how Much do you Shop Online?

[Fern]

OK, i decided the boards need fresh threads...too many recycled ones still floating around!

So how much do you shop online? What kinds of things have you purchased online?

Today i bought my favorite sneakers, hard to find in black, online. (Reebok Princess). Been wearing them for years for general walking; they're very light and comfortable on my feet.

Once i even bought a queen sized mattress online but ended up aborting that purchase after UPS claims to have "lost" it. I got a refund and ended up buying more locally from Sleepy's.

also have bought everything from toiletries to a step ladder.

[JanH]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

This Christmas was the first year I've bought a few gifts online. I've been thinking of buying some books I can't find online. I'm just getting my toes wet. It's a new area for me.
Actually, I do think my Dad helped me find a gift I couldn't find a couple years ago. That might have been my first time. I think it is handy though and I might do more.

[jodi]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

I buy a lot at Christmas time on-line - probably 30-40% of my shopping. I don't do much the rest of the year, unless it's something really specific that I could find only at one place or E-Bay.
When I need something, I check out garage sales and thrift stores, then E-bay, and only if I still cannot find it will I purchase new, sometimes on-line but mostly in a local store.

[Coleroo]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

Im 24 and grew up with a computer so it's all second nature to me. I buy online just as often as i buy offline.. its just like an extention of ways to purchase. I like purchasing online more often than offline since I can froogle the prices, find the best deals, use fatwallet, get discounts, etc. The internet is great for *unusual* purchases you cant find anywhere else also (i.e. the soapsgonebuy website for making homemade laundry detergent). Ebay is great for inexpensive brand name clothes. Books are best bought online too because you can find them cheaper.

There are some things i dont buy though are perishables (groceries), things too heavy that the shipping is outrageous, things i can get a mile from home for the same price minus shipping, anything from walmart.com (walmart is 1 mile from me), etc.

[disneysteve]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

Not a great deal. Occasional ebay purchase from time to time. DVDs from Amazon, usually used. Also, my staff gets me an Amazon GC every year for the holidays. Computer equipment and camera stuff always ordered online. Does booking travel count? I always order airline tickets, rent cars and book hotels online. We don't go to the movies very often, but when we do, we order tickets online. I also pay most bills online.

[Missyla]

how Much do you Shop Online?

I do some of my shopping online but before I shop I open my Ebates tracker so that I can get paid for shopping online. I would not want to miss out on my quarterly checks... Last year my quarterly checks were close to $100.00. I look at it this way that's my shipping charges being redirected to me...

Let's see I shop at book sites, Christian sites, pet sites where ever ebates has a contract with a store w/a secured website and believe me its many.

Like Fern I also brought my favorite sneakers online "New Balance 465" this number is no longer available in stores. I also tried this website called Zappos.com b/c I heard they have a really large selection of shoes but guess what they were over priced in my eyes.....ARGH!

[JoyJoy]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

I shop a lot online because I like to compare prices! I have found some really really good deals online at Overstock.com. I buy my books at Alibris and Amazon at fantastic prices! I just bought some slippers for my husband and myself at Nextten and was very pleased. There are coupons whereby I save lots of money at CouponMountain.com and Icetab.com.

Oh yes...I save a lot of money by buying my ink cartridges at Shop4Tech and 123Ink.com. These cartridges last a long, long, long time!

Great thread Fern!!! Thanks!

[Sindel]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

interesting thread.

I've bought DVDs online, but these are stuff that I can't get in stores (foreign imports).

And I regularly buy creams and lotions online too, but again, these are stuff that I can't get anywhere else.

[thebetterlifenow]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

I only buy books, computer stuff and specialty parts online. The rest, I like to do face to face at a store.

[rusty@saving]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

never, i think it would be too easy to spend $ online. i like the hassle of getting off my rear and going to spend it, and having the time to think about it in the meantime.

[Bookie]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

I frequently buy CDs, DVDs and books online for the selection, especially with obscure and OOP titles.

I have bought electronics online in order to find the best price.

Not much else, but I don't shop all that much anyway.

[BCHGRL]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

I once had a real affinity for buying on-line. However, I learned that with on-line purchases, sometimes what you see on a screen is not what you get in reality. Your screen has filters so pictures on the screen can actually be a different color than what is shipped. Also, even if you have measurements, sometimes it is difficult to imagine how the sizing will fit what you need. I bought end tables from llbean that are nice but look tiny in comparison to our huge couch. Now I do more shopping around on-line, but I often find it in a store too just to check dimensions and feel the texture. There is something to be said for looking and touching the real item before paying for it, especially if you have to pay for shipping or shipping to return the item (which is the case with most on-line retailers).

Here are some things that I've purchased on-line: clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics, home decor, silk flowers for wedding, garter, baskets and pillow for wedding, wedding invitations, wedding napkins, party supplies, linens, gift certificates, and numerous gifts.

[JoyJoy]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

If you're buying items online and want discounts, use your search engine (Google, AOL)) and type the name of the store and put a plus sign (+) at the end of the store name (i.e. 1-800-Flowers+ or LaneBryant+) and you will find coupons to use at checkout. CNN's Money Shopper, Gerri Willis, says to never pay full price for the item as there are too many stores online that will give you discounts on merchandise. She is right! I just ran across a 25% off a $75.00 order at LaneBryant this morning. I love their shoes and loungewear!

I agree there is something about getting out and being able to look, feel and smell the merchandise that you want to purchase. I have bought a few things that I wasn't exactly pleased with, but all in all I would rate my satisfaction at an 8 out of 10 when it comes to online shopping.

[cschin4]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

I am a big fan of Amazon. They have great prices and I have been very satisfied over the years with all my purchases. I usually buy new stuff as long as I can get free shipping. I have purchased small vacuum cleaners, breadmaker, pots, CD's, videos, video games, books, assorted cookware and other things of Amazon. I don't like to order clothes online because I like to try things on before buying. I also am now buying off the Amazon sellers and have purchased a guitar instruction book and other assorted books for very good prices. Once in awhile I buy off ebay but usually only when I am looking for something specifically that I can't find anywhere else.

[markio26]

Re: how Much do you Shop Online?

thanks for posting this... we need to do a topic on off line deals too..... lol....
i shop online alot....staples, amzn, chadwick, blair, yves-rocher, wmt, etc... i get better deals sometimes, than at a b&m... sometimes i order online and get in store pickup such as jcp, and s.....