feature,
With technology taking over people’s lives, even the simplest things such as shopping had become much easier. Efficiency and speed had become the trend in our generation today. However, the convenience of online shopping isn’t always worth the effort and trouble.
So let’s explore the pros and cons of the online shopping industry in order for you to make an informed decision before clicking the button.
First, let's look at how shopping online can benefit you.
1) APPmazing
One of the main advantages of online shopping is efficiency because, with the help of the internet, you can buy anything with just a click. But it gets better!
Most famous shopping websites such as Lazada, Zalora, and OLX also have their own applications (apps) which can save you time since you don’t have to keep searching and logging in. As long as you have your phone or portable device with you, you’re good to go!
2) Cash me outside, how ‘bout that
The usual payment method for online shopping websites is through credit cards. However, there is also a safer way to pay for your products, the cash-on-delivery (COD) system. This is to ensure that your product is the right one before you pay. Sometimes, putting credit card information puts you at risk for scamming since you don’t know who is at the receiving end. And since technology is improving nowadays, hacking became easier, so picking the COD option is definitely the safest way to pay.
3) Eazy peazy
With online shopping websites, you don’t have to go through hours of walking and selecting to find the product you’re looking for. All you have to do is search for a specific item and results will immediately show up. All items sold are divided into categories so if you aren’t looking for a specific product, you can still scroll through your options. You may also choose what price range fits your budget. Arrange the products from cheapest to most expensive, or from the most popular to the least if you wish to further expand your selection. Adding to the convenience of said websites, you can always arrange the products according to your preference.
4) Communication is key
For online shops that focus on the buy-and-sell system, asking questions about the product is a must. This ensures that what we are buying is worth our money. As buyers, we want extra assurance that the product we are about to purchase is at its best condition and as students with a limited budget, we can also haggle over the price with the seller. But let’s remember to always be polite when talking to people online. After all, what’s a better way to secure a great deal than being nice to the person selling you the product?
Despite these advantages, there are still several reasons why purchasing online is not always the best option:
1) Legit?
Now in online shopping, a lot of products are the real deal, meaning they are branded or they really come from the specific store you are buying from. Websites such as Zalora, Lazada, and Goods.PH are some of the examples of reliable online shops.
However, not everyone in the online shopping business is as trustworthy as you think. There are a lot of people who act as sellers to steal your money when you pay for the “products” you buy because they can hide or alter their identities. These people can also sell fake products for the real price. To avoid being scammed, remember to always be alert before you click that ‘purchase’ button. You can message the seller to confirm legitimacy and to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. You can also avoid being scammed if you opt to buy branded items in physical stores instead of in online shopping websites.
2) I ship them
Since things that you buy online don’t magically appear in front of your doorstep, after you place an order, the products will still be shipped to you via airplanes and trucks. This convenience doesn’t come without a price though.
The shipping fee added to your total makes the product more expensive. Most of the time, your products will be coming from a faraway place and will be delivered by different courier companies. That’s why shipping fees vary per product. The shipping also depends on the size and weight of the product meaning the bigger and heavier it is, the more costly the shipping is going to be. Furthermore, shipping fees effectively limit the kind of products you can buy since you’d always have to be conscious of the price.
3) Delivery is risky
One of the major risks in the online shopping industry is the condition of the products when they arrive. Sometimes, the delivery service doesn’t ensure their safety. Risks such as loss and damage exist in the online shopping world. This problem depends on how good the courier of the website is and sadly, it is completely out of your control.
4) Can’t get enough
As students, when you want to take a break from studying, one of the ways to destress is to look through these apps. While aimlessly scrolling however, a product is bound to catch your eye one way or another and eventually, your finger is going to start itching to press that buy button. Before you know it, you’re checking out, with a fulfilled heart and an empty wallet.
After stating the information you need for online shopping, in the end, it’s still up to you if you pick convenience over the real deal. Just remember though, as students, we should be more mindful of the things we spend on. And by using this guide, you are now well-equipped with the the knowledge you need to become better consumers.//by Nica Desierto and Roan Ticman
Feature: Online Shopping 101
With technology taking over people’s lives, even the simplest things such as shopping had become much easier. Efficiency and speed had become the trend in our generation today. However, the convenience of online shopping isn’t always worth the effort and trouble.
