give preference to usual stores. Their concerns are quite understandable because the cases of credit card fraud are very numerous. Apart from that, customers cannot use cash while shopping online and that prompts many of them to go to conventional stores.
If a person intends to use eBay or any other online shopping service, he or she has to possess certain PC and searching skills. Elderly people are reluctant to purchase products on the Web because they still view the Internet with apprehension. The developers of search engines try to simplify the process of search in every way possible but this is not enough, because the vast majority of elderly people still feel very uncomfortable in virtual shops.
As it has been pointed out earlier, electronic commerce has immensely affected our lifestyle, and namely the way people communicate with each other. For instance, people tend to make acquaintances or social contacts with each other while doing shopping in conventional stores, whereas online shoppers usually prefer forums or chats, where they may discuss products or services. Nevertheless, such a form of interaction cannot be compared to personal contact, especially oral communication. Certainly, these services are designed for people who cannot afford to spend much time in stores or supermarkets but it seems that online shoppers tend to be separate from each other.
Thus, having analyzed the phenomenon of online shopping, we can arrive at the following conclusions: first, electronic commerce gives new opportunities to the customers, particularly, the choice of goods and low prices. Secondly, it is very convenient for those who cannot spend much time in-store or in supermarkets. Among the disadvantages of eBay shopping, we should first emphasize the danger of fraud and security risks. As regards its influence on the process of communication, we can observe that people using electronic shopping services make less social contacts than conventional shoppers do.