I had this encounter the other day that was somewhat shocking to me as a seasoned online shopper. Apparently, in 2010, some people do not shop online. The conversation I had went something like this:
Other Mom at Preschool: I love your son’s shoes! Where did you get them?
Me: They’re Dinosoles. I got them online -
Other Mom (rolling her eyes): I knew you were going to say that. Ugh. I don’t do that.
Me: Um, errr, it’s just dinosoles.com.
All the while thinking to myself: Of course I bought them online. Is there any other way?
So, her reaction, while not rude or anything was surprising. Do people really NOT shop online? Even my 85 year old grandmother does a lot of her Christmas shopping online. And, when she needs help, she pays my mom to order things for her. Online.
Seriously, the internet is the first place I look when I’m shopping for something. In part because we live in the middle of almost nowhere and there aren’t many original options around here. In part because its always open and a hell of a lot more convenient to pop on the computer than to pack up the two kids and drag them around the mall or stores in the stroller. And, in part, because I love shopping on the internet and it makes me happy.
Obviously you are a somewhat computer savvy person. You are, after all, reading this blog. But, I’m curious. Do YOU buy things online? Do you do “window shop” online and check things out then buy in person?
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Hana
February 25, 2010I always go online first when I need something. Even if it’s something I can probably find locally I’ll check online to see my options before heading out to get it in a store. I’m a big Etsy fan and I LOVE to buy handmade clothing and accessories there as well as antiques and decorative things. I’m soo guilty of spending large amounts of time cruising the internet looking for cute boutiques and shops to buy unique items for my kids be it clothing, shoes, toys or jewelry for me. Of course I do more window shopping than anything else b/c my budget doesn’t support my habit! LOL!
I hear ya. I could spend way too much time browsing and falling in love with handmade and boutique things online.
And I am totally guilty of filling my shopping cart and then deciding I don’t need it after all. If I bought 1/4 of the things I put in my virtual shopping carts I’d be broke.
Shannon Kelly
February 25, 2010Too funny! I LOVE it when people tell me they got it online, because I know that if I want it bad enough I can order it without going all over town. I certainly prefer your answer to, “I got it at a little boutique in Outer Mongolia about a dozen years ago,” accompanied by the “you’ll never get one” head tilt.
That’s funny. And, I know the head tilt you’re taking about. LOL
It’s true. One of the great things about shopping online is you can find a fabulous seamstress who works from her home in, well, Outer Mongolia and sells ONLINE for everyone to buy.
Marianna @ Green Mama's Pad
February 25, 2010Of course I shop online, I have 4 kids! there is no way I am dragging all of them to the store. I also do a lot of research online before buying something.
Jana
February 25, 2010The subject of this post made me laugh because I knew what you were going to say and I am one of those people who rarely shop online! We get so many hand-me-downs for the kids that I don’t buy tons of clothing or shoes for them anywhere, but when I do I just like to be able to see it. Everyone always talks about how easy it is to return things if you’re not happy, but I’m just going to be honest – things that come into my home don’t often leave it! The post office is a mile away and I know that UPS will pick up. Despite that, items we’re not happy with just don’t get returned. I know our habits well enough to know that online shopping doesn’t often work for us
The times I do shop online are Christmas time (especially for toys since I can compare prices so easily) or when I need a unique item. I’ve also ordered things online that you’ve recommended here of course!
You have pointed me in the direction of some great finds, Jana! But I hear you on the return hassle. I hate going to the post office.
I have mad love for companies that reimburse for return shipping.
Did you ever find outfits for your upcoming trip?
Jenica
February 25, 2010Uh yeah! Even if I’m going to purchase it in person, I research everything online. And I’d say besides groceries, I make 80% of my purchases online! Its just so darn convenient!!
Jaime @ Denim Debutante
February 25, 2010I’m not a mom, so I don’t even need to use it for the convenience of not packing my kids up… but of COURSE I shop online. The deals are better, there’s more variety and I can get what I want, when I want it.
To be honest, shopping online saves my budget.
You can definitely save money shopping online – just the comparison shopping aspect makes it worthwhile. And, of course, cash back and coupon sites.
tinygiraffeshop
February 25, 2010That is just too funny! I buy EVERYTHING online, except groceries (though I’m tempted at times.) There are so many free shipping deals out there and so much more selection than in stores. I also think that with kids, it’s easier to shop online because you don’t have to fight crowds, tantrums, whatever.
I’m with you, though, it’s the selection. I like getting things for my kids that every other kid doesn’t have…especially shoes.
Amanda
February 26, 2010I do a lot of shopping online. Even though we’re close to a lot of stores, it still takes 30+ minutes to get there because of traffic. Add in a 3yo who needs to be home by naptime, and I can only get so much done in that short window of time between when the stores open at 10am and when I need to head home for naptime.
I also do a lot of researching major purchases online. Where else can you see what other people thought of a product after they bought it? The store isn’t going to provide that information when you go there.
I’ve also learned I can save money online. A lot of stores have different sales online and in store. Sometimes I can get the same item cheaper if I order it online, even with paying shipping, and from the same store.
I actually get annoyed with in store only coupons because I want the versatility to be able to shop in store or online, whichever is convenient for me, the shopper. A lot of times, I just won’t use that coupon or shop at that store if there’s nothing I absolutely need and it’s an in store only coupon. They’d be more likely to get my impulse purchase dollars if I could use coupons in both places.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
February 26, 2010I also do some shopping online. I don’t do all of it online, but I do like the ease and comfort of shopping on my couch
Jenny
February 26, 2010I don’t shop (for fun stuff) much these days in general. But I window shop online a lot! We use to order our groceries online every week, but due to increased order errors I now only do it once a month for the staple items. Since we’ve done that we’ve been able to go from three trips a week to two trips a week to the grocery store (we don’t have a car, and we can only carry so much in our backpacks).
I comparison shop online to find the best deals, but I am very much an immediate gratification kind of girl, so waiting for something to be delivered, then staying at home when we think it may be delivered (we only have a mail slot, so anything bigger gets taken to a processing place where we have to walk 2 miles to get it days later).
Other than wanting something when I want it, I’ve got no issues ordering online for gifts or technology. Clothes can be tricky, but if I can get a free delivery and/or free return (or return to store if it’s local) I will give it a shot.
I can’t imagine someone just “not doing that” in this day and age.