People who prefer online shopping over in-store trips often share these 8 unique traits

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | January 18, 2025, 2:44 am

What makes someone reach for their phone instead of heading to the mall?

People who gravitate toward online shopping often share certain unique traits that set them apart.

From valuing efficiency to being tech-savvy, their preferences reveal more than just a love of convenience.

Curious if you fit the profile of the online shopper? Let’s uncover the eight personality traits that define them.

1. They value convenience over experience

Online shopping enthusiasts are practical creatures at heart.

Their main concern isn’t the thrill of touching a product before buying or the joy of mingling with fellow shoppers.

It’s all about the convenience for them.

They find it more satisfying to shop from the comfort of their homes or during a quick break at work, than to make a special trip to a store.

If they can order what they need with just a few clicks and have it delivered right at their doorstep, why go out?

Their preference for online shopping doesn’t just stem from a desire to avoid physical stores, it’s about making life simpler and more efficient.

This trait is quite unique to online shoppers and is one of the main reasons they choose virtual carts over physical ones.

2. They are comfortable making decisions without immediate tangible evidence

This is a trait that took me a while to understand.

I’m one of those people who needs to see, touch, and sometimes even smell a product before buying it. But online shoppers, they’re different.

They can make decisions based on pictures, descriptions, and reviews – without having the product right there in front of them.

I remember when I bought my first smartphone online. I’d spent hours in physical stores, comparing models, checking out specs, and getting a feel for each phone.

But when it came down to it, I ended up ordering it online because the deal was just too good to pass up.

It was nerve-wracking, to say the least. But when the phone arrived and it was exactly as I expected, I felt a sense of victory.

That’s when I realized that online shoppers have a kind of courage that many of us lack – the ability to trust in something they can’t physically verify. 

3. They have mastered the art of patience

A wise man once said, “Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” That man was Joyce Meyer, a renowned author and speaker.

This quote echoes the mindset of an avid online shopper.

They don’t just wait for their purchases to arrive. They wait with purpose, knowing that the delay is a trade-off for convenience and often, better deals.

Unlike in-store shoppers who get instant gratification, online shoppers embrace the delay.

The excitement builds from the moment they click ‘buy’ to when the package finally arrives at their doorstep.

I’ve seen this in my friend who orders her clothes online. Despite the temptation of a weekend shopping spree where she could wear her new dress immediately, she prefers to wait for her online order.

She says there’s a certain thrill in tracking her package, anticipating its arrival, and finally holding it in her hands.

4. They are tech-savvy and open to innovation

Online shopping isn’t just about buying things – it’s about navigating the digital world with ease.

People who prefer online shopping tend to be technologically proficient. They can sift through a myriad of web pages, compare prices, read reviews, and make decisions based on digital information.

It’s not just about using a computer or a smartphone; it’s about using them efficiently to find the best deal.

Did you know that in 2020, consumers spent around $861.12 billion online with U.S. merchants, up 44% from the previous year?

This boom in online shopping isn’t just because of the pandemic; it’s also due to an increase in the number of people becoming comfortable with technology and willing to adapt to new ways of buying.

Online shoppers are pioneers in their own right, always ready to embrace the latest tech advancements for a better shopping experience.

5. They are strategic and deliberate shoppers

With the world of options at their fingertips, online shoppers become experts at optimizing their buying process.

They don’t just browse aimlessly; they have a plan. They know exactly what they’re looking for, where to find it, and how to get the best deal.

It’s like going on a treasure hunt, but instead of a map, they have search engines, price comparison tools, and customer reviews to guide them.

They don’t just stumble upon a good deal; they strategically hunt it down. They are not impulsive buyers but calculated decision-makers.

Take my cousin for example. She wanted a specific designer bag but didn’t want to pay the retail price. So, she scoured the internet, compared prices from different online stores, even set up alerts for when the bag went on sale.

She finally got her bag at almost half the price!

6. They enjoy the privacy of online shopping

Here’s something not everyone considers about online shoppers: they appreciate the privacy.

Shopping, for some, is a private affair. They prefer to make their choices without the prying eyes of salespeople or other customers.

Online shopping offers them a space to browse, ponder, and decide without any pressure.

They can spend hours looking at a product, read every review, scrutinize every detail, and no one is there to rush them or judge their choices.

Just think about it – have you ever felt a little self-conscious while trying on clothes in a store? Or hesitated to buy something because you felt like someone was watching?

With online shopping, those worries don’t exist. You can fill and empty your cart as many times as you like, try on clothes in the comfort of your home, and make your decisions at your own pace.

This level of privacy and freedom is what makes online shopping so appealing to many.

7. They are always connected and informed

Staying connected and informed is second nature to online shoppers.

They’re always plugged into the digital world, keeping an eye out for the latest products, trends, and deals.

They subscribe to newsletters, follow their favorite brands on social media, and are often the first to know when a new product is launched or a sale is about to begin.

This continuous stream of information allows them to make informed decisions about their purchases.

For instance, my brother is a big sneakerhead. He follows multiple shoe brands and sneaker news sites online. The moment a new model drops, he’s one of the first to know – all thanks to his digital connectivity.

It’s this constant thirst for information and connection that makes online shopping an ideal choice for them. They’re always in the loop, always ready for the next big thing.

8. They are adaptable and open to change

At the heart of it all, online shoppers are adaptable beings.

They’re not afraid of change; they embrace it. They’re willing to step out of their comfort zones and explore new ways of doing things.

Online shopping is a continually evolving space. New platforms, new payment methods, new delivery options – there’s always something changing or improving.

And online shoppers? They’re right there on the front lines, ready to adapt and make the most of these changes.

When contactless delivery became a thing, they were quick to embrace it. When virtual fitting rooms were introduced, they jumped right in to try it out.

Their adaptability doesn’t just make them good online shoppers; it prepares them for a world that’s constantly changing and evolving.

As someone who was once hesitant about online shopping, I’ve come to appreciate this trait in online shoppers. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about embracing change and making it work for you.

And at the end of the day, isn’t that what life is all about?

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