I am a tall woman. As such, I have large feet (size 11) and I usually need longer-length pants. Shopping online has been a godsend for solving this issue, because if they don’t have it in the store, they usually have it available online. Many stores don’t even carry size 11 shoes in most styles, but they are often findable through shoes.com or shoebuy.com or zappos, etc.
A danger I have noticed about shopping online; however, is that it’s so easy, it doesn’t really feel like I spent any money. If I go to a store, and spend some time looking around, get out my wallet, and carry the bags home, I know I shopped and that I had to pay for it. However, if I buy it on line with already saved credit card info or paypal, it’s so quick and easy that it’s not very memorable, and I often find myself surprised later by the credit card statement. “What? I didn’t go to GAP this month! Oh wait, I did go to GAP.com . . .”
On the plus side, I usually can find better deals online. For example, I’ve been needing a pair of light gray dress pants all summer. I haven’t been able to find my size or length in store. Yesterday, I found a pair at theLimited.com, for half off! I also googled to see if there were any online discount codes, and found one for 10% off! (This basically covered the shipping). Also, I ‘ve been looking for these black dress shoes, but Macy’s only carries up to size 10. I found them in 11’s online yesterday. At Macy’s they are $68, but I found them at shoebuyfor $58, and I got an additional 10% off and free shipping! Another incentive to shop online is Upromise. Generally most stores won’t give you a % back for shopping in-store, but they will do it for online. I got 4% back toward my student loan from my Limited purchase and 10% back from my Shoebuy purchase.
I guess to sum things up, shopping online is a great way to find what you need, and very convenient. Just be sure to note your shopping in the budget right away so that you don’t get any nasty credit card surprises later. What have your online shopping experiences been like? Do you also have online-shopping amnesia? I’d love to hear your stories.
