Should I Buy It Online or in Person?
Quick tips for making the right choice
Deciding whether to shop in-store or online can often be a tough choice. With advantages to both, it's hard to decide where you want to place your hard earned cash. With a few tips, however, you can find the best deals and enjoy your shopping experience, too, whether you're out and about or sitting at home.
Shop for Prices First
Frugal shoppers know that price comparison, whether online or in-store, is absolutely vital. Sometimes you can find a great deal on an item in the store that is hard to match online, and sometimes it's the other way around. You won't know for sure unless you compare the two.
Of course, if you drive to ten different stores in order to save $1, then you're probably taking things a bit too far. But if you do the same price comparison online, it might be worth browsing for a few minutes to save a few bucks. Being able to compare online prices from the comfort of your own home is quick and easy, and can save you surprising amounts of money. You can even check the price of an item that's only available in store without actually leaving your home.
Take Advantage of Deals and Coupons
Many stores and manufacturers offer really great deals and coupons. Many times, the coupon can't be used online, but must be used in the store - or vice versa. In that case, make sure to compare your options with and without the coupon - once you add in things like shipping for buying the item online, the results might surprise you.
Brick-and-mortar stores often have markdowns when items go out of season, because they're trying to make room for new merchandise. The selection is usually different for each individual store. You probably won't find those kinds of markdowns online, because the merchandise can be shipped anywhere - even places around the world, where it's still seasonal - and therefore has more value for the retailer. For example, someone in Colorado probably won't purchase a bikini in September, but someone in Florida might. Therefore, brick-and-mortar stores in Colorado will put bikinis on sale, but online retailers will just concentrate their summer merchandise marketing on customers who live in a warmer climate.
Consider Additional Costs
When you're buying an item, you have to consider the additional costs involved when you're making the purchase. In the store, you have to pay sales tax. Online, you might not have to (depending on where the retailer is located).
Other costs you have to consider are shipping and gas. For most online purchases, you have to pay for shipping, which is why it makes sense to bundle your purchases - it's cheaper to ship one big package than several small ones. Many retailers even offer free shipping at a certain price point. Similarly, driving to the store takes more time and costs gas money. However, if you're already in the area for other errands, then those additional costs are minimal.
Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Sometimes it's nice to be able to see or try on the item before purchasing it, but you can still buy online after figuring out what exactly you want in the store. If you're not in a hurry, you can choose snail mail for your shipping option to save a few extra dollars.
Sometimes, you absolutely have to have an item that same day and you might not have the time to find a coupon or a discount code. One last tip? Do yourself a favor: don't compare prices after the fact, unless you can exchange the item. You'll only give yourself a headache.