Want to engage in a little retail therapy? Thinking of splurging on that stunning piece by an up-and-coming designer? Nowadays, online shopping is what first comes to mind. Gone are the glory days of brick-and-mortar shops; they are no longer the go-to for many young, discerning consumers out there. Let’s face it. Ecommerce is the future, and we should embrace it with open arms. In the true spirit of keeping up with the trends, here’s how to shop online like a pro.
Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal
Whether you are looking to keep it classy with haute couture from Givenchy or stock up on leggings from your favorite athleisure brand, digital shopping platforms have it all. The future of online shopping lies in the hands of the consumer, so take that power and wield it with confidence.
A study published in early 2021 predicted a 20 percent annual digital sales growth throughout the year, with 30 percent in Europe and the US, as compared with the previous year. Even before the pandemic, a large majority of consumers and businesses were actively shifting towards digital platforms and reliance on e-commerce sites. As COVID-19 raged on, there was an even greater rise in online shopping from home due to nationwide lockdowns and consumers’ safety concerns. E-commerce is expected to expand by an additional USD1.4 trillion by 2025 and account for half the growth in the global retail sector.
If you have yet to jump on the bandwagon, what are you waiting for? There are tons of advantages to online shopping. It is convenient, time-saving, and allows you access to a wide pool of options, leaving you spoilt for choice. All it takes are a few simple clicks to cart out. However, as easy as it may seem, there are several ways to be a smart and safe consumer.
Luxury Is in Each Detail
Firstly, do your research. Knowing what brands and online retailers appeal to you is fundamental. What style or concept do you gravitate towards? Are there seasonal pieces or products that catch your eye? What is your budget? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before you begin.
Social media, especially Instagram, is your best friend. Be it a globally recognized label or a small indie business, you are bound to find plenty of reviews and recommendations from fashion bloggers, content creators, or even your friends in the digital space. Take it from those who know a thing or two about fashion—perhaps a “fashion inspiration” or a role model of sorts?
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you might start rethinking your budget, and we can all agree that a good bargain is better than none. Be on the lookout for sales or discount codes by subscribing to brands’ mailing lists or following their social media accounts. Sales are likely to take place on special shopping days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even the brand’s anniversary.
However enticing a discount may seem, you should always take advertising with a pinch of salt. The features of some products may be misrepresented or exaggerated to attract consumers. If something seems too good to be true, you should go with your instincts and do ample research before making a purchase. Quality comes at a price tag, which is cost-effective in the long run. Unusually cheap products are likely to be of inferior quality or unethically manufactured. Quality is one factor you should never compromise on.
Savvy consumers also know how to spot a scam. Beware of untrustworthy sites that ask for personal information beyond your name, address, and credit card details, such as your bank account or social security number. Also, the URL of the website should start with “https” and not just “http”. You can also look for a lock icon in the browser bar to verify that secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption is being used. These measures may be subtle, but they can prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.
Flexibility is key in the world of online shopping. For example, a dress may have slight variations in color due to the different ways it translates on-screen and in person. Hues may also vary from batch to batch. Looking up reviews with photos from fellow customers can help to curb those concerns, but you should still be prepared to adjust your expectations.
It is useful to familiarize yourself with the return policy before you make a purchase. If you end up being disappointed with your order, any information regarding free returns, exchanges, timeframes, and refunds will come in handy. Good and reliable online retailers should also have a detailed FAQ page and point of contact.
Retail is becoming fully integrated into the digital world. With online shopping, you can truly look and feel your best. Go on, you deserve to treat yourself.