Confessions of an online Shopaholic – 5 reasons to switchover

I look at the screen with wide-eyed wonder. My excitement is palpable and my heart rate is increasing.  I know I am hyperventilating and yet loving every minute of it.

 

Welcome to my world of compulsive online shopping! 

 

I guess there are thousands out there like me who just can’t explain what attracts them to the online shopping sites. It's a feeling one can't just describe in a word. This obsessive compulsive action of checking offers everyday is something I just can't get away from. And though I'm loving every minute of it, my family thinks I got a new-age bug and need to show myself to a shrink. But do they understand? Tsk, tsk.... not at all!

 

“You’re going downright crazy!” –

 ……..warned my husband while signing off the shipment that had arrived. I quickly took the parcel from his hands and began unpacking it.

 

This was 3 months ago. Nowadays, I get nearly 5 parcels per week and my family has now resigned to the fact that they can’t cure me. YES! I’m a confirmed ‘Online Shopaholic’

 

What reasons made me switch over to online shopping? Many….

 

1.   Oh! Those irresistible bargains and deals:
There are so many offers and deals doled out every day that I’m sure the online stores love to keep us so busy! Unlike the End of the season Sale or the festive kinds in the stores, the online stores have really caught the pulse of the target audience.  What’s more is that the continued sales deals and promotions leads to on an average 20-35% more savings than buying from a standalone store.

 

2.   Large comparative platform:
With so many sites offering a range of products; one can so easily compare and buy products with the best deals. However, on the flip side you can get lost for hours in the magical world of online shopping.  

 

3.   Easy – Peasy Payment Options :
With COD (Cash On Delivery) options being offered by most sites, gone are the days of making payment by credit cards and paypal.  Even secure payment through internet banking makes it an enjoyable experience.

 

4.  Real-time updates:
Updates through emails and mobile messages are a boon for shopaholics. We get to know when to grab the best deals. Info about the upcoming deals and products are also a nice way to keep us hooked!

 

5.   Coupons and Redemption  Offers that actually work: 
The point accumulation process is a passé. After all, who will go through the boring 1 point at a time system? With coupons and promotion codes it is much better to have the benefit of good savings rather than wait indefinitely for the points to get credited. 

 

As an online shopaholic I’ve come to an understanding that some sites are more sought after for a particular product over others and you too can take advantage of. As an example, Myntra has good range for fashion and lifestyle products, Ajio is also another significant player in the fashion,  Flipkart  is frequented for a wide range of products including fashion, electronics, home appliances, books, and more, Amazon has a vast selection of products across numerous categories, Tata Cliq the e-commerce platform from the Tata Group, offers a mix of domestic and international brands across fashion, electronics, home goods, and more, Zivame for lingerie and Pepperfry for furniture as well as Home Centre for decor and kitchen essentials 

 

(This is just an indicative list of online sites for reference)