Shopping in a traditional manner
If I had to buy, let’s say an iPad, I would visit the official store. First of all, I would take a closer look at the product, revising it carefully, if it feels right and if it meets my needs. Then I would ask for the price if they have a discount or any sale upcoming or payment plan. If everything meets my requirements I would buy the item. On the other hand, if there weren’t any official stores around the place I live in, I would visit three different department stores, preferably where they have the product of my interest displayed, also I would ask about the price and/or payment plan or discounts and availability. I must mention that cost is an important aspect to make a decision on where to buy the item. All of this process would take about 1 or 2 days at most.
Advantages
-You can see, feel, check the product to dissipate any doubts, there are people willing to answer any question and help to make a better choice. Get the product at the same moment you are paying for it and if you want to you can use/wear it immediately.
Disadvantages
If they are out of stock of the item of your interest, there is a chance you will have to wait a long time for it, although it could happen the store won’t have the product available again. The offers are not as wide as on the web sites.
Shopping on the web or via a mobile app
It is almost the same as shopping in a traditional manner, the greater differences are that there are more virtual places/shops online to compare prices and availability and sometimes they have great offers, because of the competition. Generally, the items are cheaper than a department store.
This process could take about a week, especially if you are waiting for a specific offer.
Advantages
There are lots of options, lots of different online stores, that increase the chances to get a good offer or an item with better characteristics at the same price; if you don’t find availability in one web you can find it in another in no time.
There is no need to leave your house or put on pause your busy schedule, as you will receive the item at your door.
Disadvantages
You can’t check the product given they only display a few pictures of it and a brief description, there is no one to answer your doubts about the item, basically, the decision relies on your research and recommendations of the product.
After making your purchase, you will have to wait a few days to receive your item at home or the workplace. Sometimes happens the store confuses your order sending a different product or other with different characteristics, resulting in having to return the item and wait days to get what you order in the first place.
Explanation:
Which did I prefer and why?
Considering the advances in technology, I prefer to shop online, there I can find what I'm looking for and of course, they have a great offers, too. Besides, with day to day occupations I barely have time to go to a department store, so is easier to access using a computer or an app on the smartphone.
