Retailers are complaining that online shopping has affected their profits over Christmas. They say that it’s not fair that they should have to pay a GST (Goods and Services Tax) which raises their costs while overseas internet sellers don’t have to pay this tax. All this is true. And yet…

What retailers have in their favour, supposedly, is that their goods can be viewed and tried on there and then in the store. This is a definite advantage, since the disadvantage of online shopping is that you are depending on a photo and description of the product. The other disadvantage of internet shopping is that it is a nuisance to return an unsuitable purchase. Wrapping the item, going to the post office and paying for postage is a drag.

So what one is paying for in a store is personal service. It should be easy, therefore, to return a faulty purchase. Continue reading →