Shopping online or in-person: Which is better?

Luis (In-person)

While shopping online has become a massive trend since the COVID pandemic, it's always better to shop in person. Shopping in person lets you determine that your desired product is in good shape and of good quality. Likewise, in-person shopping allows you to discuss all your questions or doubts about a product with a real live person. That’s not so easily achieved while shopping online since the online space usually only offers customers generic call centers, a chat system that pumps out generic answers, or email.

Also, shopping in person offers the great advantage of comparing a product with other options. This is important since sometimes shoppers can decide to buy another thing than the one they originally wanted, which could save them some money after comparing prices. Moreover, shopping in person is better than shopping online because you can always test the product before buying it. This is crucial when buying clothing articles because you can wear them momentarily to determine if you like how they suit your body and whether or not they make you look good.

Shopping in person also helps local businesses thrive—an important thing to prioritize as it helps build a stronger local community and economy. Additionally, shopping in person offers a wider variety of payment methods, and you'll get the product immediately instead of having to wait for shipping. 

Finally, the ability to make returns and exchanges is easier by going to a brick-and-mortar store than having to return the product in the mail and wait for a refund or a different product to arrive, which may also need returning/exchanging. There's no doubt that shopping online can be quite comfortable. However, shopping in person offers a variety of benefits that make it the best option when buying a product.

Mark (Online)

It's abundantly clear that not only is shopping online the future, but it's superior to traditional store shopping. Shopping online offers a more convenient and time-saving method, where one can leave their 'cart,' idle if necessary, and revisit it at their own leisure. It also offers more variety; as we all know, the store doesn't always have your size, brand, style, etc. Shopping online all but guarantees that what you're looking for will be in stock. It also saves gas by not having to drive to the store, which is especially helpful with today's fuel prices. 

Generally speaking, shopping online is more affordable and offers all sorts of discounts and vouchers. It allows you to compare and contrast an item with its competitors and find the best bargain in the process. Many of us have endured the slightly dreadful task of returning an item to the store. Shopping online makes the return process far less stressful and much more efficient. If you need to cancel an order, it can be done quickly and simply with the click of a button. 

Christmas shopping can be an anxiety-inducing process for many people. Online, Christmas and other holiday shopping can be done any time of the year and allows you to avoid the chaos found at the stores during the holiday season. It also allows you to peruse the reviews for a particular item before purchasing it. Comparing notes with fellow consumers will never be possible by going to the store, but it's readily offered online. It's time to embrace that shopping online has made our lives easier, which makes it better than other options that require more of one's time, fuel, and resources.