In 2020 and more than 2 billion people were doing online shopping, globally.
The number was only 1.66 billion back in 2016. Undoubtedly, more consumers are opting for online shopping. Some of the reasons being the convenience that it provides which saves the consumers’ money as well as time.
If you are someone who acknowledges the need to get online for shopping but is overwhelmed and doesn’t know where to start, today we’ll help you get started with your online shopping journey.
Steps to start online shopping with some pro tips:
- Step 1: Do a basic search: Begin with a search for a product on the search engine (like Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc). For example, type in the search box – ‘buy Nike shoes online.’ The results will show various websites selling that product online. For example, websites like ‘Nike’, ‘Amazon’, etc. Now click on the website you wish to buy from; and you’ll land on a website – specifically the web page of that website – which shows all relevant products (here, Nike shoes in all colors and styles).
If you are more price-conscious, you can use search engines to find price comparison sites like the Price Runner, GoBazzar, Google Shopping, etc., These sites provide you price & review comparisons of a product to find the best deal for the product. Use them to search for the product.
Tip: Choose a website that is trusted and reliable (for example, amazon, noon, etc. are safer choices). Make sure that the website that you open has a URL beginning with ‘https://’ and has a padlock sign beside it.
- Step 2: Find the product you like: Through the search engine link, you’ll land on the web page of the website showing several relevant products. You can also search for the products you want within the search box of the website. From the results, find your perfect product.
Tip: Make sure to read all the details including product description, size chart, return policy, etc. To be doubly sure, go ahead and check out the ratings and reviews for the product. Note that for many eCommerce websites many sellers sell the same/similar product; so check the ratings and reviews of the sellers too.
- Step 3: Add the product to the shopping cart: Websites have a virtual version of your physical shopping cart. Once you find the product you want and select the parameters you want like the desired size, color, etc. You can then add the product to the virtual shopping cart. On the product page itself, you’ll find an ‘Add to Cart’ button. You simply need to click on the button and this way you can add any number of products you want to the cart.
Tip: The consumer reviews will help you understand the fit, the quality, etc. of the product better. Choose the product accordingly and add it to the cart.
- Step 4: Make the purchase: Once you have added all the products to the cart; open the cart by simply clicking on the cart icon on the website (for most websites it can be found somewhere near the right top corner). Or find the ‘Go to cart’ button and click on it. Check all the products and their parameters and prices, shipping prices (if incurred). Then, proceed to ‘Check out.’ You may be asked to provide some basic information t like the email address, shipping address, contact number, etc; and/or register & create an account before the actual purchase. Fill in the information and make ‘payment’. Choose the payment method you are comfortable with – credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, etc. provide all the correct information, and make payment.
Once you are done, you’ll receive an order confirmation email along with your order number and other details. You’ll also be able to track the shipment, packaging, etc. of your product.
Tip: Make sure you use your mobile’s internet while making the payment and not a public network for protection from potential payment scams.
Follow these steps & tips to start your online shopping journey.
