Online buys present some pros and cons

Let’s face it: Shopping can be a tad frustrating. First, you’re always too busy go, and then… Let’s face it: Shopping can be a tad frustrating. First, you’re always too busy go, and then when you arrive, the lines can be so long you don’t get to leave soon enough. Now that Pittsburgh finally offers decent clothing stores in most malls, shopping has become addictive

Let me be the first to admit my addiction. I love shopping – any time, any place. But more recently I’ve discovered a newfound love: online shopping. Now, I’m quite aware most die-hard shoppers have been shopping with their fingers since the beginning of the Internet age.

However, I’ve always been an old-fashioned shopper. I like to feel the clothing, smell the aroma of plastic credit cards burning and taste the tasteless mall air. I love it!

Although online shopping has become as popular as multicolored iPods, I still get the occasional “That’s crazy to shop online. How do you know it fits?” reaction to my tales of shopping on the Net.

I could tell you success story after success story of my online orders – and even match them with horrific tales – but I’d much rather present you with the benefits and disadvantages of both. Besides, wouldn’t you rather decide for yourself?

Why you love to shop online

Convenience. The No. 1 reason why people shop on the Net is for its quick access to virtually any clothing item. Say goodbye to outdated catalogs with messy paperwork; online shopping is simple and fast. And you and I both know there’s no greater joy than shopping without having to worry about catching a bus to the mall, or worry about gas money. You simply pull up a chair and start clicking buttons. It’s as easy as Sunday morning.

Shopping online can also be spontaneous. Maybe it’s just me, but do you ever get the urge to shop at 2 a.m. for useless accessories? Or how about shopping after a long day of classes? Online shopping is the instant cure for the blues. And the best part is, it goes great with ice cream.

Raise funds while you shop. In recent years, online shopping has evolved into more than your typical shopping experience. These days, some sites allow you to shop while giving you the opportunity to help a worthy cause (community food banks, walk for a cure, etc.). Igive.com allows shoppers to purchase items from its site while donating money to a charitable organization. Don’t see a charitable cause you like on its list? You can even add local charities to the list while you shop at over 440 stores. As long as your cause engages in legal activities and is in need of additional funds, your money can aid charities close to home.

Looking for brand names but can’t find them in Pittsburgh’s archaic boutiques? Shopping online provides access to designer clothing that isn’t readily available in local stores. Especially if you can’t find a particular style or size, online shopping can be your cure-all for the finding the perfect match.

Why you hate to shop online

You can’t try anything on. When I first started shopping online I had a major problem with not being able to actually determine how the clothing would fit. I was so used to going into stores and trying on clothing that I was more than hesitant in my purchases. It didn’t seem right. How could I possibly buy a pair of jeans without knowing its fit and quality? And what if it didn’t fit right – that would mean returning it and then waiting for my money to be credited back to my account. At the time it appeared to be way too much of a hassle, and to be honest, sometimes it still is.

It’s impersonal. There aren’t any salespeople, random customers to help you pick the perfect color, and, more importantly, no greeters at the door. Maybe it’s just me, but I love to walk into a store and feel welcomed. I like to have salespeople immediately recite the current sales and hold onto my prospects while I continue to shop. But when you shop online, you don’t receive special treatment. You don’t feel like a valued customer, and that’s an issue most non-online shoppers can’t shake.

Fraud. Whenever you make a purchase online, you expose your credit card to the possibility of identity theft. The verification of credit-card owners’ identities is less precise. No one is able to verify that you’re indeed who you say you are. And unless the site is a, trusted, long-established store (e.g. Banana Republic, GAP) you can’t be sure the site won’t disappear and leave you choking in the dust.

Whether shopping with your fingertips or shopping in stores, it’s crucial to comparison shop. Moreover, shop wisely and be smart. If something doesn’t seem right, listen to your instincts.

Also, pay close attention to return policies. If they mention a no-return policy, believe them the first time. You don’t want to purchase an item you don’t like, and, moreover, can’t use. So when shopping online, remember that each site is different, but if you find one that allows you to easily browse, learn, shop and have fun, you’ve already won half the battle.

E-mail Deena about your own successes and frustrations with online shopping at dmc18@pitt.edu.