Home > Personal Finance > Spending & Saving > Smart Spending
Is it better to do your holiday shopping in stores or online?
Results so far:
| In stores | 48% | 298 votes | Total: 626 votes | |
| Online | 52% | 328 votes |
In stores
by Swarna K
Created on: June 15, 2009 Last Updated: June 18, 2009
People these days have become quite dependent on internet. Undoubtedly, internet has been very useful, right form searching jobs, online ticket booking, searching the best restaurants in the city, etc. Out of many, online shopping is quite prevalent these days among people who claim themselves to be quite busy. And online shopping is the best option for them. They say that standing in long queues for shopping and billing is a sheer waste of time and energy. On the other hand, there are people who feel online shopping is a sheer waste of money. Well I favor store shopping rather than online shopping. There are many reasons why I feel store shopping is better:
Helps to research on a product: when we go to a store for shopping, we can go to different stores and research on the items which are cheaper and good in quality. Whereas, in online shopping, you can research online, but looking at the item personally and checking the quality can only be done if you go to the store.
Huge range of items: There are huge ranges of items available in stores with different departments, which we can buy according to our budget. And moreover, we can get all items in one store, whereas, in online shopping though you may get all the items, but the variety isn't there. They have limited items and limited stock.
Trial option: When you go to the store for shopping of clothes and footwear, the biggest advantage is you can try them and buy the one that suits and fits you. But this option isn't available in online shopping. Moreover, the size which looks perfect to you on the screen might not be the same when delivered
Avail discounts: Many stores provide in store discounts and sale, which is beneficial for those who shop in the store. Whereas, this facility wouldn't be available for online shoppers.
Exchange of items: This is the biggest advantage of store shopping, that if you have to exchange any item show the bill in the store and exchange, whereas, this option is not always available in online shopping. Customers have the receipt number and the valid date, but by the time the item for exchange would come, the validity could also be over.
Quick delivery: In store shopping the delivery is quick as you buy and take the item with you. But in online shopping they take a lot of time in delivering the item to your address.
Bargaining: The option of bargaining is only available in store shopping, where if you feel that the rates are too high, you can bargain and lower the rate. On the other hand, in online shopping the option of bargaining Is eliminated, as even if the prices are high you have to purchase it because it is through online and there is no salesman in person with whom you can negotiate the price. So this turns to be a very costly deal.
There are numerous other reasons why in-store shopping is better than online shopping. So I personally feel that online shopping is a sheer waste of money. Only the time of waiting in the long queues is saved, apart from that there is nothing beneficial in online shopping. Whereas, in-store shopping is always beneficial in all ways.
Learn more about this author, Swarna K.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Online
by Becky Robbins
Created on: July 20, 2009
Holiday shopping brings the masses to all stores to fight over sales and other discounts. More and more people are turning to the internet for a more stress-free shopping experience.
Right after Halloween, the mall is lit up in the Holiday spirit. Mistletoe, candy canes, and the colorful garland adorn railings and the ceiling. With those beautiful decorations comes a boat load of stress. It is not only Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, which makes the roads around the mall difficult to maneuver. Everyday leading up to Christmas is a fight for a parking space. If you love long lines and risking the item you want not being in stock, head to the mall.
Shopping online reduces those stressful emotions. No lines to wait in once you find that perfect gift. With one click you have added the item to your shopping cart. With another click you are ready to checkout. During the checkout process, you have the option to get gift wrap. If you want to send the gifts straight to the person who will receive them, this option is great. Of course, you can always have the gift sent to your home and wrap it yourself. The ability to ship gifts right to the person they are intended for can be quite beneficial. If you must travel during the holidays, this is one less gift you need to pack in your suitcase.
By shopping online, you are conserving your gasoline. As the prices of gasoline continue to rise, this can be a great cost savings. Heading out to the stores or mall tends to see congestion right around the mall area. With people fighting for parking spots and everyone trying to get their shopping done, everyone's blood pressure rises as the amount of gasoline in your car dwindles sitting in idle. Save yourself the time and trouble.
Most of the stores you shop at are now available online. This gives you another reason to stay home. You can browse the inventory online and it will even tell you if it is in stock. In addition to saving time and headaches, shopping online may offer additional ways to save. There are countless opportunities to earn cash back, whether it is using your credit card or one of the many cash back websites. Either way, you are still receiving great discounts online and you are getting cash back.
Shopping online is not just beneficial during the Holiday season. You can shop online any time of the year and find yourself saving. Just find the coupon codes for your additional savings. You may even be able to receive free shipping straight to your home. There is no better time than now to start shopping online.
Learn more about this author, Becky Robbins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills
Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all
INFORMATION
Copyright © 2002-2012 Helium, Inc. All rights reserved.
Helium.com: A Service of RR Donnelley