The trend towards shopping online is increasing at a rapid rate. One of the main benefits of online shopping over traditional “bricks and mortar” retailers is price. However, internet shopping is also a convenient way of shopping, particularly for those who are time poor, live in remote locations and simple prefer the ease of shopping from their homes rather than the hectic pace of the shops. With over half Australian households having internet access at home and with many others now having access at their workplace, internet cafes, schools, libraries, it’s not surprising we are seeing a rapid increase in online shopping.

Travel, accommodation, books and DVD’s are some of the more common products Australians buy online, however over recent years there has been a wide range of additional goods that are now accessible online, such as pharmaceutical products, clothing, cosmetics and prescription glasses. It comes as a relief to many that these new products can now be purchased online. For example, with the average pair of prescription glasses at the retail shops costing over $300, shoppers can now get exactly the same products for 70% less. Online businesses don’t have to pay for expensive shops in prime locations, so the huge savings can be passed onto the consumer.