Long before the internet was a household word, I was a mail order shopper. The old-fashioned way, from glossy color catalogs and brochures. It probably did not save me any money, but it did save time and was so much more convenient. Admittedly, I do not enjoy shopping in stores (I know, this is somewhat odd for a woman, but there it is). What drives me up the wall when shopping in a store is finding the perfect item but then not finding it my size. Or my color. When I shopped by mailorder (and now on the internet) I could just specify what I want, in the color and size. Either they have it or they don’t, but I don’t have to go on a wild-goose chase through the racks.
Now, though, I think I can honestly say that there are so many advantages to shopping on the internet that you can really save money. The following list is the top 5 ways the internet saves me money:
1. Comparison Shopping - With a search engine and knowledge of a few competitive sites, I can easily compare prices and shipping. Often, I can read other customer reviews to determine quality and customer service as well.
2. Discount Shopping - Amazon, Overstock, eBay, you name it. It is so easy now to find a ready-made sale.
3. Search for Coupons & Discounts - When getting ready to make a purchase online, I do a quick search to see if there are any coupons or discounts being offered. About half the time, I find something. Sometimes it is a percentage off, sometimes dollars off, sometimes free shipping. Definitely worth the extra few minutes of my time to look. And for those merchants that I visit on a regular basis, I sign my email up with them. I periodically get notified of special offers and free shipping that way.
4. Save on Gas - With the cost of gas, driving around town to shop is no longer an insignificant cost. Although you often pay shipping when shopping online, with perseverance you may be able to find a free shipping offer.
5. Minimize the Impulse Purchases - Yes, it can still happen on the internet but it is not as likely. That adrenaline rush doesn’t usually kick in as fiercely when looking at a website as compared with being face-to-face with the new object of our desire. For most people, it is easier to look away from the website than walk away from the store. The one thing the internet purchase cannot give you is immediate gratification, and this is frequently what we need to satisfy the “buyer’s high”.
Remember, though, when shopping on the internet to only shop with a trusted vendor. When I make purchases on eBay, I use PayPal so that my credit card information is protected. And make sure that you are on a secure website before ever giving out your credit card information.
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I agree. I think it is so easy to underestimate the power of #1 comparison shopping: with due diligence, you can almost ensure that you get a good deal (below retail and good quality).
September 25th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Nice tips! I know that we save money by researching the best values before we shop. It does help to cut down on “buyer’s high” as well!
September 25th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
It’s interesting I was researching cameras and thought I found the best price at our local Costco. I later went online and found out that costco.com had a better price and free shipping. Made me scratch my head, but I was able to get the same price after asking for a price match. The internet saves gas and so much more.
Scott @ The Passive Dad´s last blog post..$500 In Extra Income And No Work Required
September 25th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
@Scott - It really pays to be a savvy shopper, doesn’t it? One of the things I learned just recently was, before placing an online order, to do a quick search on the internet for free shipping. I typically find an offer for free shipping (or other incentive) about half the time. I never knew to look until I read a tip somewhere.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 am
Thanks ‘R’ for the inspiration to do my own post Five Ways the Internet Saves you Money.
There really are so many ways, it’s crazy to think what we did before the internet came along and of course, that statement is as broad as it is long. Ah well, it’s all good for us that it’s here now
Andy @ Retire at 40´s last blog post..The Gift of Giving