Courses/Computer Science/CPSC 203/CPSC 203 2007Fall L04/CPSC 203 2007Fall L04 TermProjects/Buy that shirt... with one click!
Group
Team Name
Computer Dummies
Team Members
Philong Trac, Mark Mackay, Amy Lieu, Kevin Robinson
Project Title
Online Shopping - Online change rooms?
Initial Project Statement
Online shopping is being used more and more as technology is taking over our lives. We intend to show that online shopping is more on the safe side. Our group will be looking at consequences online shopping from pros to cons, and security to fraud.
Argument
What is online shopping?
As society today gets more technological and the internet becomes a bigger part of people's lives, there are countless advantages to online shopping, the main one being convenience. People are getting busier by the day and time is money! The capability of quickly obtaining something you need can be very fitting if you are an occupied person. Now, you no longer have to line up to pay for that little item or have your kids want everything they see. You can also have your items delivered to you... with a click of a mouse! Online shopping can give people larger varieties, easier access, cheaper bargains, and items are always in stock.
Brief History of Online Shopping
As the 1990s drew to a close, Internet retailing was announced as future and a danger to the solidity of the shopping center industry. In July of 1998, Time magazine predicted the demise of the shopping mall. In bold type, Time’s cover advised its readers to, “Kiss Your Mall Good-Bye: Online Shopping is Cheaper, Quicker and Better.” The shopping center industry was being substituted by an alternative shopping format.
Online shopping immediately caught the attention of the public and the media, as firms, hurried to increase websites that would sell and advertise openly to consumers. These internet companies had modest vend knowledge but in fact captured 60% of online sales. In addition to shopping online, retailers revealed that their consumers were using the internet as a search engine. Consumers were logging on to retailers’ websites to search for goods and services, and armed with product information, were making purchases at stores. The Internet has transformed a large and growing number of retailers into multi-channel retailers with all sales channels working as one to help retailers maximize the value of their brands.
Shopping center developers are also working with their retailers to incorporate the Internet into their businesses model. Most retail stores have their own websites and have added their web address to their marketing and campaign vehicles and advertisements. Understanding that there is great teamwork between the Internet and retail stores, shopping centers owners have created their own websites and are working with their retailers to produce allocation networks to satisfy the consumer, whether the consumer decides to shop at a shopping center, on the Internet or both.
Advantages
Online shopping has become more common and in order to see if it is right for us, we need to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of it. Online shopping has countless advantages. In total, it will benefit the consumers and will make life easier for all.
-First would be its numerous varieties and its availability. When shopping online, producers are almost sure to have that item in stock for you.
-Online shopping has a larger variety as well. You will find better selection online since it may be directly from the source supplier. In fact, you may only find some items online, such as Dell computers or aftermarket auto parts.
-Online shopping may be cheaper and have more deals and discounts. If you require an item that isn’t in your location, you may order it internationally, which is a large advantage of online shopping.
-Also, there may be free shipping on purchased items, which saves you gas, time and space. Better yet, there are no salesmen on your back pressing you to buy their products. You may also browse and compare prices easier online.
Above all this, online shopping may have its main advantage of convenience. All you need to do is click on the items you desire and pay for it online. The internet is also available 24/7 and you may shop at your suitable time. Most items online have a description to it and it usually tells you what you need to know about it for you to make your final decision about that product. You may also compare products easier online as compared to walking up and down the aisles at a busy store.
Disadvantages
-At the moment, most online shopping requires a credit card to make a purchase; however, more and more online shops are allowing debit card purchases. Still, a potential customer will need to either have a credit card or some sort of online banking.
-While it may seem faster than a regular trip to the mall, those with slow connections will find online shopping very frustrating. Also, popular sites may become busy due to an overabundance of online traffic.
-One advantage that regular shopping has over its online counterpart is that you can physically touch, feel, and /or try on the product.
-Shipping and handling may make your purchase more expensive than if you were to buy it at a mall.
-It is more difficult to see all the items at once, whereas, in a regular store, you are able to look around and take all the items in at a glance. For shoppers who don’t have a specific item they are looking for, online shopping may become a time waster as they go through pages and pages of products.
-Site malfunctions and billing errors can occur.
-Usually, returns and exchanges are much more difficult with online shopping.
-Not all stores are online.
-Some find it frustrating that there is no social contact and/or direct customer service to help them out.
-You are unable to receive your purchase right away.
-There are issues with security and fraud, which will be discussed in the following section.
Buyer Beware
Internet Fraud
-To many that don't know Internet Fraud is a very realistic negative presence whenever an individual participates on the internet
What are the statistics?
-Statistically 1 in 20 people who shop on the internet will be a victim of internet fraud -The largest internet shopping website is Ebay with over 42 million users, which only increases the possible number of frauders available.
How is it done?
-Internet Fraud is done through internet chatrooms, email, message boards, and websites (such as online shopping websites)
-The most frequent cases of Internet fraud spawn from websites that allow individuals to post items online for sale (such as ebay). The trouble arises when an individual goes outside of the website and emails the owner of a posted item online, hoping to get in on a good deal. Ebay and other large internet selling websites are generally safe websites but once business is taken outside of the website and deals are made, the safety lies with the buyer
-Most Frauders will entice their buyers to buy a product that is in "limited quantity" and to wire transfer money over the internet (not through the website originally being used)
-Buyers must also beware when shopping on on-line websites that when they order and pay for a item on ebay that users may never deliver their product. To counteract this buyers must pay close attention to the product and the price it is being sold for because many times a item marked at a extremely low price when it is usually an expensive item will result in fraud.
What should i do as a victim?
