Drawbacks of E-commerce

Introduction

This is a list of drawbacks of E-commerce; disadvantages to online shopping.

Delivery Issues

In traditional shopping customers have the option to take their purchases home immediately, however, when shopping online they will have to wait for the product to be delivered.

Security Issues

This is perhaps the biggest worry for customers. Customers worry that their financial details may not be safe and that a business will use them in some unauthorised way. They also worry that security may be insufficient and that identity theft is a problem.

Consumer Trust

One of the most difficult issues that online businesses face is that of consumer confidence. Currently many high profile cases of identity theft have reduced customer confidence in the industry.

International Legislation

When selling online, businesses are not just subject to legislation in the country of origin, but also the laws of where the customer lives. For example, goods that have restrictions imposed on them may well be unrestricted in other countries.

Product Description Problems

Some customer�s worry that what is described on the e-commerce site may not accurately reflect the real product. E-Commerce sites may well exaggerate their descriptions of products � this can put people off.

Lack of Human Contact

Some customers are deterred from purchasing online because they cannot speak to anyone from the business. They may well find this impersonal and prefer traditional high street stores.