[threebeansalad]

I try to limit shopping--period. BUT, I probably do ~50% of my planned purchases online. I feel like I can find better deals and have more choices. An example is a purse I recently bought online. I had been wanting a new purse for a few months, but the purses in my local department stores either weren't appealing to me or cost >$40. I looked on eBay, and found 100's of choices. I ended up being the sole bidder on a purse for $3.99, after shipping and handling, I had the bag for under $9. Unless the store was havin an amazing sale, there's no way I could have bought this bag i n a store for < $30. Granted, the bag was used, but you couldn't tell. Besides, I like like buying second hand stuff. It feels good to know you're extending the life of an item.

Online is also great when you need a very specific item, particularly if you live a locale with limited shopping options. I attended a wedding and wanted a pashmina to wear in church that would match my dress. My department store <i>may</i> have had a suitable one, but I was able to get one off eBay without wasting time at the store, and most likely, at a lower price.