So you’re in a hurry! Your “to do” list is through the roof… and you don’t know which way to turn.

Many retailers now have an online presence on the web, and it is an online store. This is, by most accounts, the way to go and many retailers would be only too happy to see this as the only way to go. Online shopping is definitely growing by leaps and bounds. In the US alone, many high street retailers have closed hundreds of locations, due entirely to online shopping.

This is where online shopping becomes a viable proposition…or does it?

The professionals

1. Save time… logically shopping from home (or the office) is a great time saver

2. Special Offers… Most retailers (especially grocery stores) offer special prices to customers online.

3. Reduce impulse purchases. The old maxim of buying groceries after a meal, not before, still applies, but online impulse purchases are generally on the decline.

4. Prices can be easily and quickly checked with other online retailers. (or use available software to do this for you)

5. The Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday phenomenon is now sweeping the globe and it can be a great idea to get that special item at ridiculously low prices. As online shopping takes center stage, we should see coupons, promotions, and more available at the online retailer.

Shipping costs can be both good and bad. It’s important to consider the cost of delivery when shopping online, especially, once again, for groceries. Fuel cost is also a factor; this, of course, works both ways. Before you buy anything, you should do some comparison shopping. Take a photo with your cell phone, enter the price and compare the cost of the identical item online.

The cons

1. Goods bought online tend to be more expensive, this may not be the case in all cases, but the ability to get a discount online is clearly a no-no. This is where comparison can make a difference. It is also good to check if there are any hidden costs.

2. You lose the opportunity to choose your own items, for example, fresh vegetables and fruits, feel the texture and try on the item. Sizes may vary from store to store (Chinese sizes are well known to run very small), colors may not be exactly as pictured, and of course you cannot try the item on.

3. In most cases, the more you buy, the cheaper the shipping cost, but in all likelihood you will have to visit the supermarket quite often to buy fresh produce, bread, milk, etc. This, of course, raises the question of impulse buying and the cost of the trip.

4. Time is also a factor, how long does it take to receive a delivery?

Of course, now there are thousands and thousands of online shopping sites on the world wide web. What is interesting is the wide range of prices for what “appears” to be the same item plus of course “shipping” which is in fine print (it seems that the more the retailer charges for shipping, the smaller the print ) or “free” shipping…really!!

This article is not a definitive work on all the good and bad of online shopping, it is designed to make you think. Now you’re probably confused, but it all boils down to:

has. cost savings

b. Save time

If you are one of the very lucky ones and can achieve both, you have it made. For other mortal mothers, a compromise will be necessary, but as this phenomenon is on the rise, we have very little choice but to eventually go with the flow.

Good luck.

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