After doing a little sociological research, I was surprised to see how few people who regularly shop online are aware of the existence of shopping systems. In order to make a purchase, most of them either go to the sites of stores they are already familiar with, or resort to the services of search engines, which are not very convenient in this matter. But everything can be done much easier.
To put it simply, trading system (TS)aka price comparison systemis a virtual storefront where online retailers display their products. Entering the pages of the TC can be compared to a visit to a large shopping center. The title page of the resource displays a list of categories that can be found here - large household appliances, cell phones, audio equipment, and even cosmetics and baby products. Each category is usually broken down into appropriate subcategories. The user can either go through the section of interest or use the search.
Some would probably argue that all you need to know is a couple of big online stores, and you just don't need TCs. In fact, it's much more complicated than that. The fact is that a small online store, does not always mean "bad online store". Often it happens that large trade only popular and best-selling goods, while looking for something unique is necessary precisely in small stores. Also, the desired product may simply be out of stock, and you still have to look for another store. And online stores now - this is one of the fastest growing areas of business. In a large city there can be several hundred of them, and it will take many hours to look through their assortment.
And all you need to do is go to the TC and find the desired product. Next to the product description the user will find a list of online stores, in which the product is available. All that remains to be done is to simply go to the site of the store, where you can place an order, by phone or via a web form.
Many well-known TCs have their mobile counterpart, which can be accessed from a cell phone, Internet tablet or PDA. The principle of work here is exactly the same. By the way, in some cases it is not necessary to go from the mobile CU to the store's site: it is possible to make a call without leaving the system page itself (provided of course that the user is logged in from a cell phone and not a PDA) - on the page with the prices, next to the store name there is a special link, a click on which is regarded by the device browser as a call to make a call.
Although the purpose and principle of all TCs is the same, there are quite a few differences between them. Mainly in the appearance and in the way goods are presented to the user. The simplest systems imply that a person already knows exactly what kind of product he would like to buy, and all he is interested in are prices and stores. But such resources are an outdated and dying branch in the evolution of TC. After all, most users are either undecided or would like to know more about what they want. The best systems provide not only a detailed description of the product, but also feedback about it from other users who have already purchased it. Reviews can be very useful, because thanks to them you can both be finally strengthened in the choice, and on the contrary to abandon it and look for something else.
Most TCs have the ability to select by certain criteria and the ability to compare the selected product with another from the same category. This can be very useful for users who are still undecided.
As for the interface, here as in other industries - each system has its own unique design. The creators of some TC focus on the list of stores where the product is presented, while others initially focus the user's attention on the detailed description. Some systems provide descriptions only of those products that are currently on sale, others do not have such restrictions: here you can find a description of any product - both withdrawn from production, and not yet hit the shelves of stores. Accordingly, the navigation of resources is very different. There cannot be an ideal TC in principle - the user must decide for himself what is most convenient for him, choosing one system among many.
Most TCs deal only with electronics and household appliances. Some also offer their customers products such as books, cosmetics, clothing, or furniture.
Have a great shopping experience!
