New technologies and
ways of buying and selling are transforming to the lives of consumers. To what
extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
My essay:
The
internet has undoubtedly changed the way people shop. In some countries, buying
and selling products online has become commonplace. Enthusiasts claim that the
internet offers consumers greater choice and flexibility. However, those who
say that the internet is transforming the lives of consumers are going too far.
Firstly, although online shopping appears to offer greater convenience,
it is often rather risky and cumbersome in practice. Consumers can not evaluate
the quality of online products by handing them directly. Instead, they must
rely on sellers to describe goods accurately in word and/or pictures. Mistakes can
easily be made, leading to the inconvenience of having to exchange goods or
seek a refund. Products bought online also normally need to be delivered by
post. The convenience of online shopping thus hinges in part on the efficiency
of the postal service.
Secondly, in spite of the promise of lower prices, internet shopping
seldom offers substantial savings. A competitive marketplace ensures that large
price differentials rapidly disappear as suppliers align themselves with one
another. Also, the cost of postage is normally borne by the buyer. A product
that appears to be a bargain on screen often turns out to be no cheaper than
the same product bought in a shop. Not surprisingly, only one in ten purchases
in the UK are made online.
For
these reasons, internet shopping is likely to remain a minority pursuit. The
continuing popularity of shopping in the traditional way suggests that
consumers continue to value its advantages: the opportunity to sample, compare
and buy products in a real as opposed to a virtual space.