Potentially slow download times if a lot of pictures are needed to display the product. Potential problems with distribution and other countries' laws, import duties, etc. if buyers world-wide are allowed to purchase goods. As long as the drawbacks are thought through at an early stage then the site can be designed to minimise them, and the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks. Also, over the next couple of years the drawbacks will diminish as users get faster connections and more familiar with purchasing online, and the credit card companies and banks get better and more consistent policies in this area. The buying chain An online shop can take various forms and can take the buyer to varying stages in what could be called the buying chain.
Merchant receives order and payment details.
Merchant ships product and invoice. In reality, some users will stop at the second point because of perceived security concerns, but this doesn't necessarily mean that the sale is lost. It is therefore paramount that a phone number is always visible for these users. Security Security is probably one of the biggest issues in the buyer's mind at the moment, and it is obviously an issue which have to be dealt with seriously. When talking about eCommerce security, one is usually talking about people's credit card details falling into the wrong hands.