Corona Virus: Opportunity or Threat for E-Commerce?

The devastating and deadly virus Corona virus (COVID-19) unfortunately came at the worst moment in the Greek economy's attempt to recover. Apart from the human factor-health it caused significant damage to almost all sectors of the economy PLUS e-commerce and some other sectors.

Many businesses have been shut down by law and even more are being forced to underperform or operate remotely. The closure of the market and shops creates an opportunity for both entrepreneurs and consumers to test the possibilities that e-commerce offers them. Even the most die-hard and negative of distance shopping are forced by circumstances to sell and buy using the tools of the internet as there is no other way out. The world is locked in its homes. As long as this situation lasts, all of us are more or less forced to make our purchases safely from the thousands of e-shops that exist in Greece (but also abroad).

Buying from an e-shop gives us some important advantages:

a) Safety, safety, safety. We are not at risk of transmitting or infecting anything since the whole process is done remotely. Without leaving the house, without contacting people, without filling in forms!

b) Convenience, economy, speed: With the search tools, we can find the product we want easily and quickly in a few seconds! We add it to the shopping cart, pay with our card and in a few clicks... we have the product at our door.

C) Stock, availability: "I could not find masks anywhere as many pharmacies as I visited. I went on the internet and with a search I found an e -shop that sold wholesale and in 2 days I had 2 boxes of 50 pieces at home" On the internet you will ALWAYS find what you want, even if you don't find it available in the local market. In the worst case, you can order whatever you want from Amazon or e-bay from abroad and just wait a few more days for delivery.

However, you should be careful when making online purchases from e-shops:

a) be very careful when paying by credit card that the e- shop complies with all specifications, has SSL (https://) mentions in the contact form or in the terms of use the full details of the business and contact phone number. It is also important to check that it has posted its privacy policy and complies with the European regulation G.D.P.R.

b) given the current quarantine situation, you will write notes on your order and insist that the carrier deliver the package to you from a distance

c) when you receive the package you will spray it externally and after unpacking the package with an antiseptic spray (if possible) as well as any change from the carrier. Good hand washing after opening the package!