Top Disadvantages of Online Shopping
The advantages of online shopping are clear—whether it’s the convenience, ease, or availability of online coupons and discounts, there are plenty of reasons people buy things online.
As an ecommerce business, offering your buyers the perks of online shopping helps to attract them to your store. But if you’re looking to succeed, the flip side of the coin must also be considered. As easy as online shopping may be, shortcomings remain. Knowing what these are is a first step to overcoming them and, hopefully, removing a barrier to sales.
This begs the question—what are the disadvantages of online shopping?
Ecommerce disadvantages: Top eight
|
Disadvantage of online shopping |
Percentage of respondents who say it’s a disadvantage of ecommerce |
|
1. No opportunity to touch/feel products |
46% |
|
2. Can't be sure of the quality |
45% |
|
3. Returns can be complicated |
34% |
|
4. Shipping problems/delays |
32% |
|
5. Risk of fraud |
31% |
|
6. Does not support local retailers |
23% |
|
7. Bad for the environment |
16% |
|
8. No sales assistance/the shopping experience isn't as good |
13% |
Cons of online shopping
1. Can’t touch/feel products (46%)
According to a recent survey, not being able to physically inspect and touch products before purchasing them tops the list of the disadvantages of online shopping. As many as 46% of consumers surveyed say this is a drawback of purchasing items online. This sensory gap often makes it difficult to assess the true quality, texture, and fit of products, leading to buyer hesitation and dissatisfaction.
2. Unsure of the quality (45%)
The second biggest disadvantage of online shopping is somewhat related to the first. 45% of consumers say that buying products online poses a problem when they cannot be sure of the quality of the items they’re acquiring. Without the ability to examine items firsthand, shoppers must rely on descriptions, reviews, and images, which may not always provide an accurate representation.
3. Complicated returns process (34%)
The logistics of returning products can be cumbersome, with 34% of respondents citing it as a disadvantage of online shopping. Complicated return processes, restocking fees, and delays in receiving refunds contribute to consumer frustration. This complexity often discourages customers from making future purchases, especially if the return experience is poor.
4. Shipping problems (32%)
Shipping issues rank high on the list of online shopping problems, with 32% of consumers highlighting this concern. Delays, lost packages, and high shipping costs can mar the online shopping experience. Additionally, the anticipation of receiving a product can be dampened by these logistical hurdles, leading to dissatisfaction.
5. Fraud risk (31%)
Given the increase in ecommerce fraud in recent years, it’s no surprise that digital scams also rank among the top disadvantages of online shopping. According to the survey, 31% of shoppers see fraud as a disadvantage of online shopping. Scammers may create fake websites or ads, tricking consumers into purchasing non-existent products. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to use credit cards for online transactions and avoid sellers who only accept money transfers or cryptocurrencies.
6. Does not support local retailers (23%)
Many digital buyers also have a preference for purchasing from local retailers. Nearly one in four buyers (23%) lament the inability to support local businesses through online shopping. Many consumers prefer to contribute to their local economy and feel that ecommerce often sidelines small, local retailers. This disconnection can lead to a preference for in-store shopping where local support is more evident.
7. Bad for the environment (16%)
The environmental impact of online shopping is a concern for 16% of respondents. Packaging waste, carbon emissions from deliveries, and the environmental cost of returns contribute to this negative perception. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the ecological footprint of their purchases and seek more sustainable shopping options.
8. No sales assistance/the shopping experience isn't as good (13%)
Completing the list of the top ecommerce disadvantages is the experience. About 13% of shoppers express disappointment with the online shopping experience, particularly the lack of immediate sales assistance. Unlike in physical stores, online shoppers do not have access to real-time help from sales associates, which can make it harder to make informed purchasing decisions.
Top disadvantages of ecommerce: summary
While online shopping offers many advantages, it is important to acknowledge and address its disadvantages. By understanding these challenges and implementing effective solutions, ecommerce businesses can enhance the online shopping experience and build greater consumer trust.
Of the eight biggest disadvantages of online shopping, three are related to the absence of physical contact, two are related to logistics, and the remaining pertain to social, environmental, and fraud issues.