Some love it, some despise it – online shopping definitely has its advantages, but it would be a lie to state that there aren´t any downsides to it. Ever since the pandemic started, online shopping has been booming, as people are trying to avoid contact to others like it would be the case when going to a store.
Even the biggest skeptics, who actually prefer to try things on or to test them at the store, have begun ordering things online. Not to forget about the many private packages that are sent all over the country to the ones we cannot meet at the moment in order to keep the infection rates down. If you want to have an even better online shopping experience, there are a few things to try.
Using Parcel Live Tracking
Ordering something and then having to wait for the item to arrive can be aggravating. If it´s only for a few days, alright. But if the parcel is delayed and the buyer hasn´t been informed, it´s even more frustrating. Technically, such a delay could mean that the parcel got lost or even stolen on its way from the online stop to the buyer´s address. The worst part about it is the uncertainty: Will the package arrive at last or not? Do I need to order it again? If it will indeed arrive, then when?
The UPS tracking service is a great way of working around that uncertainty. UPS gives out a tracking number to the online shop, which can be passed on to you. In order to get information on the whereabouts of your parcel, simply go to the tracking site and type in the number you received. Within a few seconds, the tracker will give you all the information you need. That way, you´ll know exactly where your ordered item is situated at the moment of your inquiry (live tracking) and when it´s estimated to be at your disposal.
Size Charts
When ordering clothes, shoes or accessories, picking the right size can be tricky – especially when you order at a store that you have no experience with. Even though most of us have seen the size chart link before, many online shoppers don´t use it, which can result in clothes that don´t fit.
The size chart is usually located close to the scroll-down menu that shows you the available sizes. It can help you translate your usual size to other types of size specification. At the same time, a good size chart will tell you if the size of the item tends to fit the way it should or if you should order one size smaller or bigger. That way, you are more likely to receive clothes or shoes that fit you perfectly.
Customer reviews
Many people prefer to buy expensive goods at a local store because there, they can ask the sales person everything about it. Some products can even be tested. Even though most good online shops post an elaborate product description, many potential customers remain unsure whether they can trust that or not. Reading the reviews can help.
Customers are objective about a product and therefore really honest. Go through the customer reviews to see whether there have been problems with the product, with shipping, payment or even with customer support. If so, go buy somewhere else. In order to help others make good choices when shopping online, you, too, should write short reviews on your purchases. State if the item looked like it was supposed to and if it does what it´s supposed to.
Free Returns
If you are unsure about a product you´d like to order, read the terms and conditions. If you can return your parcel without any extra costs, go for it. If not, you can check if that´s possible at another online shop. If you cannot find the item somewhere else, ponder if you´d be willing to pay for the return label.