subject: Join The Mob In Africa And Shop Online For Cheap Stuff [print this page] If you are not already shopping online for discounts then you are missing out on joining the world in its new approach to finding cheap stuff. Although online shopping has been around for decades now it has just barely caught on as a standard practice for frugal discount hunters. Now the world is following suit with big companies like Macys who expect to hit $2 billion dollars in online sales this year. A recent survey by MasterCard reveals that online shopping has increased significantly in South Africa, showing that far reaches of the earth are now jumping onboard. What could be changing peoples views on searching the web for products as opposed to traditional brick and mortar stores?
And The Survey Says
Increasing steadily over the past 2 years, South Africans who responded to the survey say they are shopping more and more online. Growing from 44 percent in 2009 to 58 percent this year, online shopping in South Africa is on the rise. Showing the rest of the world is catching on to western ways but why? Obviously the most common reason for using the internet to find products is discounted prices on items people need. Over 93% of those surveyed agreed that lower prices online are a driving force to utilize e-commerce.
Alongside pricing, as customer experience and online payment security becomes more standardized the consumers are flocking to online sales. Yes, the reputation of a website and a user-friendly shopping experience is also creating this buzz. As online retailers learn more about customers needs they tailor their experiences online to accompany these desires, increasing the quality of online shopping and eventually sales.
Online Affecting Offline
Probably the biggest reason for users to change their habits towards shopping online for cheap stuff, aside from lower prices and convenience, is the experience. Not only is it more comfortable to shop the web but you also receive more information at your fingertips. The survey shows that users who shop online and have a good experience, which is most, plan to shop online for their next purchases. Offline stores are now starting to see this trend, changing the way we shop in traditional brick and mortar stores. One example is the multi-billion dollar e-commerce site that Macys has developed. Based on the success of their online sales they are starting to change their stores around as well to mimic the experience. With plans to provide product reviews at kiosks along with do it yourself purchasing options, the offline shopping scape is now evolving to match online experiences.
If you have not purchased cheap stuff online yet you may find yourself changing your view soon. Products like cheap electronics, appliances, jewelry and more are becoming easier to find online at lower prices. All this along with discounted and often free shipping, creates a better user experience. The mobs in South Africa starting to purchase goods online are just a small glimpse of the coming changes we are seeing on the web.
