What exactly is an online store? An online store is a shop that provides goods or services via the internet, either through a website or an application, where sellers and buyers can easily conduct transactions, from selecting items and determining delivery locations to making payments via transfer or COD (cash on delivery). Nowadays, so many online stores have been established.
I remember back then there was only tokobagus.com, but now numerous online stores have emerged, offering various sales approaches, such as Lazada, Blibli, Shopee, and many others. Before these websites and applications existed, online merchants used social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, with the development of technology and continuous updates, online store applications began to appear.
Anyone can sell on an online store. With just a smartphone, an internet connection, a decent camera, and most importantly, a product to sell, anyone can participate in online commerce. Besides being easy, it's also free, with no fees charged by the online store platform, as the platforms themselves profit from the usage of their applications. By creating a new account, registering their store, and listing the products they want to sell, their merchandise can be seen by people across Indonesia, and even worldwide.
Another advantage for sellers is flexibility, as they don't need a physical store. So, even if we sell items from another store that has a physical presence, it won't harm that other store; in fact, it helps market their products online. However, before that happens, a store with a physical building usually already has its own online store. Those are some of the advantages and benefits for online store sellers.
Now, what about consumers? What about buyers? Purchasing transactions through online stores are incredibly easy. Why? Firstly, buyers don't have to leave their homes to choose the items they are looking for and need. Secondly, buyers can order a large quantity of goods without having to carry them home, as items can be delivered using shipping services.
Payments are also very easy, available through mobile banking, internet banking, and even SMS banking. If buyers are unsure about the item they are looking for and want to see it directly, they can use COD (Cash on Delivery) or 'pay on the spot' transactions. This payment method allows buyers to verify if the item's condition truly matches their needs and can be easily canceled if it doesn't.
This differs from transfer transactions, where returning an item requires going through several procedures if it's not as expected. Typically, prices for items offered through online stores are cheaper compared to buying directly. Why is that? Firstly, online stores usually offer higher and continuous discounts, regardless of the market situation, and often provide free shipping.
Secondly, items sold online are usually not subject to local taxes because there's no physical store, which naturally makes the goods cheaper. Therefore, it's no wonder consumers prefer shopping through online stores rather than having to leave their homes to buy what they need. Almost everything is available in online stores, from clothing, accessories, household necessities, electronics, transportation services, and many more products sold through online stores.
We never know what the future holds; perhaps everything will be digitized. Even now, transportation, sales, and purchases are already online. BPJS registration, flight ticket booking, train tickets—all are online. So, what if we can't use them? Perhaps this is what's called 'gaptek' or technologically illiterate. Everything will revert to the internet; everyone must learn to use the internet.
Nothing is impossible if we learn, even if we have disabilities. Compared to the general public, a significantly higher number of people with disabilities are already proficient in using the internet. This is because we, people with disabilities, truly experience the ease of using the internet. It is very true to say that the role of the internet fosters independence for people with disabilities.
As an internet user myself, engaging in social media, browsing, and online shopping, I consider the internet a daily necessity to support my activities, such as getting updated news, transportation, and communication. That's where the independence lies. We don't have to ask others for help with shopping, traveling, or finding specific information. We can access everything through the internet.
Therefore, let's learn the internet for the independence of people with disabilities. Because what's easy is better, and never make things difficult for yourself. Life is already hard, so don't force it; if there's an easier way, why not take it? This concludes my explanation regarding the advantages of online stores in the modern era. I hope it is understandable and provides some information about online stores.
Thank you. I am confident that the internet is the future for people with disabilities. Therefore, I am participating in the #12KartunetBerkarya Essay Writing Competition. Come join us to win the latest Android Smartphone, and look forward to the Internet Marketing Online Course (I’M BRAVE) which will soon be held by Kartunet in collaboration with PermataBank CSR.