Why Do People Shop Online in 2024?
There’s no denying that more and more people are shopping online every day. But why do people shop online instead of visiting a brick-and-mortar store, where they can get a feel of the products in person? This article explores the top reasons why people shop online, highlighting the significant factors that influence consumer behavior in the digital age.
Why shop online: top reasons consumers do so
|
Reason |
Percentage of internet users who say it’s a factor that propels them to shop online |
|
1. Free delivery |
53.2% |
|
2. Coupons and discounts |
40.6% |
|
3. Customer reviews |
33.2% |
|
4. Easy returns policy |
32.4% |
|
5. Simple online checkout |
28.6% |
|
6. Next-day delivery |
28.5% |
|
7. Loyalty points |
24.9% |
|
8. Social likes and comments |
23.0% |
|
9. Eco-friendly credentials |
18.7% |
|
10. Interest-free payments |
17.0% |
What are common reasons that consumers shop online?
So, what is the top reason customers purchase online?
According to the latest statistics, the ease and convenience of online shopping dominate consumers’ list of top reasons to shop online, with around half of their main motivations directly related to these factors. Let’s delve into the top 10 reasons why people prefer shopping online.
1. Free delivery (53.2%)
The top reason consumers prefer to buy items online is the free shipping option offered by ecommerce stores. More than half (53.2%) of consumers list it as one of the main reasons they shop online.
In other words, they would much rather enjoy the ease of having their purchase delivered to them at no cost instead of going out to a store to physically view and inspect the product, purchase it, and obtain it immediately after—even if it means having to wait.
2. Coupons and discounts (40.6%)
Coupons and discounts are another strong motivator for online shopping. About 40.6% of consumers are drawn to the potential savings that ecommerce platforms offer. The ease of finding and applying promo codes during checkout makes online shopping a cost-effective choice for many.
3. Customer reviews (33.2%)
Meanwhile, other shoppers say feedback and commentary from other internet users are reasons to shop online. Around one-third (33.2%) of them are motivated by customer reviews, which help them make informed choices, increasing their confidence in the product and the retailer. This transparency is a significant factor in why online shopping is better for many.
4. Easy returns policy (32.4%)
Being able to return their purchases easily is also a motivating factor—32.4% say it’s why they buy things online. The assurance that they can return or exchange products without hassle gives shoppers peace of mind, making them more likely to complete a purchase.
5. Simple online checkout (28.6%)
Another factor related to the convenience of shopping online is the easy checkout process, for which 28.6% of consumers list as one of their main reasons to shop online. A streamlined, user-friendly checkout reduces shopping cart abandonment rates and ensures a smooth transaction, making online shopping more appealing than in-store experiences.
6. Next-day delivery (28.5%)
The convenience of getting purchases delivered to them that online shopping offers also extends to its speed. Of internet users’ top reasons to shop online, next-day delivery is one of them. As many as 28.5% of online shoppers say it’s a motivating factor behind their online purchases.
7. Loyalty points (24.9%)
Loyalty programs and points influence 24.9% of consumers to shop online. These programs reward repeat customers with points that can be redeemed for discounts or free products, encouraging continued shopping on the same platform.
8. Social likes and comments (23%)
Social media has a significant impact on 23% of online shoppers. Likes, comments, and shares on social platforms create a buzz around products, influencing purchasing decisions and driving traffic to ecommerce sites.
9. Eco-friendly credentials (18.7%)
With growing environmental awareness, it should come as no surprise that sustainability plays a role in influencing people to purchase items online. Statistics show that 18.7% of consumers shop online because certain retailers emphasize eco-friendly practices. Sustainable packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, and ethical sourcing are becoming increasingly important to modern shoppers.
10. Interest-free payments (17%)
Interest-free payments, an option that many retailers are starting to offer thanks to the growing popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), attract 17% of online shoppers. These options allow consumers to spread the cost of their purchases over time without incurring additional fees, making expensive items more accessible and manageable.
Why shop online: conclusion
Ease and comfort form the basis for the popularity of online shopping, but as the data on why people shop online shows, there are other reasons consumers enjoy it. The ability to save money, earn store points, and pay in installments also rank among consumers’ top reasons to shop online.
As ecommerce continues to evolve, these trends will shape the future of retail, with convenience, cost savings, and customer satisfaction at the forefront. So, the next time you ask yourself, “Why do people shop online?” think about these factors that drive shoppers to carry out their purchases online instead of in physical stores.