E-commerce is a branch of business where transactions are made feasible through an internet connection. Due to consumer preference, an increasing number of industries are transferring their operations online. It shows no indications of slowing down as its prevalence rises and prospers. Many organizations now make a profit because to the capacity to function online. E-commerce is an example of how there cannot be benefits without drawbacks.
Its operation is entirely dependent on an internet connection, and numerous locations throughout the world still do not have this capability. The rules of the game are always changing as the software industry advances.
Due to improper implementation, one of the biggest drawbacks of e-commerce might be a lack of security and reliability. The second element is user reluctance because most individuals are reluctant to buy something without first trying it out or holding it in their hands.
This is especially true when it comes to clothing, where getting the appropriate size is a persistent issue.
1. Security
The biggest drawback of e-commerce is the issue of security. People fear providing personal and financial information, even though several improvements have been made in relation to data encryption. Certain websites do not have capability to conduct authentic transactions. Fear of providing credit card information and risk of identity limit the growth of e-commerce.
2. Lack of privacy
Many websites do not have high encryption for secure online transactions or to protect online identity. Some websites illegally collect statistics on consumers without their permission. Lack of privacy discourages people to use internet for conducting commercial transactions,
3. Tax issue
Sales tax is another bigger issue when the buyer and seller are situated in different locations. Computation of sales tax poses problems when the buyer and seller are in different states. Another factor is that physical stores will lose business if web purchases are free from tax.
4. Fear
People fear to operate in a paperless and faceless electronic world. Some of the business organizations do not have a physical existence, People do not know with whom they are conducting commercial transactions. This aspect makes people to opt physical stores for purchases.
One of the frequent drawbacks of e-commerce platforms is late delivery. The buyer is guaranteed, while placing an order, that the product will arrive to him within a certain time frame, such as seven days. Most of the time, that doesn’t happen, and you have to wait.
In the end, the portal is not explicit about the times when it informs you that the stuff will be delivered on this day. Many times, a person who was going to pick up the package had to wait hours for the delivery. He lost the entire day and was prevented from going outside as planned. The customer becomes irate in this case because he feels unduly hounded.
5. Product suitability
People have to rely on electronic images to purchase products. Sometimes, when the products are delivered, the product may not match with electronic images. Finally, it may not suit the needs of the buyers. The lack of ‘touch and feel’ prevent people from online shopping.
Read Also: How do I Increase Traffic to my E-commerce Site?
You are mistaken if you believe that everything can be purchased online. Even if you have the option, there are some things, such eatables like ice cream, eyewear, and metals like gold and silver, that you do not want to purchase online.
Because you can’t trust yourself to buy something without physically feeling, trying, or testing it, this can be bad for e-commerce sites. All the pictures and promises in the world won’t be able to persuade you to purchase some things, like the gold and diamond bracelet you require.
Do you believe the online retailer will live up to your expectations, or are you willing to go out of your way to visit a physical store to make sure?
6. Cultural obstacles
E-commerce attracts customers from all over the world. The habits and culture of the people differ from nation to nation. They also pose linguistic problems. Thus, differences in culture create obstacles to both the business and the consumers.
7. High Labour cost
A highly talented and technically qualified workforce is required to develop and manage the websites of the organization. Since internet provides a lot of job opportunities, business organizations have to incur a lot of expenses to retain a talented pool of employees,
8. Legal issues
The cyber laws that govern the e-commerce transactions are not very clear and vary from country to country. These legal issues prevent people from entering into electronic contracts.
9. Technical limitations
Some protocol is not standardized around the world. Certain software used by vendors to show electronic images may not be a common one. It may not be possible to browse through a particular page due to a lack of standardized software. Insufficient telecommunication bandwidth may also pose technical problems.
10. Huge technological cost
It is difficult to merge electronic business with traditional business. Technological infrastructure may be expensive and huge cost has to be incurred to keep pace with ever changing technology. It is necessary to allocate more funds for technological advancement to remain competitive in the electronic world.
11. Site crash
E-commerce is fully dependent on internet connection. A major disadvantage of e-commerce is putting a stop to buying capabilities because of a site crash. Such a small word site crash but has the ability to put a whole business down within a few seconds.
This can happen if you do not have a good bandwidth connection as you will face serious issues while loading pages and placing orders. It is impossible to make a purchase if the site you are looking at crashes down. Ensure that your website is on the right platform where there are already precautions in place for this eventuality.
12. Shipping problems
E-commerce businesses are profitable because they can easily ship their goods from one place to another. It is aided in its endeavors by a robust network. In a physical store, a customer selects a product, makes a purchase, and takes the product with them.
On an online store, the buyer must select and purchase the item before waiting for it to be delivered to his door within the allotted time range. Shipping is a crucial component of business, and without the proper infrastructure, it can lead to major problems and hurt e-commerce.
