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The increasing trends of online shopping

Paper Type: Free Essay Subject: Marketing
Wordcount: 3742 words Published: 1st Jan 2015

Reference this

“Whoever said money can’t buy you happiness, Simply don’t know where to go shopping.”Bo Derek

Whether we like it or not, the Internet and World Wide Web are increasingly becoming a focal point in American life. Computer ownership is rapidly becoming the norm. An increasing number of the population has a personal computer (PC) at home. Beyond ownership, most PC users are going “online” with new, interactive media channels along the Web. The American Internet/online community is now estimated to be about one-third of the adult population. Even more astounding, this population has doubled over the years. There are many companies which are going online so that they can use their web page for images-oriented purpose to provide product information and used it as a medium to directly interact with consumer. Bargains are what drive the largest percentage of online purchaser; they shop to get better deal online then on store.

Leaders in online shopping

Amazon.com

AOL inStore

Become.com

BizRate.com

Brilliant Shopper

Buy Safe Shopping

Cairo

CNET Shopper.com

Commission Junction

Deal Time

eBay.com

Epinions

FindGift.com

Froogle

Link Share

MSN Shopping

mySimon.com

NexTag

PriceGrabber.com

Price Runner

SHOP.COM

Shopping.com

ShopWiki

Shopzilla

Smarter.com

View Score

Yahoo! Shopping

The Process of online Shopping.

Online Shopping

Admin Detail

User Detail

Services Services

Request Request

For Data For Data

SHOPPING

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE

This study follows a general approach to find the increasing trends of online shopping, first analyzing the survey on online shopping, followed by the research on online shopping industry , and finally customers and vendor increasing number.

It tries to find which reason has made public to buy good online then the traditional shopping.

The first part of the studies tries to identify the trends of online shopping, finding the root cause why public switch from traditional shopping to online shopping

The second part of the study is trying to find the reason why many people switch over for online shopping.

I intend to present a case study about the increasing trends of online shopping The overall objective of this study is to examine the reasons why people have started to use online shopping on large extent. My study manly includes to find the reason and to come to a conclusion that made people to buy online on such a large extent.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Although it is already a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, electronic commerce is still in its infancy, having only advanced beyond the days of small entrepreneurs and fly-by-night retail operations. The small amount of research that has been done on the topic is primarily descriptive in nature, focusing on the growth of electronic commerce and forecasting its future potential.

One of the major benefits of online shopping is the availability of information about products and services, which reduces uncertainty in the purchase decision process This characteristic is evident throughout the World Wide Web. For example, travel sites like The Trip allow potential customers to research flight alternatives and make fare comparisons, as well as read hotel reviews and check rates on accommodations.

Security matters certainly constitute a continuing problem for electronic merchants. One recent survey of information professionals indicated that about 60% of electronic commerce sites on the Web reported at least one or more security breaches during a one year period encompassing 1997 and 1998. Equally disturbing, 12% experienced theft of data or trade secrets, three times the number for companies not selling products via the Web. The New York Times reports that many Internet users and even security experts are concerned enough about Internet crime and potential violations of personal privacy that they would rather “auction off their firstborn child than use a credit card to buy something on the Web” (Kelley, 1998).

LIMITATIONS OF STUDY

The survey used in this study is restricted to limited number of sample when compared to the population as a whole and thus might tend to be a biased estimator of the population. Moreover, although the scope of the study applies to all the industries and their subsets, my research and findings will be limited to a particular industry (Electronics, Travel Arrangements, Books) However, the findings and the recommendations might be applicable to all the industries in general with some customized work steps.

Also, the research and analysis is performed based on the publically available information and thus might be restricted to a very high level analysis. Although, a thorough analysis can be performed based on publically available information and that will actually help to perform the next level analysis to find the answer. Thus my study would be restricted to analyzing the current trend for people shopping online.

CHAPTER II

COLLECTION OF DATA

THE SUBJECT

For the first part of the analysis which involves identifying the trends and reason for public shopping online, the people participating in the survey are a mixed group of people from all the different field.

The mixed breed has been used as a sample for a specific reason so as to avoid feedback from people of same background. Views and comments from a varied class and different age groups will help to develop a diverse response structure.

