Do you shop on line more or going to the retail store. For me I do my research on line and then see who has the best price. If I can get it with free shipping and the price is better I buy on line. Matter of fact I buy on line more and more because I am just to lazy to go shopping at a retail store.
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Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
On Line Shopping vs Store Shopping
- Thread starter hey_moe
- Start date
kilo delta
Charter Member 2015
Mostly online. Shipping charges can negate the savings on certain items however so in those cases I'll search local retail stores.
jmig
SOH-CM-2026
Yes, if it is something I can get locally, I figure what the tax will be. If the tax is less or close to the shipping, I buy it locally.
Hey Moe,
I think it depends largely on what is being purchased and whether or not it comes with an international warranty but generally I'd rather do the research online and then go through a retail outlet.
In most cases you can get the item you want immediately and should it turn out to be a faulty product, you don't have to wait weeks to get it sorted out.
That being said, when it comes to certain hobby-related items, I have no qualms with purchasing from overseas. The local prices seem to be a little inflated in this regard - To put it mildly.
Regards,
Stratobat
I think it depends largely on what is being purchased and whether or not it comes with an international warranty but generally I'd rather do the research online and then go through a retail outlet.
In most cases you can get the item you want immediately and should it turn out to be a faulty product, you don't have to wait weeks to get it sorted out.
That being said, when it comes to certain hobby-related items, I have no qualms with purchasing from overseas. The local prices seem to be a little inflated in this regard - To put it mildly.
Regards,
Stratobat
brad kaste
Charter Member
Hands down,...you can't beat buying on line. Not just at Christmas time to find that one particular item,...but all year around. Besides quickly seeing who has the best price on something,..a lot of places will have free shipping tossed in as well. And of course,...when one buys out of state, you saving on the state sales tax. A real win-win.
When or if I do make a LARGE (price wise) purchase,...I always prefer to talk person to person to someone at the other end. Just to make sure there's no doubts or misunderstanding what the cost and other fees will be.
Online vs local retail
If you think about it, it's a wash. Granted you are getting it for a good price online. And tax free even if that's the case but, you (we in general) are also killing local retail business's at the same time. Kill business's = kill jobs locally in your area eventually
Of course there's a lot more to it than that but,
....Just my 2bits worth on the subject
If you think about it, it's a wash. Granted you are getting it for a good price online. And tax free even if that's the case but, you (we in general) are also killing local retail business's at the same time. Kill business's = kill jobs locally in your area eventually
Of course there's a lot more to it than that but,
....Just my 2bits worth on the subject
A
Aviator32
Guest
1. Browse item online
2. View item in Store
3. Buy item online
2. View item in Store
3. Buy item online
BurningBeard
Charter Member
For me it depends on the availability of the product. If I can get it locally I do, to support the local businesses that support me. I also look for "local business" before I look at chain stores. Quite often the price is better this way, however I live in a small town and selection can be small, in that case I will shop online. I have to do this for computer parts and supplies for my business, that stuff us usually a very limited selection or just plain not available.
Beard
Beard
Hey OleBoy,
It's a bit of a double edged blade and I agree with you that the local guys should be supported but if the service is less than satisfactory or the price is overly inflated, why should a person put up with the hassle when spending their hard earned money?
Regards,
Stratobat
It's a bit of a double edged blade and I agree with you that the local guys should be supported but if the service is less than satisfactory or the price is overly inflated, why should a person put up with the hassle when spending their hard earned money?
Regards,
Stratobat
I am a very impulsive buyer,
so I refrain from store shopping,
If I like it, I buy it, no questions asked,
But I cannot stand waiting, standing on line
or waking up early morning to get the discount...
I pay twice the price for the convenience....
(well, that just me!)
so I refrain from store shopping,
If I like it, I buy it, no questions asked,
But I cannot stand waiting, standing on line
or waking up early morning to get the discount...
I pay twice the price for the convenience....
(well, that just me!)
No intentions of starting a debate here as I shop online frequently myself. Just saying, the consequences reflect back locally was all. :salute:
mfitch
Charter Member 2015
I like online shopping, but the shipping can more than double the cost of some items. When I replaced my computer speakers this year, no one would even ship them here. The final solution was to ship to my inlaws who shipped them up.
As a result of this AK tax I buy at local stores when possible since they (especially national chain stores) can absorb the shipping in large part.
As a result of this AK tax I buy at local stores when possible since they (especially national chain stores) can absorb the shipping in large part.
Roadburner440
Charter Member 2010
I do a lot of research online, and depending on what it is depends on whether I order it from on line or go to the store. If the store (such as Best Buy) offers better product protections then I go there since that makes returns easier (like I just did on my Klipsch speakers yesterday).. If it is something that it doesn't matter (like computer parts/software that are yours forever once opened) then I order them from Amazon, Newegg, or whatever is cheaper.
Meshman
Charter Member
Different items fall into different categories. Four years ago (?) I braved Black Friday crowds to pick up my Samsung monitor at the local Circuit City. It started having problems a few days back, so today (Cyber Monday) I went shopping at Newegg. Found a cheapo replacement with free shipping. Since Newegg is quasi-local to me, I should have the monitor Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.
Brick and mortar still has it's place. I don't envision ever buying socks or underwear or the likes online. In my price range for clothes and the likes there will be variances in the "quoted sizes", such as blue jeans. It may say it's a 36x34, but I'm not buying until I can be assured my butt fits. If they figure out a way to measure my rear end online, maybe I'll reconsider...
Brick and mortar still has it's place. I don't envision ever buying socks or underwear or the likes online. In my price range for clothes and the likes there will be variances in the "quoted sizes", such as blue jeans. It may say it's a 36x34, but I'm not buying until I can be assured my butt fits. If they figure out a way to measure my rear end online, maybe I'll reconsider...
Depends on what the item is. Keep in mind that I'm almost an hour from the nearest city of good size. Books, DVDs and music CDs, I tend to get at Amazon. I'll build up my wish list until it's enough to get free shipping then order. Electronics, other hardware type items and consumables I prefer to buy from a store rather than on line.
rpjkw
Charter Member
The locally vs online discussion caused me to think about my purchases. I see it as trade off.
It seems 95% of my shopping is at large chain retailers. I've become very lazy in my old age and unless I have a reason to shop at a certain store for a specific item, I order online simply to avoid going out for one or two measly items. I gladly shop local merchants for those items I can't get at the 'big box' stores because I enjoy dealing personally with the merchants. Most of my online purchases involve used books and items that can't be purchased locally. As an example, Wal Mart's online site offers a lot of merchandise not available in stores.
Bob
It seems 95% of my shopping is at large chain retailers. I've become very lazy in my old age and unless I have a reason to shop at a certain store for a specific item, I order online simply to avoid going out for one or two measly items. I gladly shop local merchants for those items I can't get at the 'big box' stores because I enjoy dealing personally with the merchants. Most of my online purchases involve used books and items that can't be purchased locally. As an example, Wal Mart's online site offers a lot of merchandise not available in stores.
Bob