The development in technology has impacted on the consumer and their behaviour in both positive and negative ways.
Positive impacts of buying online 1. Consumer protection agencies: The consumer can research their rights online. All of the consumer help agencies have websites to help the consumer.
2. Convenient: It is easier for the consumer to shop online from their home than to visit shops. During the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses had to adapt and sell more online.
3. Payment: Consumers can pay with their phone or tap their card. This is called contactless payment. It makes buying more efficient.
4. Time: Shops online do not close and so shopping is now 24/7, 365 days a year.
5. Costs: Technological advances have made the production of goods cheaper. The consumer benefits as a result. Negative of buying online
1. Safety: The consumer is always at risk when shopping online due to tracing, cyber security and payment details.
2. Environment: Delivery packaging and emissions from delivery vans have a negative impact on the environment (sustainability).
3. Returns: Returning packages can be difficult or expensive. Consumers need to be aware that the image they see online may look different in reality. It is more difficult to buy online when you cannot see or try on the product.
4. Unemployment: Technology has reduced the number of workers, salespersons, etc.
Technology has many benefits for the consumer, from online clothes shopping and cheaper air travel booking options. However, there are also positive impacts from the business’s perspective.
• No need for a high-street shop – consumers can buy online.
• One global market can be reached – decreases marketing costs.
• Sales 24/7, 365 days a year. EXAM PREPARATION!
State ‘buying online’. Explain the term using examples. Apply it to another unit.
P. 99
Go to page 99 in the activity book and practise questions on buying online.
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Negative impacts can also be called ‘challenges’ or ‘drawbacks’.
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Positive impacts can also be called ‘benefits’ or ‘rewards’.