Here are some frequently used terms in online shopping, categorized for better understanding:
General Shopping Terms
- Add to Cart: Placing an item in a virtual shopping basket before checkout.
- Checkout: The process of reviewing your cart and completing a purchase.
- Wishlist: A feature to save items for future consideration without purchasing them immediately.
- Out of Stock: When an item is temporarily unavailable for purchase.
- Backorder: Ordering a product that is currently out of stock but will be shipped later.
- SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for a product used by retailers to track inventory.
- Order Confirmation: A message or email received after successfully placing an order.
Pricing and Discounts
- MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): The recommended selling price of a product.
- Discount: A reduction from the original price of a product.
- Promo Code: A code entered at checkout to receive discounts or special offers.
- BOGO (Buy One, Get One): A deal where customers receive a second item for free or at a discount when buying the first.
- Flash Sale: A limited-time sale with significant discounts.
- Clearance: Heavily discounted items being sold to make room for new stock.
Shipping and Delivery
- Free Shipping: No cost for shipping the purchased items.
- Standard Shipping: The default delivery option with average speed and cost.
- Express Shipping: A faster delivery option, usually at a higher cost.
- Tracking Number: A unique code used to monitor the shipping progress of an order.
- ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The anticipated delivery date for an order.
- Shipping Address: The destination where the order will be delivered.
- Click and Collect: Buying online and picking up the item in a physical store.
Payment Terms
- COD (Cash on Delivery): A payment method where you pay for your order upon delivery.
- EMI (Equated Monthly Installment): A payment plan allowing buyers to pay in smaller installments.
- Secure Payment Gateway: A system ensuring safe online payments.
- Refund: Returning money to the customer when a product is returned or not delivered.
- Chargeback: A reversal of payment made to resolve a dispute.
Returns and Policies
- Return Policy: The rules for returning items after purchase.
- Refund Policy: The terms under which a refund will be issued.
- Exchange: Replacing a purchased item with another, often due to size or defect.
- Restocking Fee: A charge for returning items to the store inventory.
- RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization): A process or number required to return an item.
Product Descriptions
- New Arrival: Recently added items in the store’s inventory.
- Best Seller: A product that is highly popular and frequently purchased.
- Limited Edition: Products available for a short period or in limited quantities.
- Customizable: Items that can be personalized based on customer preferences.
- Bundle: A package deal combining multiple products for a reduced price.
- Pre-Order: Ordering a product before it is officially released or in stock.
Customer Engagement Terms
- Review: Customer feedback or ratings about a product.
- Testimonial: A detailed statement by a customer about their positive experience.
- Live Chat: A feature allowing real-time conversations with customer service.
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): A section addressing common customer questions.
- Loyalty Program: A system rewarding repeat customers with points, discounts, or perks.
Marketing and Advertising Terms
- Upselling: Encouraging customers to buy a more expensive product or add-ons.
- Cross-Selling: Recommending related or complementary items.
- Sponsored Content: Paid ads promoting a product on social media or search engines.
- Influencer Marketing: Promotion of products by social media personalities.
- Call to Action (CTA): A prompt encouraging customers to take a specific action (e.g., “Buy Now,” “Shop Today”).
Understanding these terms will help you navigate online shopping more effectively and make better purchasing decisions