The disadvantages are:

• Information on the Websites is mostly standardised. The personal face-to-face consultation and information dialog is absent.  There is no individual contact.
• Products are sometimes only described as they are sometimes shown as a photograph. You cannot examine the quality and condition of the product prior to its delivery and purchase.
• It is sometimes difficult to access background information about the online shop.  It requires some experience to be able to discover the business seat of the shop, its actual size, credibility, and costumer satisfaction. 
• It is sometimes difficult to determine the governing law of the contract.

The basic rule is that the law of the state applies to all consumer contracts, in which the consumer has his or her usual residence. The jurisdiction is determined by the place where the service (delivering of the product) has to be carried out. Furthermore, the judgement of a German court can be enforced within the European Union.  Difficulties may result in those countries where the recognition of German court decisions and their enforceability is not granted. As such, the consumer should be cautious to deal with online shops where the business seat is located outside the European Union.