The first time I shopped online, it was with the same fears as anyone who has never shopped online has.
Will the product be as good as it looks online?
Will I be cheated out of my money?
Will my Credit Card details be misused?
I had ordered a dress, on a Thursday afternoon, and on Saturday morning I was trying it on at home. It didn’t look like it did online, it looked even better! However, the fit wasn’t right, it was loose. I was concerned about that and contacted the customer care department who guided me on how I could exchange it for a smaller size, and I had the right size in the next 2 days
After this experience, I become an online shopping convert. 8 years down and I can safely say that 90 percent of all my shopping is done online.
The way I shop has changed as has the way Online shopping has.
There are now more shopping options, on various Social Media: While old horses like Myntra and Amazon still rule, newer players are slowly making their presence felt. Ever since the Lockdown, I have done more shopping via Instagram than I have done through the big portals. Visual Social Media like Instagram, Facebook are the ideal platform to lure potential customers with visually appealing pictures and videos.
You can buy directly from manufacturers: I stumbled across the Bulbul and Meesho apps via Instagram. The apps are very raw and basic but the quality and pricing of the display are simply jaw-dropping. Manufacturers sell directly through these apps which is why the pricing is less than half of what you would pay on a regular site. They even have the option where you could upload the picture of the outfit you are looking for and they present various options of the same.
Google Lens: This has become my most used app on my phone. From electronics to shoes to clothes and even gadgets, Google Lens locates it for me and even the varying prices of the same product. It is definitely my shopping partner!
Websites and Apps have evolved: With time the apps, websites, and customer care have evolved. Now each and every detail of what you are looking to buy is listed. Some sites even share similar or alternate options of the same products. Color options displayed help me choose what I like the most. Even the payment options have become more user-friendly. Cash on Delivery (COD) is a savior when you don’t want your credit card bill to list out your online shopping binge! Exchanging or returning something is a super smooth process and you don’t lose even a rupee during both.
Prices: I have always been lucky enough to find great bargains online when compared to the same thing available in the store. When I become a regular shopper with a particular website or app I sign up for a membership. This ensures that I am given a heads-up about sales, discounts, and special offers. Some even give you points for purchases which you could use against a discount.
I love how Online Shopping has changed, becoming safe, easier to use, and more accessible. People are no longer fearful of shopping online. Do you shop online? Which are your favorite sites to shop from?
Written as part of Blogchatter’s campaign #ECommerceInnovation.
I love shopping online on Meesho and from direct manufacture.