Online Services

E-commerce (online shopping) is now a popular way for people to buy a range of goods and services. Customers can browse for nearly all items that can be found in a shopping center, add them to a virtual basket and arrange for them to be delivered to their home. Also available online are holidays, education, gaming, news, downloads and 'On demand' streaming entertainment services (e.g. Netflix).

Buying online can be more convenient as customers can find what they are looking for without leaving home. They may also find greater choice of goods at cheaper prices with the ability to use customer reviews to indicate the quality of the product. However, there is no human interaction, a greater risk of fraud and returning goods may be less convenient. Companies can benefit from selling goods online as they don't have to pay rent for a shop, allowing them to sell goods cheaper. They can also reach a wider range of customers. However, they will have to compete with companies all over the world.

Online banking means that customers can check how much money they have, monitor their finances, transfer money and pay bills online 24 hours a day. However this can lead to small high street bank branches having to close due to less customers.

This image is a QR code (Quick Response) they quickly link people to a website or online service using a camera or QR scanner.