Shopping Online Vs. Shopping At Brick and Mortar Stores

Shopping Online Vs. Shopping At Brick and Mortar Stores

Online shopping has become more and more popular over the last ten years or so. Although there are some who would never get involved with such newfangled technology, many more people are turning to the internet for their shopping needs. It can provide many benefits like not having to leave your home, saving money on gas, and shipping gifts directly to a person rather than having to go to the post office. But there is some value in heading over to your local brick and mortar store. This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each. Like most people, you will probably do a little but of both. But if you've never shopped on the internet, you may just change your mind!

Shopping At A Store Near You:

Going to your local brick and mortar store can provide a lot of benefits. You get out of your house and get some fresh air, you can run into people you may know and have a chance to socialize, and you can get some exercise by walking up and down the aisles of those big department stores (if you stay a while). In some cases, shopping in a large retail department store will save you money. This is because they are able to order huge amounts of stock which enables them to offer it at lower prices. However, if you have been injured or have some other reason you are unable to leave your home, you will have to get a family member or possibly even employ someone to do your shopping for you. And there can be other drawbacks as well. If your car is a gas guzzler or you are unable to purchase gas for the week, you will have a hard time getting to your local store. If you need several items, you may find yourself worn out after traveling from store to store, or driving 30 minutes to get to a particular place because it's the only one that offers what you need. Bargain shopping can be difficult too. Again you have to visit each place in person to find the best deal on what you are looking for. Gift giving to anyone that doesn't live in the same area as you do can be challenging as well. You have to buy the gift, box it, and head to the post office or other postal service to ship the item to your friend or loved one.

Shopping on the Internet

Though your local store can provide lower prices on many items, they may not be able to offer the better models of the brands you love. If you're going to a hardware store to buy a power drill, you may not be able to find the model you can find on the internet, and it may just be the one you really need. Clothing stores will offer colors, sizes, and varieties not found in your local store too, even if its the same store! Of course, if you can't leave your home, there is no problem because you shop right from your seat. You can save money on gas costs because you don't have to go anywhere. Bargain shopping is made easy because you can look on hundreds of sites right at your fingertips to find which store has the best price. Those 30 minute drives to the only place that carries the item you need can be eliminated as well. You can find just about anything you need over the internet. Gift giving is a great reason to shop on the net. You're going to have to have the item shipped to you anyway, so instead of having it sent to you, you just send it to your loved one. No boxing, wrapping, or trips to the nearest postal service.

Coupons

Coupons are another reason many people like to shop in brick and mortar stores. When you get your Sunday paper, you have a plethora of money saving coupons on many of your favorite items. But did you know the internet has coupons too? You can find entire websites that offer online coupon codes that you enter when you check out of the online store. And many also offer a free shipping discount. This can offset the large shipping costs that can turn a customer away.
Security
Some people feel more secure shopping in their local stores because there's so much talk of identity theft and stolen credit cards over the net. Although, this can happen, there are a few things you can do to ensure your information is safe. Look for seals on any website you visit that states it is a valid company, and that it is scanned regularly for hacking threats. Read privacy policies on each site you go to and make sure they state that they do not sell your information or use it for spam. If a site looks suspicious, don't shop there! Otherwise, you should be safe shopping online.

Choosing What's Right For You

No matter where you choose to shop, you should always be careful. You may want to sign up for programs like Lifelock that will ensure no one steals your information from the net or your local store. Just don't be afraid to try shopping on the internet. I think you'll find the benefits well worth it.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Laura Taff www.simplychicshopper.com Online Coupon Codes Find deals and coupons for women's clothing, shoes, and accessories.

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