by Akua Hinds

Created on: March 22, 2010

Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I never even imagined that purchasing products could be done from the comfort of your own home.  Stores and malls were havens to me because they were places I could go and dream about owning all of the beautiful things I saw or things I wish I had created myself to sell to others.  Fast forward to the 21st century and brick-and-mortar stores are still successful and operational but online stores have quickly risen in popularity and online retailers have become the purchasing way of choice for many consumers around the world.  Although some people feel distrustful of paying for goods and services using the internet, eventually, online shopping will overtake traditional shopping at brick-and-mortar businesses. 

Before the internet existed, many jobs involving sales were very restricted to office buildings and usually only experienced people called the shots.  Now with the internet being such a helpful tool, the problem of proximity exists no longer because there are no borders for most shopping done online.  High school students can sell clothes and other items on eBay without needing a sales degree to get started.  All that is needed is a good digital camera and a knack for writing good ad listings.   Thanks to companies like eBay, the average Joe or Jane can start their own businesses and sell products they’ve either created themselves, received as gifts, or no longer wish to keep.  A woman living in Minnesota who is a very talented knitter can use the internet to sell sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves that she created to a man living in the south of France.  Once the money is exchanged through wiring money into an account, the goods can be shipped and trust between the buyer and seller is established.  One person’s trash is another man’s fortune and selling and buying items on eBay is a great way for two different people to get what they want. 

The convenience factor is another reason why so many people prefer shopping online.  Shopping malls can be crowded and noisy and for folks who know exactly what they want and desire peace and quiet while shopping, online retailers are a better choice for them.  Shopping online doesn’t even require you to change your clothes or brush your hair- you can shop as you are.  Not having to deal with sales reps who act condescendingly towards customers or reps who apply pressure sales tactics are more valid reasons why online shopping simply works better for many people.  The most annoying sales tactic online shoppers will have to deal with is the occasional pop-up ad for online discount specials.  Online store-fronts have helped create new jobs and strengthen the economy and more consumers benefit from having access to online stores than not having access to them. 

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