I WAS watching the news which was reporting that companies were now starting to charge for returns of online purchases.
It is about time that people should think logically about the future of online shopping and the loss of shops in town centres.
The reason products are cheaper online is because if you could buy them at the same price in a shop you would buy from there because you can inspect it, try it on and if you find a fault with it when you get home then you can go back to the shop and exchange it or get your money back.
More: Young Kidderminster musician to release first solo single
More: Pride in Place benefits for Kidderminster and private-sector investment hold-ups
More: 'When my kids are cuddled up with Elsie, our Labrador, I feel a mix of emotions'
That is particularly relevant with clothing where you usually buy a few items and when you get home you find that some fit and others are tight or short or loose and you need a different size or different style.
Companies then offer lower prices and free returns to encourage to buy online which obviously is going to save you money.
So when the majority of their products are being purchased online they then can close shops in towns and save the costs associated and increase profits.
Then in the future because the town shops have disappeared the companies can charge for returns and for delivery.
Remember business does not do things for your benefit.
It is always for their benefit.
Credit and debit cards and online banking are not for your benefit but so banks can shut high street premises.
And now cash points are gradually disappearing because banks, big business and the government do not want you to use cash.
Banks make money from small businesses from every card transaction, big business saves money by not having staff handling and banking cash and government can tax individuals more easily.
By buying everything online and not using cash you will not like the future you are walking into.
The benefits you are getting now will not be there in the future and it is already starting to happen.
Paul Dakin
Kidderminster
Share