Businesses invest in information technology and electronic commerce to increase productivity, cut costs and enhance customer service. Consumers shop on the Internet because they find their choices dramatically increased. They have access to much more information when making purchasing decisions. Busy consumers can save time and find shopping more convenient as merchants serve their needs individually. Better information and greater selection, combined with lower operating costs for many Internet business may, in turn, drive reductions in prices or improvements in quality.
Consumers cite convenience as the number one reason for making a purchase online.
Shopping on the Internet can save time. A consumer does not have to travel to a store site or adjust his schedule around the store's hours. No longer does a consumer have to wait on hold for a customer service representative to answer the phone. Recognizing that customers may want products delivered as soon as possible, many sites offer next day or second-day delivery. Online support tools order status, product availability and pricing, technical support and troubleshooting tipsare generally supplemented with toll-free numbers that customers may call for further information.