With the exception of groceries, I’m finding that I’m doing more and more of my shopping online. I can’t remember the last time I made a big purchase without researching the best deal and then scouring the internet for coupons and a free shipping offer. That has become the beauty of the internet. Nine times out of ten I can get a better deal by buying something online and having it shipped to my door, vs. getting in the car and driving somewhere. Plus, you don’t have to deal with unhelpful sales people, lines or traffic!
Paying online has also become easier with most internet payment systems accepting all major credit and debit cards.
I recently noticed that I pay all of my bills online. It’s funny — I can’t remember the last time I actually wrote a check and sent it in the mail for a bill! I have an online payment service set up for all of my reoccurring and monthly expenses. Almost every dollar I spend has become a “paperless payment“.
I’ve found online shopping has saved me a ton of time and money over the years, and with all the savings, I’ve been able to take my family on vacations and weekend getaways that we normally would not be able to afford … or at least not regularly.
The only downside to buying over the internet is damaged goods and returns. I have had a few products arrive defective and it has been a hassle working with customer service to get replacements and/or refunds. Clothes can also be tricky, but I’ve found that most of the stores that I shop at have free returns or exchanges in store — so that helps. And sometimes, I miss just window shopping … that is, until I see the price and know that I can find a better deal online!
Do you do most of your shopping online?
