Is It Cheaper to Shop Online?

I think it can be depending on where you shop. There are many discount and wholesale places you can shop online and save a lot of money. Even if you shopped at regular online stores you're still saving on gas and usually online sites have more items to choose from. Up until a few years ago I told myself that I would never shop online because of the security issues, but, now I'm starting to make a few more purchases here and there and I feel good about it. Partly because I've recently upgraded my security on my computer. Online shopping most definitely has it's benefits. Purrs, Catwoman=^..^= & Mija

Online shopping is a great resource for finding products that are being liquidated. Housing this product in a central warehouse allows the retailer to sell products longer by letting them sit, unsold, without destroying their profit margin. This practice promotes big savings for customers who do not need to purchase the most current products. Online merchant communication with shoppers is streamlined with automatic responses to questions and follow-up, often times with more professional and corporately trained employees than what is found in brick and mortar operations. Customer services are clearly stated on reputable sites to lessen any consumer confusion. Well-trained 'live' sales representatives are made available to those who have questions without waiting in long lines or searching the aisles with that feeling of 'does anyone work here'? Price comparison sites such as PriceGrabber.com enable the consumer to shop smarter, through utilizing services that compare several retailers pricing of a specific product. The consumer not only gets competitive pricing information, but also product reviews and site reviews in order to help with their decision of what and where to buy online. Many sites wave sales tax charges or shipping costs in order to entice the consumer to make an online purchase. In addition, reputable sites offer toll-free numbers to the consumer who would rather not post their personal information and credit card numbers online.

It isn't just about whether it's cheaper, because shopping is such a subjective pastime for most people, but the real comparison goes to the very heart of the SHOPPING experience. The internet marketplace has taken us to a new experience, mainly because we can sit in comfort at our computer comparing prices, including shipping costs, and even checking out the shops that are offering special deals, from buy one get one free to special packages. The other aspect, very evident here in the UK, is the growing tendency for retailers to offer items cheaper on the internet, but with the option that you can buy on the net, then collect in the shop! This is a direct effect of being able to change the pricing because the internet STORE is really somebody in an office who sends the order to the warehouse for despatch, so they can offer the lower price compared to the in-store pricing which has to include a mark-up to cover the extra cost of premises, rent and staff! Some retailers even offer free postage, so the internet shopper has choices and that is the difference, as we get to choose convenience as well as price comparisons. Best part is that if we decide to buy nothing, we don't feel foolish for being in the shop for ages....without buying anything.

I personally think it is cheaper to shop online especially since due to the economic crisis we have to make budget cuts,and try to cut costs whenever and where ever we can especially since gas prices are fluctuating and could any day go back to four dollars or more,because when you shop online you can do it from your home without having to waste precious gas to drive to a store to buy something,which that saves some money,and then there is the fact that you can find discounts online especially if you buy from places like Amazon.com which will also help save you money,and if you shop from stores like WalMart.com and you do Site to Store Pickup you do not have to pay shipping,that is if you have to go to WalMart anyway for things like groceries,me and my fiance have bought several things online and we are always satisfied,and we bought a Halo 3 Edition X-box 360 from WalMart.com and used Site to Store Pickup,and we were completely satisfied with that to.

Hi mjmlagat! I often do the online shopping!! It is much cheaper and convenient~~

hi friend- i do think it is cheaper to shop on line.you have your shiping charge but you save on gas and time.

Not always. But, one can explore the websites promoting sales of certain commodities. One can there compare the prices offered.

I shop online a lot. What I like about it is that you can take your time and research an item better. I like the idea of being more informed of the product. As for me I find some awesome buys on Ebay and Amazon and a few other sites that I shop at. Now that the shipping has increased it is a little harder to find good prices on things because sometimes they try to make their money off of the shipping charges. But that is easy enough checked at USPS.com It is time consuming but well worth it for me! Have a great day!

Yes. It sure is cheaper to buy online. The only downfall is waiting on it to come by post. Sometimes items get lost, and then you have to wait even longer. I buy a lot of computer things online like ink and paper. It is nearly half the price that the shops sell it for. Sometimes they do free postage too. I have bought, clothes and things also a lot cheaper. Yes shopping online will save you money, and with the credit crisis you will need it. Just make sure the websites are secure. Happy online shopping to you.