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Shopping Local vs. Online

April 27th, 2011 at 07:28 pm

Baby DS needs a new car seat. He's growing up and it's time to get a "big boy" car seat; no more infant car seat. I've been shopping and reading reviews and checking prices the past week plus. I know what I want and I've got a good deal going online at Diapers.com..

Thing is I want to support local business and economy and I feel a little bad about not buying local.
Does that happen to any of you?

Here's the story: I was checking all the seats online and narrowed it down to two. Same brand, two different models, $60 price difference, but online I couldn't tell any difference. SO, I stopped in at our cute, boutique-y baby store here in my town where they carry these Britax seats. I was immediately greeted by the sales lady; she was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. She showed me the two models in question and also told me I could "test drive" the floor samples if I wanted. As soon as I could see and feel the seats I knew which one would be right for us.

I felt guilty for the time I was in there because I KNEW I wouldn't buy the seat there. Not when I can save about $80 and get it in the fabric I want in 1-2 days vs. 5-7 days.

**sigh**

On the good side when I order this seat I will be saving a substantial amount because I shopped around and now I am 100% sure it's what I am looking for.

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I am also in the market for some new workout/work sneakers. The brand and style I've been happy with for years has changed a bit I guess and my last pair started making my heel sore. Frown

So again, it seems I might have to see/try some in the local shoe stores just to end up buying online. Can't beat the selection and pricing at Shoebuy or Zappos.

Posted in Shopping | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “Shopping Local vs. Online”

  1. patientsaver Says:
    April 27th, 2011 at 11:20 pm 1303946428
    1303946428

    I understand how you felt buying the car seat, but then again, I always buy the best deal I can find. You're more likely to find a better deal online than a local place; that's how it usually goes with me, too. I wouldn't feel bad; if the local place really wanted to improve their sales, they'd lower the price to be more competitive. Brick and mortar stores are always going to have more overhead than an online store, but really, is that your problem? No.

    I mean, really, what exactly does it mean when you say you want to support your local businesses? That your money is going to local businesspeople instead of far-away businesspeople. So what? But what does it do for YOU, aside from having you spend more money to buy locally?

  2. Looking Forward Says:
    April 29th, 2011 at 12:42 am 1304037746
    1304037746

    Not so sure brick and motar stores can lower their prices enough. And that isn't my problem, but it's a shame for them.

    Re: Supporting local business means keeping local people employed, sometimes people I know. They support the local economy by paying their mortgages, spending their money at place like where I work, etc, etc. Local business pay taxes, so that keeps tax dollars in my town for services I can use (police/fire/parks etc.).

    However, I know in the end I've got to go with the best deal.

  3. Jerry Says:
    April 29th, 2011 at 09:46 pm 1304113611
    1304113611

    I am often really conflicted over this - I want to reward good customer service and support small business, but sometimes it just leads to a poor choice financially! If it is anything close to equal, though... then I think it's best to go with the brick-and-mortar store. The online prices generally offer the insurance of the best deals, though, because you can search many different options at once.
    Jerry

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