India has seen a rapid increase in online shopping especially since the post Covid era, but offline shopping or the traditional shopping way still has a very strong hold among the shopping market.
The decision of shopping through whichever mode should accompany with the priority, convenience, and need of the shopping at times.
| Parameter | Data |
| People preferring offline shopping | 54% |
| People preferring online shopping (Post Covid time) | More than 70% (post Covid time) |
| People preferring online shopping (current time) | 35% (specially during sales) |
| Growth rate of online shopping | 26% |
| Growth rate of online shopping | – |
| People preferring both | Over 60% |
6 Key Difference Between Offline Shopping Vs Online Shopping
- Convenience & Accessibility
- Availability & Experience
- Space & Gratification
- Experience & Interaction
- Price Dynamics
- Returns & Exchanges
(A) Convenience & Accessibility
Offline Shopping – The tactile experience of offline shopping offers various benefits like immediate access to a range of products, allowing customers to see, try & touch any product before purchase. Apart from the significant rise of online shopping, the offline traditional shopping method still holds its grounds.
Offline shopping method offers you access to a large number of shops, negotiate the price, to see many ranges of products, and more. For some, being physically present in a store and shop is the trustworthy form of shopping.
Online Shopping – This shopping method allows to shop anytime and from anywhere, according to the convenience. This provides access to customers to browse, purchase, compare, view reviews about any product from the comfort of their home, and that is available 24/7. This online shopping is like a virtual round to shopping stores for products that match your preferences.
(B) Availability
Offline Shopping – Though confined by space, this shopping method offers the experience of being physically present in the market and shop. Provides immediate access to a diverse range of products and shops. One of the major benefits that very well differentiate it from online shopping is that you can walk out of any store immediately after making your purchases, without any shipping charges or waiting for the product to be delivered.
Online Shopping – One of the supreme benefits that online shopping offers. This shopping method transforms the shopping experience of a once limited marketplace into an all time available digital experience. These online stores are available and accessible anytime and anywhere, i.e. 24×7. Online shopping provides access and makes available products from many shopping sites, that provides you a good choice to choose from.
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(C) Space & Gratification
Offline Shopping – Offline shopping allows consumers to get into the details of every product in-depth and to know about it all until it becomes satisfactory in a physically confined space, where they can directly engage in a conversation with the retailer or the sales person for the product specifications and range. The immediate purchase provides an instant gratification to the consumers, as they can take their product after making a purchase and don’t have to wait for it to get delivered.
Online Shopping – The space in online shopping is not confined to any store, instead it provides a virtual platform to explore the online shopping dimensions, avoiding the crowd of being in a physical store. Customers can navigate through a pool of products, domains, categories, brands, websites, etc. This online shopping game offers access to store space in a digital world. However, instant gratification can be a challenge in online shopping, although it does provide doorstep delivery, but for that you have to wait too.
(D) Experience & Interaction
Offline Shopping – This shopping method excels in providing real-time interaction with shopkeepers, retailers, staff, etc. and can help in better buying decision making process for the product. Provides a perfect platform that facilitates the ability to seek advice, share opinions, and engage in conversations that can help you get a better shopping experience.
Online Shopping – Interaction and shopping experience in online shopping comprises the reviews, recommendations, opinions, ratings, etc. This shopping method avoids social interaction with the shopkeepers or the retailers, instead they use reviews, opinions, customer satisfaction comments, etc. on their website with the product to provide more insights into the product range.
(E) Price Dynamics
Offline Shopping – Offers a different price dynamic, as not all the physical stores offer cost-effective pricing. Instead, some shopkeepers offer seasonal deals, unique in-stores offers, discount ranges, etc. in the competitive price landscape of the market. They also incorporate some loyalty programs, special offers, promotions, membership for specific periods, etc. that can help in pocket savings. The face-to-face interaction with the shopkeeper helps in negotiating prices better.
Online Shopping – There are multiple websites that offer online shopping best deals with cost-effective prices. The competitive landscape of online shopping is the outcome of reduced overhead costs and the ability to see and choose from vast digital places. This digital realm has become a playground for shoppers who are conscious about price, and look for discounts and offers often.
(F) Returns & Exchanges
Offline Shopping – The replacement or exchange can be done immediately as it’ll involve direct interaction with the store or the shopkeeper. The return and exchange policy may vary according to the store policy and they do have specific timings that are made for the return and exchange of products. In this shopping method the customer can discuss directly with the shopkeeper about the problem or the issue they are having with the product.
Online Shopping – This shopping method offers convenient return of products or goods, as people don’t need to go to the store to return it. The policies may vary according to the website. This ability of shipping products back without leaving the house contributes to more online buying behavior. This return and exchange window offers a user-friendly interface where customers can return the product and state the reason and can ask for an exchange.
Summing Up
In the ever-evolving landscape, customers prefer involving both the styles of shopping, either online or offline. Both the shopping ways offer unique advantages and features that will make your shopping experience a memorable one.
Online shopping provides a cost-effective landscape with convenience and all time availability within the pocket. While the offline shopping method thrives a well determined combination of having and seeing the product in hand and interacting directly with the shopkeeper or the store staff.