So let’s explore the pros and cons of the online shopping industry in order for you to make an informed decision before clicking the button.
First, let's look at how shopping online can benefit you.
1) APPmazing
 |
| Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
One of the main advantages of online shopping is efficiency because, with the help of the internet, you can buy anything with just a click. But it gets better!
Most famous shopping websites such as Lazada, Zalora, and OLX also have their own applications (apps) which can save you time since you don’t have to keep searching and logging in. As long as you have your phone or portable device with you, you’re good to go!
2) Cash me outside, how ‘bout that
 |
| Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
The usual payment method for online shopping websites is through credit cards. However, there is also a safer way to pay for your products, the cash-on-delivery (COD) system. This is to ensure that your product is the right one before you pay. Sometimes, putting credit card information puts you at risk for scamming since you don’t know who is at the receiving end. And since technology is improving nowadays, hacking became easier, so picking the COD option is definitely the safest way to pay.
3) Eazy peazy
 |
Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
With online shopping websites, you don’t have to go through hours of walking and selecting to find the product you’re looking for. All you have to do is search for a specific item and results will immediately show up. All items sold are divided into categories so if you aren’t looking for a specific product, you can still scroll through your options. You may also choose what price range fits your budget. Arrange the products from cheapest to most expensive, or from the most popular to the least if you wish to further expand your selection. Adding to the convenience of said websites, you can always arrange the products according to your preference.
4) Communication is key
 |
Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
For online shops that focus on the buy-and-sell system, asking questions about the product is a must. This ensures that what we are buying is worth our money. As buyers, we want extra assurance that the product we are about to purchase is at its best condition and as students with a limited budget, we can also haggle over the price with the seller. But let’s remember to always be polite when talking to people online. After all, what’s a better way to secure a great deal than being nice to the person selling you the product?
Despite these advantages, there are still several reasons why purchasing online is not always the best option:
1) Legit?
 |
Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
Now in online shopping, a lot of products are the real deal, meaning they are branded or they really come from the specific store you are buying from. Websites such as Zalora, Lazada, and Goods.PH are some of the examples of reliable online shops.
However, not everyone in the online shopping business is as trustworthy as you think. There are a lot of people who act as sellers to steal your money when you pay for the “products” you buy because they can hide or alter their identities. These people can also sell fake products for the real price. To avoid being scammed, remember to always be alert before you click that ‘purchase’ button. You can message the seller to confirm legitimacy and to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. You can also avoid being scammed if you opt to buy branded items in physical stores instead of in online shopping websites.
2) I ship them
 |
Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
Since things that you buy online don’t magically appear in front of your doorstep, after you place an order, the products will still be shipped to you via airplanes and trucks. This convenience doesn’t come without a price though.
The shipping fee added to your total makes the product more expensive. Most of the time, your products will be coming from a faraway place and will be delivered by different courier companies. That’s why shipping fees vary per product. The shipping also depends on the size and weight of the product meaning the bigger and heavier it is, the more costly the shipping is going to be. Furthermore, shipping fees effectively limit the kind of products you can buy since you’d always have to be conscious of the price.
3) Delivery is risky
 |
Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
One of the major risks in the online shopping industry is the condition of the products when they arrive. Sometimes, the delivery service doesn’t ensure their safety. Risks such as loss and damage exist in the online shopping world. This problem depends on how good the courier of the website is and sadly, it is completely out of your control.
4) Can’t get enough
 |
Photo Credit: Nicole Desierto |
As students, when you want to take a break from studying, one of the ways to destress is to look through these apps. While aimlessly scrolling however, a product is bound to catch your eye one way or another and eventually, your finger is going to start itching to press that buy button. Before you know it, you’re checking out, with a fulfilled heart and an empty wallet.
After stating the information you need for online shopping, in the end, it’s still up to you if you pick convenience over the real deal. Just remember though, as students, we should be more mindful of the things we spend on. And by using this guide, you are now well-equipped with the the knowledge you need to become better consumers.//by Nica Desierto and Roan Ticman
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