Top 3 Online Shopping Websites

By  //  September 16, 2021

When it comes to online shopping, you are absolutely spoiled for choice. In recent post-pandemic years, e-commerce has enjoyed a really huge surge in popularity. Consumers can’t help but enjoy the comfort and convenience brought about by online shopping.

In addition to considerable benefits, the e-commerce sector involves considerable risks. Poor customer service, late delivery, and bad quality are common complaints frequently posted by consumers on different online review websites.

So, the question is – what are the best online shopping websites that can ensure both the availability of options and a smooth customer experience? Please check below some picks which should help you come to an informed decision.

1. AMAZON

If you think of the e-commerce websites in the United States, the Amazon brand will be at the top of your head. Founded in 1994 by Jeffrey Bezos as an online marketplace for books, Amazon expanded dramatically to focus on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce with the abundance of product categories.

Pros:

Prime membership service. In accordance with the policy terms, a prime member can enjoy free shipping, same-day delivery, generous discounts, and other bonuses.

Frequent deals. With numerous items listed and a large base of competing sellers, Amazon offers regular website-wide sales ensuring great prices.

Reliable customer service. According to consumer reviews posted in the E-commerce category on PissedConsumer.com, Amazon got 3 stars out of a possible 5 for customer support. However, users emphasize rapid resolution of their issues by the customer support representatives.

Cons:

The Amazon app isn’t user-friendly. Except for tedious navigation, the app often freezes or displays errors with exception number messages. The Amazon company tries to resolve the issue by offering troubleshooting on their website, but there is no getting away from that.

Poor conditions for small businesses. Amazon allows vendors to pay for their presence. Therefore, a more expensive seller can be selected by default. There is no bidding system for online sellers, unlike eBay.

2. eBay

eBay is one of the largest US-based online auction sites. Headquartered in San Jose, California, it offers a broad variety of categories from home appliances to video games. Both brand-new and second-hand merchandise is available. eBay gives you a choice while purchasing – to bid on a desirable item in an auction or to buy now at a price being displayed.

Pros:

Free registration. Registration is free for both buyers and sellers. However, there are specific charges for listing and selling items. eBay charges you nothing for shopping, you pay for the product and shipping/handling costs if any.

Seller reliability reviews. Buyers on eBay can rate their experience with a seller. These online shopping reviews and ratings are then added to the seller’s complete feedback being available for each shopper. This option allows you to choose from the most reputable sellers on the platform.

Daily deals. This option is very useful for bargain hunters. If you are one of them, you may try it to find even obscure items for discounted prices.

In addition, sellers can easily add an eBay bulk listing to their inventory. This will help sellers publish faster, manage smarter, and easily update listings.

Cons:

Frequent changes. eBay is changing all the time. As stated in many online reviews posted by the eBay Community members, fees, policies, and terms are updating regularly. It may be difficult to follow and comply with all new requirements.

Sellers are not protected. Sellers can leave their feedback for a problematic buyer provided that he or she made a purchase. That’s not good. There are many bad buyers, who, for example, post unfair shopping reviews, make unreasonable demands, or dispute charges. And they can’t be reported provided no actual deal is made.

3. WALMART

Walmart is an American e-commerce retailer. It offers much more than just foods and beverages, actually, it sells everything you could ever need. The company was founded by Sam Walton in 1962. Currently, Walmart is an appealing stock that annually increases trades.

Pros:

The Walmart+retail subscription service. It offers a lot of bonuses to subscribers including free next-day delivery, free next-day shipping, discounted prescriptions, and discounts on gasoline. It costs $98 per year.

A user-friendly Walmart App. The application allows you to shop for groceries, make payments, and set up deliveries within one software app. It helps you save time and cash.

Free return. According to the Walmart return policy, there are no extra fees for returns except for shipping and handling.

Cons:

Customer service receives mixed reviews. Walmart ranks 69 of 372 in the Supermarket and Malls category on Pissed Consumer, and 1 star out of possible 5 on BBB. A lot of reviews on the mentioned platforms refer to late responses from customer service.

Negative influence on society. Walmart is infamously known for anti-employee policies and un-environmentally friendly activities.

To sum up

According to Statista, Amazon, eBay, and Walmart keep the lead by online sales volumes this year. These e-commerce giants are expanding global markets.