This is a guest post by Chris Burns, of SERPd.com, Guest Blog It, and Burn SEO. Please join me in welcoming him to the Clinic. 
Every business strategy hinges on consumers. The law of supply and demand has and always will be what dictates the success or failure of any business. It is therefore pertinent that every business establishment, whether online or offline, understand their consumers as much as possible.
Figuring out online buying trends is extremely tricky and very subjective. What is certain is the fact that people buy for generally the same reasons, such as:
1) Comfort – Everyone wants this. If possible, they prefer to do all purchases from the comfort of their home.On another note, comfort draws in a huge number of buyers since most, if not all, always find ways to increase or upgrade their current comforts such as a new couch to replace the old and worn one or a new power tool that has a better grip and more features.
2) Savings – Face it, anyone who has bought something through the web knows that he or she saves precious time, money, and sweat. It hardly matters that they cannot touch nor see the real item as the overall savings more than makes up for it.
3) Convenience – All a consumer has to do is search online, make his or her selection, fill out an order form and wait for the order to arrive. The alternative is to go out to the limited stores around your locality, hope someone has it and further hope it has a reasonable piece tag.
4) Security – All sorts of security systems are bought online from security suites for your computer to high tech home security systems. Also included are different kinds of insurance policies from home to personal.
5) Curiosity – You’ve heard that there’s a new software out there that beats the one you have by a long mile or there’s a hot online strategy that guarantees $47 per hour on autorun and guarantees you thousands of targeted traffic to your website on a daily basis (sound familiar?). Believe it or not, the number of visitors who go for these is staggeringly high.
6) Vanity – Here is where a lot of cash flow occurs online. Think about health products such as slimming pills, manuals, and other paraphernalia, jewelry, the latest electronic gadgets, devices, and equipment, etc.
7) Pleasure – For many, the Internet has become a refuge of sorts for de-stressing. These are usually expressed through movies, music, humor and all kinds of entertainment.
8) Price -The price of a singular item varies slightly from site to site. Although the variation would usually be less than a dollar, people would still go for something that is a cent cheaper. Why? Simply because they can! It only takes a click or two to save a cent.
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Owner of SERPd.com, Guest Blog It, and Burn SEO. I enjoy web development, semantic web architecture, ecommerce, seo, and internet marketing. I would say it’s my profession, but I spend so much of my free time thinking, talking, and doing things in this arena I suppose it’s much more than that. Please feel free to contact me at any of my sources listed in this profile!
When you’re looking to build an ecommerce website, website design 411 can help.
I still think the stores will survive if they can provide customer survice and knowledge that can not be easily showed to the customer through a website.
Plus for a lot of product niches you would want to actually test the products and see them live, and then online shopping wont help you much.
Henrik recently posted..Hello Saferide – Anna
Unfortunately, many sites are reporting increased levels of cart abandonment, even though follow ups indicate that a lot of people visit the store for that “hands-on” experience, but then go order online, for the savings.
Thanks for the comment, Henrik!
Twitter: explainafide
says:
One of the reasons why people buy online (apart from the points above) is the novelty factor.
I’ve found a lot of friends and family 2 years ago discovered eBay and went crazy for a while, yet after their initial outburst of Paypal love they’ve now gone back to bricks and mortar shopping for 75% of their non-essential purchases.
Online shopping is still such a young industry that we are bound for things to change in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.
Robin Jennings recently posted..The Importance of Logos in Brand Recognition
Hi, Rob-
Yes, those are a couple of very valid points. We are an odd species, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore. New fads and “shinies” will get attention at first, but then along comes some new shiny thing and we’re off to play with that for a while.
I use PayPal extensively, because it fits my business model (although Dwolla has a very nice shine to it), but I have to admit that when I’m buying products, if the opportunity presents itself, I prefer brick and mortar too, for a variety of reasons.
For me, marketing has always been interesting and challenging because of the human element, and adding online to the mix just increased that dramatically, I think. As you say, it’s young, and we have a lot of new permutations to look forward too (and perhaps a few to dread).
Doc Sheldon recently posted..Web Consumers by the Numbers – The Facts About People that Buy Products Online
Twitter: topmovieswatch
says:
Ya well Internet is indeed a stress reliever for me and I never knew there were others like me. I prefer doing all the shopping online because I enjoy surfing the net. Often in the course I learn about new happenings. Also, the number of online discount coupon codes are a factor you really can’t miss out.
Anita Richard recently posted..Watch Iron Man 2 Online | Free Download
WE are truly on the verge of a different style of purchasing online – because it moves to cellular shopping….
Michael recently posted..How to become an animator
For me the decision of buying online or hitting a nearby store depends on what I intend to buy. If its a standard product, like some electronic equipment or consumables I prefer to save my time and energy by shopping on the web, also there are so many deals available these days. But for my apparels, jewellery etc, I stick to the good old shopping store across my street. Can’t afford to take chances with fit, style, colours etc.
Having said that, I definitely agree that online shopping has become more a matter of convenience, pleasure and savings for sure!
Sarah Reece recently posted..Bluehost
Twitter: elliepowell1912
says:
Spot on discussion on web consumers. Being an expert on people, their wants and desires, is critical to the success of any online marketer.
Thanks for the great article.
