Why Online Shopping Is Better

Posted by Ali | Monday March 5, 2012

I know a lot of people are still afraid to shop online, but to them I say, get over it because I'm about to prove it is far superior to slugging through the malls. You will save money, time and parking. I apologize in advance if reading this leads to immediate online shopping on your part.

Stuff I want

Buy this scarf online here. Buy the necklace here.

Better Deals

All stores have sales, but the kind of deals you can score online can be compounded by a quick search for online deal codes. Sites like RedFlagDeals.com, SmartCanucks.ca, retailmenot.com, CanadianFreeStuff.com and countless others post codes for major online retailers that might not be advertised on the brand's site. If you get lucky you can even use multiple online codes at once!

Stick to your exact budget

There is something sobering about seeing the numbers tally up as you add items to your cart. You find yourself doing what you should be doing when shopping at the bricks and mortar location. You ask yourself: Self, do I really need this? Does it fit my budget? Questions that seem to matter less when you're admiring yourself in the change room.

Buy this bag online here

Less impulse buying

I'm so bad at sticking to my list when I go to the store. It doesn't matter if it's food or shoes, I always wind up with a lot of things I didn't intend to buy. Like picture frames from the grocery store when all I needed was some baby wipes. True story.

I use GroceryGateway.com now and my food life is so much better for it. Not only do I no longer have the hassle of loading my baby into the car then the grocery cart, then back in the car, I do not haul groceries, I do not realize at the cash I forgot my reusable bags, and I do not buy chocolate bars in line that I regret while eating in the car on the way home. And, of course I stick to my exact budget.

Buy the trench online here. Buy the booties here.

Access to reviews

Before making a new purchase I always search for reviews first. If the rating isn't good, I'm not buying it. Obviously I'm biased towards reviews from founding ChickAdvisor, but it saves a lot of money to only buy things that have been well vetted. I actually use my products up completely now.

Of course, there are still number of Canadian retailers that need to get off their behinds and start offering their wares online, but I think we're off to a decent start.

So! Have I convinced you?

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29 Comments

	on October 08, 2014 lbeanforever 773 said: I prefer shopping online, but I always do research for deals, discounts and coupon codes. You can usually find deals on what you are looking for which are better than going into a store, and it's delivered to me so less time consuming, and I do not spend as much money on the tiny purchases.
	on June 27, 2012 Lori said: Plus, shopping online when there is free shipping combines the fabulous deals with the lowest prices!
	on April 12, 2012 Louise @ CanadianCouponSaver said: Online shopping is the best. I can take my time to browse the online stores, avoid the busy crowds, and hunt for great bargains.
	on April 09, 2012 GoneBatty 3,196 said: For me, shopping online is my only option. I'm plus sized and I live in a small town with one discount department store with a POOR selection. If I drive 2 hours in either direction, I still only have Walmart and Pennington's to choose for (again, not the best selection for a plus sized woman). By shopping online, I have so many stores to choose from, and I have to stick to a budget. I only use a pre-paid visa so I MUST stick to a per-determined price point. Works great for me!
	on March 14, 2012 GBelle 2,259 said: I like shopping online! I get the opportunity to shop at US as well as international stores but of course, watch out for shipping fees and duty. Not to mention, I get unique items that are not available in Canada!
	on March 13, 2012 Ali de Bold STAFF said: @Vivid, you should always check their return policies. Most companies will take the item back and some even offer free return shipping. In some cases you can also return it in store if they have a location near you.
	on March 08, 2012 Vivid 1,738 said: I'm just mainly worried about buying something that doesn't fit or look good with my body type, and then having to deal with sending it back/getting a refund over the internet.
	on March 08, 2012 LadyChick234234 3,701 said: That bag is hot! But for me ... I like the experience of shopping ... going to the stores, walking, browsing, touching the clothes, trying them on..... I can't online shop. It's just not the same for me.
	on March 08, 2012 Steffikah 9,295 said: I shop online all the time. I typically shop online at stores I've shopped at before, so I can just check out the last shirt or pant I bought, look at the size and order that size again. Simple! It makes my life so much easier. Less time on the road, less missing a bus, less hassle.
	on March 07, 2012 preet 914 said: I agree that you can get amazing deals online, and I do shop online. I just avoid shopping on sites that donot offer free returns.