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Advantages of the digital economy

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    Advantages of the digital economy
    Greater information. The internet has enabled consumers to have greater information and choice. For example, it makes it easier to compare prices between firms. It also brings information to a person’s fingertips. This is particularly important for tourists going on holiday. Before the digital economy, it might not be possible to find the prices of hotels and bus timetables.
    Saves time. Before if you needed office supplies, you would have to make a journey into town and purchase. Now, you can make an order over the internet and it will arrive the next day. This saves business labour costs.
    Reduced costs. Firms can save on renting expensive buildings by running most of business through the internet. A digital economy enables firms to cut out an aspect of the retail chain and send personalised goods direct from factory or warehouse to people’s goods, rather than through shops.

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    This enables lower costs and lower prices.
    Personalisation. A digital economy allows greater personalisation than would be possible under traditional economy. For example, a traditional shop would only have room to stock a certain number of colours and sizes, but with the digital economy, a consumer can choose any preference and then the product can be custom-built e.g. 3D printer. For example, custom clothes that have particular sizes and colours to match individual preferences.
    Lower barriers to entry. In some markets, aspects of the digital economy make it easier for new firms to enter. If an entrepreneur has an innovative idea that catches on, they can create a new product which challenges traditional firms. The digital economy has brought many new services which were inconceivable before, such as online home deliveries for grocery to dating apps.
    Creates significant data which can give new insights. The mass production of data can help inform governments and charities about what is happening in the economy. For example, in tracking of COVID-19 spread, the use of an app on mobile phones may indicate where local hotspots emerge.