A sample group of people were surveyed in the age group stretching from 20 – 40 years. All these people provided an unbiased view on the current online shopping trend.

THE MATERIALS

The study was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of a survey which involved interviewing a group of people on a questionnaire (30 questions) designed to analyze the trend to shop online. The sample mostly had a choice of answering the questions as follows:

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

The second part of the study involved analyzing the data collected and finding some relevant data and information on internet regarding the trends to shop online.

THE PROCEDURE

The questionnaire was distributed to the sample group with the instructions on how to complete the survey. The results of the questions were given a score in the following way:

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

The problem scoring the maximum score based on the results was actually the one considered to be the actual reason for people going online then on road to shop. Based on this result, the second part of the analysis was conducted.

The second part of the analysis involved collecting relevant data and information on the topic.

THE SURVEY

PERSONAL DATA

Please fill out the personal data before the main questionnaire:

Gender

Male

Female

Age _______

Nationality _____________

Occupation _____________

Geographical presence _____________

Income

$0 – $40,000

$40,001 -$100,000

$100,001 -more

MAIN QUESTIONNAIRE

Section 1: ISSUE

The online shopping industry has been significantly grown in recent years?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you think online shopping is more convenient than traditional shopping?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Most of the products are been available online? Do you agree with this?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you think there is any problem or inconvenience while online shopping?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you think customer’s payment pattern is simple in online shopping?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you trust the available accuracy of the product or information given?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Are shipping charges frustrating you the most while shopping online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you think that service provided while shipping of the product for delivery is satisfactory?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Are you satisfied with the product which has been shopped online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you feel that shopping online can find goods that are not available in stores?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Section 2: VALUE FOR MONEY

Do you think you get the best deal online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you shop online to avoid sales tax?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you research before shopping online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

You shop online only because you don’t have time to shop?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

You don’t trust the best deal is available online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you find it difficult to return back the product you have shopped online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you feel benefit of online shopping is that products can be shopped 24/7?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Does the product availability is always there when you go online too shopped?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you feel that you can compare more products and prices easily online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you feel that if you are shopping clothes online u can’t try them before buying?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Section 3: HABBITS

Do you feel unsecure to give your personal information online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you feel unsecure to give your credit card information online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Are you a bargain shopper?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Are you a die-hard internet shopper?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Are you a hurried shopper?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

You only buy electronics goods online?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

You shop online only to reserve your travel arrangement?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

You shop online for your books and magazine?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Do you face problem while shopping cart check out process?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

You shop online to avoid crowd and lines?

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral – Neither agree nor disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

CHAPTER III

FINDINGS

DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSES

Section 1: ISSUE

1. The online shopping industry has been significantly grown in recent years?

Score: 75%

This score indicates that they strongly believe that the online shopping has grown in recent years.

2. Do you think online shopping is more convenient than traditional shopping?

Score: 55%

Again with this score it is evident that people find it comfortable to shop online.

Most of the products are been available online? Do you agree with this?

Score: 60%

This response indicates that most of the people get what they want.

Do you think there is any problem or inconvenience while online shopping?

Score: 40%

Here, we see that not many people agree that there is any problem while using online shopping system.

5. Do you think customer’s payment pattern is simple in online shopping?

Score: 80%

This score reveals that most off the people agree to the point.

Do you trust the available accuracy of the product or information given?

Score: 70%

This score reveals that the customer agrees to the accuracy of the product.

Are shipping charges frustrating you the most while shopping online?

Score: 50%

Here we can see that people are neutral on their opinion.

Do you think that service provided while shipping of the product for delivery is satisfactory?

Score: 60%

This reveals that they agree with the service provide while shipping their good.

Are you satisfied with the product which has been shopped online?

Score: 85%

This shows that they agree that they are satisfied with the product that they have shopped online.

Do you feel that shopping online can find goods that are not available in stores?

Score: 75%

This shows that most of the people tend to agree that they get goods that are not available in stores.

Section 2: VALUE FOR MONEY

Do you think you get the best deal online?

Score: 85%

As per the score, we can conclude that there are better deals online.

Do you shop online to avoid sales tax?

Score: 60%

This shows a strong belief that the people buy online to save some penny.

Do you research before shopping online?