-Firstly do whatever possible by reading our safety features that are mentioned later.
-Secondly if an individual does become a victim of internet fraud it is extremely important for them to contact the website as soon as possible so legal action can occur.
Safety Features and Tips for Safe Online Shopping
Shopping on the Internet can be a wonderful experience - gifts are almost always easy to find, are sometimes cheaper than in stores, and can be shipped directly (wrapped and with a card) to the recipient. Not only is online shopping convenient; it can also be very secure, provided you are doing business with a vendor you know and trust. Since not everything on the Internet is always safe, it is very important for online shoppers to take steps to protect their personal information, especially during the holiday season. Here are a few tips:
-Deal with companies that you have heard about from people you can trust or know by reputation or experience. If you are not very familiar with the company, do your own research. Find out their address and phone number. Do not conduct business with any company that does not list a physical address or telephone number on its home website.
-Read all the terms and conditions of the contract to make sure you completely understand every detail about return policies, delivery options and product or service warranties. For any international transactions, try and ask for information about the exchange rate and any applicable duties and taxes you might have to deal with.
-Always keep an eye open for a privacy policy. Be sure that you are feeling pleased with how the company protects, collects, and uses all of your personal information before you submit anything.
-Make sure the company has reasonable and clear processes for submitting comments/complaints or cancellations.
-Always be sure all transactions are safe. Never enter any financial or personal data if you notice an open padlock symbol or a broken-key symbol on your Internet browser screen. If you do this means that the transaction is not secure and could be intercepted by a third party. When the key not broken or the padlock is locked, your internet browser is signifying a secure transaction is in order. Also make sure the site has http:// in the browser this can sometimes ensure the site is secure.
-Bear in mind, unlike secure order forms on an internet web site, e-mail messages are not private. Never send confidential financial or personal information by e-mail, it could be intercepted.
-Look for an approval by an organization, there are several "seals of approval" for web sites that confirm the credibility of the company and the site.
-Steer clear of spam by being cautious about giving your e-mail address both on and off-line. Check a company's privacy policy to find out whether your e-mail address could be shared with other companies.
Advances in Online Shopping
-There have been many advances in online security and hacker safe technology and more and more reputable sources are writing articles to teach and help new users shop safely.
-Many online retail clothing stores now have a comprehensive sizing chart and some stores even have a virtual and customizable model that online shoppers can create to see how potential purchases will look when worn.
-Many online stores are taking advantage of advances in digital photography to add clearer pictures for customers to see and compare. Some (for example, real estate agents) have created a full 3-D view of the products they are selling.
-More and more online retailers have a hot-line displayed for customers to call if they have problems. There are some stores that have implemented a live chat program with a salesperson to help out users with purchases.
Conclusion
Shopping is an activity that, whether you like it or not, is a necessity and in most cases, is very pleasurable. With the technological advancement of today's world, shopping can be as easy as sitting in your chair and moving your mouse around. There are many advantages to online shopping, such as vast availability, store hours (24/7), better deals and, most of all, the mall is right in your own home. While shopping online appears very convenient, there are also a few disadvantages; internet fraud is increasing year to year and must be taken into account. Customers must be wary of what they are doing on the internet and follow guidelines that are laid before them in websites they are using. Fortunately as technology improves, websites are combating these problems with anti-hacking devices to provide customers with the enhanced safety. All in all, the world is advancing and online shopping is no longer an exception. It is an excellent outlet for customers to maximize the pleasure of their shopping experience.
References
Philong
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/perl/story/17690.html
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990207.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-of-Online-Shopping&id=297530
http://www.arraydev.com/commerce/JIBC/0311-07.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_shop
http://www.1888articles.com/the-advantages-of-online-shopping-0dw67j3e35.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/95267/the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Many-Advantages-And-Benefits-Of-Online-Shopping&id=337891
http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~jinnie/advantage.html
Mark
http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/consumer_protection/oft921.pdf -
http://www.askaboutmoney.com/showthread.php?t=16618
http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2007/10/ebay-canada-off.html
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2007/30/c9863.html
http://www.youthinformation.com/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=91037
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/search/index.htm?q=shopping&ss=relv&p=13
http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/news/2005/03/25/internet-explorer-unsafe-98-percent-of-the-time/
http://www.centurionbop.co.in/site/safety-tips.html
http://www.asktog.com/columns/062top10ReasonsToNotShop.html
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1789G.pdf -
http://tecfa.unige.ch/tecfa/teaching/LME/images/phishing-sml.jpg/
Amy
http://weeklywire.com/ww/12-07-98/austin_screens_feature1_side2.html
http://www.epinions.com/content_1972609156
http://www.imediaconnection.com/news/2520.asp
http://www.kiwibox.com/article/7126/mo=0/r=2/p=2
http://www.compukiss.com/articles/online-shopping-tips.html
http://iw3c2.cs.ust.hk/WWW5/www5conf.inria.fr/fich_html/papers/P50/Overview.html
http://www.up.ac.za/academic/acadorgs/saafecs/vol33/vanstade.pdf
http://www.mwsearch.com/onlineshoppingadvice.html
http://www.gctech.net/textsite/disadvantage.html
http://www.mvm.com/en/index.htm
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/sectors/Help/contactus.asp
http://www.maxwellteamrealty.com/silver_listings.asp
http://www.nicholsonprints.com/Articles/digital2.htm
http://www.megagear.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MT+02%2D3004&Show=ExtInfo
Kevin
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/before_you_buy/online-shopping/safe-shopping
http://www.safeinternetshops.com
http://www.imrg.org/info/default.aspx?language=en-GB
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum01/cvrstry.html
http://www.kmacenterprise.com/
