Almost everything has two sides. A negative one and a positive one. In as much as we all know online shopping is convenient, there is also a downside of not being able to check everything in person.
Article Contents
Online Shopping: 7 Items You Must Think Twice Before Purchasing
If you want your online shopping to be a smart one, think twice before buying the following items online:
7. Clothing
You should always be very careful when purchasing clothing online. For starters, there’s the issue of vanity sizing.
Now, What is vanity sizing? Vanity sizing is when brands manipulate the size of clothes, especially women’s clothing so that they are actually larger than what their label says. To make things even more complicated, designers define sizes differently.
This is one of the reasons you can find the same size jeans at three different stores, and they each fit into your body a little differently. Vanity sizing is actually not bad if the retailer allows returns or exchanges. If the retailer doesn’t allow it, then you will be stuck with clothes that don’t fit properly.
Also, you need to be cautious of pre-owned clothing as they may not fit exactly right either. Online shopping expert, Brent Shelton told Reader’s Digest; “It’s pre-worn, so you don’t know if it’s shrunk or if shoes are broken in for someone else’s feet.”
Lastly, you will want to avoid clothing made with rare materials as well. Some certain textures or fabrics may feel uncomfortable next to your skin. Shop
6. Used Cars
Business Insider published an article about how more and more people looking to buy cars are using the internet for buying cars. That kind of decision, however, may not be the smartest one.
A nice-sounding engine or smooth body doesn’t necessarily mean the car is actually nice as well. Before you go ahead to buy any car, you must test drive the car. You should also have an expert mechanic on standby in order to inspect the car for possible faults.
If you want to buy a fairly used car online, follow the tips below:
• Shop on reputable websites
• Dont make payment without meeting the seller first
• Don’t believe the picture you see
• Only use websites with secure transactions
• Use secure and traceable payments
• Don’t share your personal information
• Stay calm under pressure
• Buy local whenever possible
5. Medicine
The FDA warns us that there are many pharmacies that operate illegally. Many internet-based pharmacies are rogue and sell prescription medicines at huge discounts. Most times, they do not require a prescription either.
There is a big chance you will end up with fake or unapproved medicine if you do purchase from them. Some of these websites are even set up and handled by criminals. Therefore, be very vigilant and double-check everything before buying medicine online.
4. Cosmetics
Are you contemplating buying cosmetics that you have never tried before? Then you should really be careful. You will not be able to return and get a refund for something you did not like or thought will not suit you.
One of the downsides of online shopping in cosmetic shops is that they usually do not take things back. It is best to go to a physical shop, try the item and then purchase it.
NOTE: Be aware that health and beauty products are not made in the USA. They may not have the same safety standards as the US. Shop HERE.
3. Furniture
Are you thinking of buying furniture and want to do online shopping? It is best not to buy furniture online if you didn’t see the item in-store and were able to test it out. The smart thing to do would be to do research online first and then go to a store to purchase.
If you do your research online first, you will be able to narrow it down from hundreds of models and types, which is why it is recommended to do research online first.
2. Flowers
Chances are, flowers ordered online may not be as fresh as the flowers you can get from a brick-and-mortar store. If you think buying flowers online may save you money, you might be wrong there as well.
If you know how to shop, you might save money when you buy physically as well. You, for example, can pick up flowers at the grocery store instead of a local florist and save some money there.
1. Small Purchases
Most people love the convenience of online shopping. And, while it’s stressfree and always looks like a good idea to make small purchases (i.e. toilet paper, Vaseline, dish detergent, cotton swabs, etc.) online, you will likely end up paying more than you would if you were to just go in nearby stores in your area.
By the time you calculate the shipping fee, other processing, and handling fees, you will have paid way more than you would have if you just hopped in your car to get them by yourself.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, online shopping has made it easier than ever to find and purchase the items we want. However, it is important to be mindful and considerate of what we are buying before making a purchase.
By taking the time to think twice before purchasing certain items, we can avoid disappointment and make more informed decisions about our purchases. Whether it’s investing in quality pieces that will last a lifetime or avoiding impulse buys, being a thoughtful and conscious shopper is key to making the most of our online shopping experiences.
