An increasingly popular form of shopping is that without having to leave home. The Internet is teeming with newly established e-stores that offer the same goods as their stationary counterparts. This solution has both advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to take a look at them!
For several years now, the Internet has not only been a place for people to communicate and obtain information. To a large extent, it has become a space for shopping. It is undeniably a very convenient way of buying and selling a variety of products. This has also been recognised by many companies, which are opening more and more e-stores. 
Advantages of buying from an online shop
There is no denying that there are a lot of benefits to shopping online. They would not have become so popular without reason. Some of the advantages include:
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Favourable price
When we talk about online shopping, the first thing that comes to mind is the lower cost of . This is the reality. Companies that have taken their business online usually offer very favourable prices - much more attractive than those we find stationary. By shopping online, we are able to buy more while paying much less.
This is very beneficial, especially for people who need to purchase items in large quantities. It especially pays off when the shipping cost is incurred only once. Such an offer encourages the purchase of more goods, which benefits not only the customer, but also the seller.
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Availability of goods
There is everything we need on the Internet. Online shops try to adapt their offerings to their customers' requirements. As a result, we do not have to search for a long time for the products we have decided to buy - unlike in stationary shops, where we have to sink into a maze of shelves.
With search also comes product availability. On the Internet, usually the items purchased are available off-the-shelf - which cannot be said of their stationary counterparts. Sometimes the search in a shop is unsuccessful. The advantage of e-stores is that we have much more room for manoeuvre. A single search term allows us to search through all the results for our desired product. This gives us the opportunity to compare prices and check in which e-shop the item is currently available.
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Shopping without leaving home
Being able to avoid queues and crowded shopping centres is certainly a major advantage of online shopping . Interestingly, it works well not only during sales or Christmas peaks. We can buy products while sitting on the sofa and sipping tea. This is an excellent solution, especially for those who do not like shopping frenzy or cannot afford it due to lack of time.
With not having to leave the house to go shopping also comes the possibility of ordering things delivered by courier. Door-to-door delivery is a very advantageous solution, especially as we can return the goods in exactly the same way if they do not suit us. Ordering products to a parcel machine and picking them up at your leisure is also a convenient option. 
Disadvantages of e-commerce
While it might seem that online shopping is an amazing invention, avoiding queues, crowds and having to spend several hours in the shopping centre, it also has its drawbacks.
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Blind purchase
The biggest disadvantage of e-shopping is buying blind. This means that you often don't know what the items you are buying look like and where they are actually being sent from (or if they are being sent at all). Usually tempted by a low price, we do not think about such things. However, it is a good idea to read reviews about the company or seller before deciding to buy. As an extra precaution, order a parcel courier with the option of payment on delivery.
When buying blind, you also have to accept the fact that not everything will fit - this is especially true of clothing and accessories. Goods that arrive damaged also become a problem. Although there is usually the option of a return or a claim, you will have to wait a while to get your money back.
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Internet scammers
When buying online, we do not know who is on the other side - especially in the case of small shops that do not have stationary counterparts. Every auction and website should be thoroughly checked before purchases are funded. This can be done by using the KRS number or the company reviews found on the Internet.
To avoid being scammed, it is a good idea to order items with personal collection or cash on delivery. This allows you to open the package in front of the courier, check its contents and, if necessary, send the package back to the sender without paying a fee.
Advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce
Online shopping has many advantages not only for buyers, but also for sellers. In this way, businesses can reach a larger audience. In order to buy safely, you have to be careful and act sensibly - this will protect you from dishonest sellers.
Although it might seem that the cost of a parcel and waiting for it can be put into the disadvantage column, it is worth taking a look at the offer of InPost, which carries out orders for, among others, Allegro. 95 per cent of our parcels arrive the very next day! If you run an Internet shop, you may also be interested in Subscriptions for Companies, thanks to which you will save on deliveries! Check out our offer for companies and choose a subscription tailored to your e-commerce needs".
