Which Is Better: Buying Online Or At Your Local Store?

And forget about the parking!

With all that tumult, some of us have chosen to do at least part of our Christmas shopping online this year. The numbers for those surfing instead of turfing our way through a bricks and mortar operation have gone up significantly.

A recent survey found 38 percent of all Canadians are doing their Christmas shopping online this year.

But it won’t come as any surprise that people who work for or are associated with stores think they’re the best option.

Web boosters deny it.

“You have your list, set your budget, come to the mall and get to work,” suggests professional shopper Wendy Davis of the time saving firm Zebrano. “Some little tips may be coming during the week on a weeknight when it may not be so busy.”

So how do you judge this battle for your bucks in the commerce court?

Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing it all from the comfort of your home.

The Convenience

Online: You never have to leave your home and the stores never close. There are also no overworked sales clerks, you never have to wait for service and there’s no worries about parking. And you can shop for underwear while wearing nothing else.

In Store: It’s crowded, it’s noisy, you physically have to be there when it’s open and you have to wait in long lines to pay for everything.

Winner: Online

The Merchandise

Online: You can generally get a more extensive view of every product on offer, whereas stores have limited shelf space. It may also be easier to get specifics on each item you’re interested in.

Store: You can physically see what you’re getting, pick it up, and even have it demonstrated. A lot depends on what you’re purchasing. Buying an iPod online is easy, because you know what you’re getting. Buying clothes or shoes online is problematic, because you can’t try them on first.

Winner: Store, but only because the merchandise is right in front of you, and unless you’ve physically checked it our first (which usually means going to the store in the first place) many of us aren’t comfortable buying something we haven’t seen in the flesh.

Service/Questions

Online: In general, you have to send an email to the company and wait for an answer. Depending on the place you’re dealing with, that could take hours or days. Some etailers have a link that allows you to chat with a sales rep, but it’s not everywhere, and calling their phone numbers could get you put on hold.

Store: If you can get a clerk’s attention and they know what they’re talking about, you can get a demonstration or get your questions answered.

Winner: Store, but only if you’re in a hurry.

Price

Online: Because they don’t have to hire sales staff or pay rent, some online deals can be found much cheaper than in a mall. And the range of products is wider, too.

Store: Unless there’s a sale, you may wind up paying more if you buy it at a retail outlet. But if you’re into dickering, you can at least argue down the price with a manager – something you can’t do on your computer, unless you’re buying something on eBay.

Winner: Online

Delivery:

Online: Depending on where you are and what you order, there’s a delay in getting the product to you and you may have to pay shipping, adding to the expense. Some sites have expedited shipping options, but you’ll pay more for your need for speed. And if you want it in time for Christmas, you may have to have your order in this week or next. But in most cases, at least it comes right to your door.  

Store: If it’s in stock, it’s yours today. You can bring it home and wrap it up, no shipping involved.  

Winner: Store.

Paying

Online: You generally have a range of options, including credit cards or Pay Pal. If you’re not uncomfortable or worried about security, it’s easy and fast and mostly safe.

Store: You have to wait in long lines at a cash register while the people ahead of you fumble for change, decide which charge card they want to use, sign the form, argue over the price etc. etc.

Winner: Online.

Returns:

Online: Can sometimes be tricky. Most reputable sites have a return policy and you should know what it is before you buy anything. You’ll also likely have to pay shipping to get it back there, adding to your inconvenience and expense.

Store: Despite what many consumers think, stores aren’t required to take anything back. They can offer a credit instead or simply say all sales are final. Still, it’s possible to argue your way into a refund or an exchange, which you can’t do on a computer.

Winner: Store