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Online shopping

Case study

Online shopping

Fashion, electronics, travel and more: buying and paying on the internet.

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Published on 02.02.2026
2 lessons
German, French, Italian
USS
LCS
KV
Easy to use

Overview

This unit addresses online shopping, with all its advantages and disadvantages.

  • The case study consists of a text, a worksheet and a factsheet.
  • Students work through the topic by way of the worksheet.

Learning objectives

The students are able to ...

  • explain their preference for brick-and-mortar or online retail;
  • shop online according to their interests and avoid typical stumbling blocks by using knowledge of contract law (right of withdrawal, general terms and conditions for delivery times, and defects);
  • make informed decisions on which payment methods are appropriate to the purchasing situation.

Case study

Online shopping
Alec and Emina are both 19 years old and have been a couple for over a year. They met at vocational school during their commercial apprenticeships. The graduation ceremony will take place in a few weeks.

Worksheet

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Worksheet

Exercises on the topic of online shopping
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Sample answers Worksheet

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Extras

Factsheet: Payment methods on the internet
Factsheet on the most common online payment methods, such as credit card, invoice, Twint, etc

Factsheet: Commerce between private individuals via online marketplace
Factsheet on important aspects to consider when trading with private individuals online.

Additional information

Links

Online Shopping

Federal Trade Commission (01.05.2023). This article provides practical tips on how to shop safely online, avoid scams, and protect personal and financial information.

consumer.ftc.gov

Six ‘dark patterns’ used to manipulate you when shopping online

OECD (16.09.2024). This article outlines common manipulative design tactics used by online retailers and explains what consumers should watch out for when shopping online.

www.oecd.org

What is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loan?

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (21.05.2024). This article explains how Buy Now, Pay Later services work and highlights important points consumers should consider before using them.

www.consumerfinance.gov

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): What It Is, How It Works, Pros and Cons

Investopedia (08.10.2025). This article provides an overview of BNPL, including how it works, its pros and cons, potential risks, and how it can affect young consumers.

www.investopedia.com

Videos
Six Ways to Avoid Online Shopping Scams

Credits – Online shopping

Concept:
Iconomix

Consultants:
Andrea Fuchs, prevention specialist; Joanna Herzig and Gregor Mägerle, both Schuldenprävention Stadt Zürich (City of Zurich debt prevention office).

Didactic consultant:
Daniel Schmuki, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET

Translation & proofreading:
SNB Language Services

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