Quick and easy browsing. The ability to shop from anywhere in the world. Unlimited access to a comprehensive range of products and services. Of course, we’re talking about Ecommerce, which has changed the way we shop. With this, comes a range of benefits for both businesses and customers.

But there are also advantages of ecommerce to society as a whole, with the right approach. Read on as we discuss how ecommerce can provide a more ethical way to buy and sell products and what it could mean for the future.

Environmentally friendly

One of the main societal advantages of using ecommerce websites for shopping is that it is an environmentally friendly way of purchasing products. Or at least it could be…

As there is no need to travel to shops to get your products, there is automatically less traffic on the roads, reducing air pollution and carbon emissions. Delivery drivers carry multiple packages, reducing the impact of shopping on the environment in that sense.

However, although ecommerce helps to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, it can contribute negatively to plastic pollution and excess waste packaging. When you visit a brick-and-mortar store, you have the option of a plastic bag, which – since the 5p charge was introduced – has become less of a common choice.

When shopping online, your choice is limited. Products often come wrapped in excess plastic and cardboard, some of which cannot be recycled.

That said, a number of ecommerce businesses are doing their bit to reduce their environmental impact and offer ethical produce for their customers. Whether it’s using less packaging, making all packaging recyclable or selling cruelty free products, ethical ecommerce is a great way to attract customers and protect the environment, particularly with today’s heightened awareness of environmental issues.

Increased product reach

Another advantage of ecommerce to society is in terms of product reach. Ecommerce allows anyone, anywhere to access the same products, as long as they have an internet connection and browsing device – whether that’s a smartphone, laptop or desktop. Online shopping makes products and services available to a wider audience, benefitting both the merchants and their customers.

This is particularly beneficial for rural areas and those without the means to get to larger stores. Ecommerce brands can provide services and products to these rural areas, offering them the chance to purchase things that would not usually be available to them. With sites such as the Open University and the Online Learning College, this can even include education, skills and new ways to progress their career.

As it tends to offer a wide range of products for a larger audience, ecommerce also helps to reduce the cost of certain products overall. This can help to bridge the gap between social classes, giving those with a lower disposable income the opportunity to afford the same products as others. ‘Fast fashion’ websites have also helped with this, as they offer luxury designs seen on celebrities for a more affordable price.

On the flipside, fast fashion can often harm the environment, using low quality materials and cheap labour to produce products as quickly as possible. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure your brand offers a combination of both relevant and high-demand items, without the costly impacts on the environment and society.

More job opportunities

For many, the rise of ecommerce and consequential decrease in brick-and-mortar stores may seem to be counterintuitive when it comes to creating new jobs. But, in fact, while some jobs may be lost with the closing of physical stores, most ecommerce sites work in conjunction with their physical premises and offer wider access for jobs nationwide.

If you own a brick-and-mortar store and are looking to branch out into the world of ecommerce, for instance, there are a range of opportunities for business growth and job creation. You could open up another store elsewhere, employ local service providers in other areas to expand your reach or just recruit additional warehouse staff as your business grows.

Because it’s largely based online, ecommerce employees can even work from home in some cases. That gives people without great transport links the chance to work in previously inaccessible roles. Pair that with better accessibility to online training and it’s clear that ecommerce has the potential to boost employment opportunities.

Providing entertainment

Ecommerce gives users the chance to download music, films and videos from the comfort of their own home. In the past, unless you could get to a local blockbuster or supermarket, you’d have to make do with whatever was on the television that night. But today, anyone can access the same digital media through the internet, making a purchase online to gain instant access to a variety of entertainment.

This is just a taste of the advantages of ecommerce to society when it comes to entertainment and leisure. Venturing a bit further, you can book tickets to see the latest film at the cinema, grab a last-minute flight to your dream destination or organise a trip away for the whole family solely using ecommerce.

Life on demand

Online ecommerce stores give shoppers the chance to buy products as and when they want them. Rather than waiting for the next chance to get to the local shopping centre, you can head online during your commute or in the doctor’s waiting room and order whatever you need.

As ecommerce sites become more advanced, customers can also get a much better idea of the products they’re buying. Product specification, images and even videos are all available in one place, with some sites even offering VR or AR product previews.

Ecommerce also removes restrictions on stock, with only warehouse space required, rather than both warehouse and retail space. That allows merchants to offer a wider product range – yet another way they can get the edge over those selling solely offline.

Experienced ecommerce experts

Whether you’re thinking of taking the plunge into ecommerce or are simply looking to give your website a makeover, the team at Bing Digital have what it takes to transform your ecommerce business.

With expert Magento website designers ready to help, there’s no time like the present to grow your ecommerce business. For more information about how we can help you, get in touch with our team today.

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