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The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
DECEMBER 7, 1998:
- Credit and Debit Cards: You need a card to shop online, but it doesn't have to
be a credit card. Most banks offer debit cards with the Visa name that are accepted
like a credit card but work just like a check. If you have a checking account, you
can shop online.
- Convenience: Online shopping can be much faster and easier than schlepping out
to the mall, but slow connections, busy Web sites, and user inexperience can all
slow you down to a crawl. You can't take your purchase home with you, but online
retailers offer a variety of shipping options. Some also offer gift wrapping and
guaranteed holiday delivery.
- Price: You can find great deals online. You can also comparison shop without
leaving the house. You will pay shipping and handling, but there is no sales tax
on Web purchases.
- Inventory: It is often possible to find high-demand items online that are not
available at local retailers. But individual online retailers may carry a more limited
inventory than their retail counterparts.
- Security: With a little common sense, shopping online is at least as safe as
traditional shopping. Use a browser with 128-bit encryption, purchase only through
secure sites, and know with whom you are doing business.
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