Alongside sunny glimpses of spring, March also marked one year since the first UK lockdown. 2020 was the year that working from home became the norm, and many of us noticed a significant shift in our online behaviour. Most notably, more people started shopping online.
With fewer opportunities to browse shops on our lunch breaks, or spend weekends visiting hidden gems, it’s understandable that consumers turned to Amazon to fill the void. After all, who can resist the speedy delivery that Prime dangles in front of us?
It’s safe to say that there are a number of pros to being an Amazon shopper. However, do the benefits outweigh the cons? Or is it time to consider the alternatives? Read on as we explore the pros and cons of this fast-paced way of life.
The Pros of Amazon Shopping
1 – Amazon orders arrive quickly
So, you’re curled up in bed and realise you’ve forgotten to buy that one little item on your shopping list; going back to the shop doesn’t look too appealing, does it?
In these moments, it’s easy to take comfort in ordering on Amazon, knowing you can expect your delivery as soon as the next morning.
2 – The shopping process is easy
Some websites make the shopping process so complicated, that by the time it comes to paying, you’ve had second thoughts about your pay day splurge.
But not with Amazon. Whether you’re using the app or the website, Amazon’s check out process is slick, simple and easy to navigate, making the overall experience feel stress-free. A stark contrast to long queues and fumbling around for change!
3 – You know where your order is
Gone are the days of wondering when or if your parcel would ever appear on the doorstep. With Amazon, you can track your order with ease, and rest assured that it will arrive on your chosen day to fit around your schedule.
The Cons of Amazon Compared to Alternatives
- 1 – It’s easy to overspend and impulse buy
With the adrenaline rush of online shopping, it’s all too easy to overspend on items (with little value) at the tap of a button. It may feel good in the moment, but every impulse buy adds up!
While browsing shops at a slower pace, taking time to consider and compare other retailers, we have time to decide whether we really need that gadget that we’ve never heard of. You may also find that by comparing other online shops, you find better value for money and items with more longevity.
- 2 – You can’t always trust in the quality
When it comes to quality, it’s safe to say that online shopping can be very hit and miss. What was advertised as the perfect piece of clothing can often arrive in a completely different colour, or a thin, low quality fabric. Not to mention, ordering fragile items that arrive already damaged.
In contrast, independent shops often sell higher quality items that are handmade or locally sourced, and in most cases, they share the important details about their business, including their ethics and who they are. Most importantly, you can place trust in the individuals behind the business and make better choices about what you buy.
- 3 – You may order more than you need
Amazon is heavily invested in UX design, ensuring that as customers, we find what we need easily, and are encouraged to buy more than we really need. This is a factor worth considering, particularly if you have your own website and are hoping to boost your customers and sales.
Ultimately, Amazon doesn’t necessarily have the best products, or the best value for money. What Amazon does have, is a seamless UX design to learn from. It’s evident from Amazon’s successes that a strong website or app can make or break a business. With that in mind, it may be worth considering giving your website a revamp, or investing in an app.
- 4 – Local shops offer something completely unique
Last but not least, there’s a magic to shopping locally and browsing independents; whether it’s a candle’s homemade charm, the friendly service you experience, or the personalised gift wrapping, there’s a homely warmth to shopping independently, knowing that you’ve given back to your community.
Although it’s easy to be swept away by the perks of big retailers, we think it’s well worth taking a step back and reconsidering where you do your online shopping. That way, you’ll still feel the satisfaction of an impulse buy, but can bask in the fuzzy feeling of knowing your delivery will be worth it.
