One-Click Shopping vs. Old-School Preferences
Whereas before you might have needed to go in person to do all your shopping, advancements in technology have completely transformed the way we buy our everyday essentials. From delivery apps to virtual try-ons, we can get the things we need right to our door with just the click of a button. And yet, even with these upgrades, nothing beats the old-school ways for some of us. Here are 10 ways tech has reinvented shopping, and 10 timeless preferences we just can't shake.
1. Subscription Services
Have items you regularly need restocked? With subscription services, you can now set up automated deliveries without having to manually remind yourself to repurchase. This means you never have to worry about running out of something (like pet food!).
2. Delivery Apps
We're all familiar with delivery apps. From DoorDash to Instacart, there are numerous platforms that allow you to order food or groceries online, without ever needing to go in person for them. And since they deliver right to your home, all you need to do is grab them from your front door.
3. Virtual Try-ons
Want to see what an item will look like in real life without immediately buying it? With virtual reality (VR), you can now try on makeup, glasses, and even outfits, which helps you make better decisions on the spot. No more having to go in-store!
4. Digital Wallets
If you've ever checked out using Apple or Google Pay, or used PayPal, you've taken advantage of this piece of technology. In person, mobile wallets use Near-Field Communication so that customers can make payments just by using their devices, without needing the physical card on hand.
5. Instant Price Comparisons
Instead of needing to head in-store to compare prices or grab physical flyers, technology has made it easier than ever to check prices between different vendors with just a quick search. Certain apps, too, also provide updated digital flyers, meaning you don't need to get the paper versions.
6. Social Commerce
If you frequently scroll on TikTok or Instagram, you've probably come across social commerce, where you can directly shop for items that are advertised without ever having to leave the app. This makes it even easier for people to get influenced by—and instantly buy—what they see.
7. Autofill
You probably take advantage of this without realizing how much you rely on it; after all, autofill allows you to quickly breeze through checkout without having to manually type in your information each time. It's a lifesaving feature when you need to secure a low-stock item.
8. Curbside Pickup
No time to do grocery shopping? We get it—it can take time scanning aisles and picking out produce. With curbside pickup, though, all you need to do is to order what you need online or through an app, then head to the location to pick it up. Easy peasy.
9. AI Chatbots
Gone are the days when you might have had to go in-store to ask about specific product details or wait a few business days for an associate to reply back to your email inquiry. With advancements in technology and AI, you can now ask for assistance no matter whenever you need to. If your question can't be answered perfectly by AI, then you'll get connected to a real agent.
10. Personalization & Targeted Ads
Ever looked at an item one time, only to find it everywhere the next time you're scrolling through your phone? Because the apps and websites you use collect your data, they know exactly how to personalize the advertisements you see, making it more likely for you to have a second look and actually go through with the purchase.
And yet, even with how convenient technology has made shopping, there are still some things we prefer the old-school way:
Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
1. Trying Items In-Store
VR technology might have made it easier than ever to try on items without needing to see them in-store, but still, it's better to head to a fitting room or do a lipstick swatch in person. Our monitors can display different colors, clothes may fit bodies differently, and materials could seem lower-quality in real life compared to online photos. To avoid regretting your purchase, in-person shopping is often still the way to go.
2. Inspecting Products Before Buying
Nothing is worse than waiting for your items to come in the mail, and upon opening, discovering that there's a defect or in the wrong color. That's why many prefer the old-school way of going in-person; you won't need to worry about accidentally picking a damaged item if you're able to inspect it beforehand.
3. Talking to Real Associates
AI can help answer simple questions, but when you have specific inquiries and concerns, that's where it helps to talk to a real associate. Shopping in-person means you're able to reach out for support whenever you need it—no AI necessary.
Nielson Caetano-Salmeron on Unsplash
4. Picking Your Own Produce
Sure, shopping for groceries online and getting them delivered means you don't need to go through the tedious process of scanning the aisles and picking out produce, but oftentimes, it's better that you go in person. After all, you don't want to open your grocery bags only to find bruises on your apples and too many brown spots on your bananas.
5. Instant Gratification
Another perk of old-school shopping? You get your items instantly as soon as you pick them off the shelves. No need to wait for them to get packed, shipped, and delivered to your door, which can sometimes feel like it takes forever.
6. Physical Payment Methods
Don't fancy using a digital wallet or paying online? We get it—storing your cards digitally on your phone can make it easier for thieves to steal your device and, in turn, gain access to your payment methods. Shopping in person means you can avoid this by using cash or physical cards instead.
7. Avoiding Shipping or Delivery Fees
Shopping in person also means you get to avoid paying shipping or delivery fees. Sure, it's convenient to have our items be dropped off right at our front door, but some people may prefer saving those extra few bucks and going to the store themselves.
8. Convenience of Returns
No one likes the hassle of returning items, and when you purchase online without getting to inspect your order beforehand, it increases your chances of needing to send back some things. That's why some might prefer the old-school way of shopping, so that you can easily return your items without needing to ship them.
9. Browsing
Some of us may hate browsing as it makes us more susceptible to impulse shopping, but others may prefer it, as it gives them time to think and weigh their decisions before purchasing, and to look for any other things they might need and accidentally missed. Plus, being in the store in person means you'll be able to grab it whenever.
10. The Experience of In-Person Shopping
Sure, online shopping is convenient and tech tools have made it easier than ever to buy and go, but for some of us, nothing beats the feeling of shopping in person. The experience, for one, is completely different, and it feels a lot better when you can physically touch and feel items before adding them to your cart versus relying on a couple of images online.