Ellie
Ellie recently posted..Treating Panic Attacks
hi,
very interesting discussion here.
sorry.
i think many people use online shopping, because it’s easy.
Sit down on PC and surf, read, visit many sites.
No stress in the city with the kids and the “husband”
i think; online shops are the winners in this business.
i use online shopping for all things, Clothing, Hightec, Toys for my Son and so much more.
Thanks a lot for sharing this post, it`s interesting.
Wish you a nice weekend. with greetings from Germany.
Sandy
Sandy recently posted..Dating Abenteuer – Der Bachelor
Hello, Sandy-
Welcome to the Clinic! It certainly is easier to do a lot of our shopping online, rather than fighting the crowds and traffic. I definitely do my tech. shopping online, but not a lot more.
Thanks a lot for the comment… hope to see you around often!
Really, now most of the time i want to buy something, i search them online first, for it saves my time and sweat a lot: i dont have to searching through the whole supermarket or visit from one shop to another and another to buy just a shirt i like. Know what customers want is the key for every success! thank you for pointing them out.
Thanks for your comment, Alex. I think a lot of people feel the same away.
The number of online consumers is increasing each year and like what Bill Gates said, your business is out of business if it has no online presence. This is the very reason why the number of online marketers also flooded the web. It is very important to note these reasons why people buy online and to use these ideas to deliver an effective marketing strategy.
Farrell recently posted..The Year to Improve Eyesight
Thanks for commenting, Farrell-
There’s no doubt, more and more commerce is shifting to on-line, and those that don’t adapt will be left behind.
Twitter: brianhumek
says:
I think your point on savings actually is two points. First of all is price. I still remember buying cat food online back in 2000. It was probably one of the first things I bought through the internet and it saved me money because the closest store to my house was 65 miles. Also, the second point I found in savings was “not actually caring if I touch the product.” That’s all I’ll buy online but I think that category is getting bigger each day.
Hi, Brian- Thanks for the comment.
There are few things that I buy that I don’t care if I can touch it. I don’t like receiving cheap knock-offs or low quality, so I tend to shop online only where I can see detailed information before ordering or from known suppliers. But I agree… more people are becoming less demanding of being able to touch before they buy.
For me, the main reason for buying online is time saving. The other thing are the sites the halp me find good bargains on the same product. This way, I save money, and more importantly my time.
Money – I can earn, but Time is gone once it’s gone!
I’m a methodical, thorough online shopper, so time-saving isn’t exactly the excuse I would use. I can spend hours comparison shopping online. I would say it’s more about the money.
Indeed, while online marketing can sometimes get tricky, the major aspects involved can be broken down into simple points. Find what your targeted audience is (demographics) and their wants, and address to exactly those wants spot-on, and you have a happy customer base!
Jack recently posted..Buy PS3
The great thing about buying online is the attractive choices. It is easier to find things that are on sale or have discounts. At first, I was a bit doubtful but once I have tried buying stuff online, it became a habit. There are advantages in buying in stores that aren’t seen when buying online. I think it is just great that consumers have a lot of choices.
Steven recently posted..DTS Home
Hello, Steven-
I have to agree… I resisted at first, but now, buying online is usually my first choice, except in clothing. Thanks for commenting! Hurry back.
With so many advantages to purchasing online, one has to wonder what future is in store for the many brick and mortar stores? Of course the will never go away completely, but as more and more people utilize the internet to shop, surely these shops will not be able to stay in business. I wonder if any studies or research has delved into this? Just curious.
Liz recently posted..Another Predictable Valentine’s Day?
Hi, Liz-
There’s certainly no doubt that the Internet has changed the landscape considerably. More people working at home, more information (instantaneously) across the globe, traditional newspapers, magazines and, to an extent, even television affected by the market shift… so bick and mortar businesses are sure to continue to suffer an increasing impact, as well.
But when you think about it, the wagon builders went under with the advent of the automobile, train travel became very rare because of both autos and airplanes… it’s inevitable that changes like the Internet will have a lot of trickle-down effect, too. Look at PCs, as smart phones become more prevalent.
Very true. Exciting times, and glad I’m part of it. Thanks Doc.
Liz recently posted..Your Questions Our Answers
Online buying seems to be very convenient for shoppers like me. I find browsing very therapeutic most especially when I’m tired and lonely..
Twitter: webofficer
says:
Connivence is huge for me. Most things I buy online are vitamins, toys and electronics. I can read reviews, show my son toys and read ingredients and save on tax! At Christmas time I can avoid the mall, parking and the fact that, I just cannot get the variety of choices in a store versus online.
I would be interested to see some serialization of these eight facts of buying paired with industry and product types.
Good read.
Online shopping trend is surely increasing.
But my personal experience is not so good with it.I ordered a Christmas gift for one of my friend and it was delivered after New Year.But I again am planning of taking one dress.Its because I think its easy to get stuff online at good price and quality.
People are shopping online in increasing numbers, and I think there are even more people looking for freebies online. It is always good when you can get a new software for free or win a giveaway. My favorite free online catch is this employee monitor software which totally changed how I work online, and I didn’t think I can find stuff like this for free. And I think it is a wonderful world where we can get so many useful things without giving any material things in return. I really feel lucky to be living in this century!