Score: 70%

Here we can see that they strongly agree with the research point.

You shop online only because you don’t have time to shop?

Score: 50%

This score reveals that there is a neutral decision.

You don’t trust the best deal is available online?

Score: 40%

The response to this shows that most of the people disagree with the above statement.

Do you find it difficult to return back the product you have shopped online?

Score:35%

Here we can see that they can easily return back the product.

Do you feel benefit of online shopping is that products can be shopped 24/7?

Score: 90%

Here we can see that the respondents agree that it is very much useful.

Does the product availability is always there when you go online too shopped?

Score: 80%

This score reflects that there is always availability.

Do you feel that you can compare more products and prices easily online?

Score: 60%

Most of the respondents disagreed on this.

Do you feel that if you are shopping clothes online u can’t try them before buying?

Score: 90%

Most of the respondents agreed on this.

Section 3: HABBITS

Do you feel unsecure to give your personal information online?

Score: 70%

Most of the respondents disagreed on this.

Do you feel unsecure to give your credit card information online?

Score: 70%

Most of the respondents disagreed on this.

Are you a bargain shopper?

Score: 95%

This score reveals that they are strongly in favor of the fact that they are bargain shopper.

Are you a die-hard internet shopper?

Score: 60%

Here respondent disagreed the point.

Are you a hurried shopper?

Score: 40%

With this score we can conclude they are strongly disagree.

You only buy electronics goods online?

Score: 50%

With this score we can say the people are neutral on their opinion.

You shop online only to reserve your travel arrangement?

Score: 70%

With this score we can conclude they are strongly agree.

You shop online for your books and magazine?

Score: 70%

With this score we can conclude they are strongly agree

Do you face problem while shopping cart check out process?

Score: 30%

With this score we can conclude they are strongly agree.

You shop online to avoid crowd and lines?

Score: 70%

With this score we can conclude they are strongly agree

ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS

The following is the summary of responses received from the samples on the questionnaire and also the open end discussions with them; the survey results revealed a significant amount of information with respect to online shopping trends.

Consumer expectations

The main idea of online shopping is not just in having a good looking website that could be listed in a lot of search engines or the art behind the site; it is about building relationships and making money. Most of the organizations try to adopt techniques of online shopping without understanding these techniques and/or without a sound business model. Rather than supporting the organization’s culture and brand name, the website should satisfy consumer’s expectations. A majority of consumers choose online shopping for a faster and more efficient shopping experience. Many researchers notify that the uniqueness of the web has dissolved and the need for the design, which will be user centered, is very important. Companies should always remember that there are certain things, such as understanding the customer’s wants and needs, living up to promises, never go out of style, because they give reason to come back And the reason will stay if consumers always get what they expect. As online shopping is becoming more and more popular and a website that wants to gain more shoppers will have to think on certain areas like efficiency, calculability, predictability and control.

Organizations, which want people to shop more online for them, should consume extensive amounts of time and money to define, design, develop, test, implement, and maintain the website. Also if a company wants their website to be popular among online shoppers it should leave the user with a positive impression about the organization, so consumers can get an impression that the company cares about them. The organization that wants to be accepted in online shopping needs to remember, that it is easier to lose a customer then to gain one. Lots of researchers state that even when a site was “top-rated”, it would go nowhere if the organization failed to live up to common etiquette, such as returning e-mails in a timely fashion, notifying customers of problems, being honest, and being good stewards of the customers’ data. Organizations that want to keep their customers or gain new ones should try to get rid of all mistakes and be more appealing to be more desirable for online shoppers. And this is why many designers of web shops consider research outcomes concerning consumer expectations.

CHAPTER IV

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

People spend less money on online shopping.

More people believe that online shopping will become the major way of shopping in future.

People choose online to save time.

Majority of people spend less than 30% money through online shopping.

People do a research before they buy.

Perhaps even more important, if the online shopping environment is to prosper, the new wave of electronic merchants needs to promote these safeguards to the marketplace to assure prospective customers that communications, personal data, credit card accounts, and transaction information can be protected.

Recommendation

Great deals to attract more customer

Research all potential merchants’ websites thoroughly.

Question the offers.

Use credit card cautiously.

Be specific with your search engine.

Always take a printout of whatever you buy online.

 

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