Question

Discuss the disadvantages of e-tailing.

Answer 1

E-tailing suffers from the following disadvantages:

1. Customers do not easily trust a new e-tailing site. If it is not well-established they may not buy from it as frequently as a brick-and mortar store.
2. It may be expensive to create and maintain an e-tailing website.
3. E-tailing involves infrastructure costs for order fulfilment, storage of goods, dealing with returns and other issues.
4. Customers do not get the emotional shopping experience of physical stores. They have no opportunity to hold, smell, feel or try products before deciding to buy.
5. Many consumers are accustomed to personal service during shopping. E-tailing does not offer such service.
6. Consumers are reluctant to share their personal details (e.g. credit card information) online due to fear of misuse.
7. In case the e-tailer becomes insolvent and cannot refund payments, consumers may have no recourse.