Survey: Do You Shop Online?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 08. 3.07
Once upon a time, internet shopping, "clicks, not bricks" was going to change the world; It didn't quite happen as planned. Yet quietly and steadily, more and more stuff became available as the "long tail" effect kicked in.
Warren notes that some studies indicate that internet shopping saves 75% of the energy, 25 to 35% of the inventory and 12.5% of the infrastructure.
Of course, we have seen what happened to the record store infrastructure after the dematerialization of music where one never even owns a physical product.
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I prefer to do my shopping online. It's more convenient for me, and I don't have to deal with finding a parking spot, wading through crowds, waiting in lines, and dealing with cashiers who'd rather be somewhere else.
Last year I did all my Christmas shopping in about two hours online. Not once did I set foot in a mall. I'm planning on doing that for the foreseeable future.
I also buy all my music through iTunes, eliminating CDs. (But I always make sure to keep a good backup, both at home and on my web host, just in case!)
could we have an option to vote for "i would if it was less risky"?
the "risk" mentioned refers to "used" goods or those sold by individuals, in my opinion (IMO).
Shopping online is easy, fast, no-hassle, and if you don't like what you got, you can send it back. I find that it's MUCH CHEAPER to buy online than in a "big box retailer" and if you don't have a car, you can order a television online and have it delivered!
Even grocery stores have online ordering businesses, where you can order your food and have it delivered.
My biggest beef with Stop N Shop (Peapod.com) is that I can't tell if a produce item is organic or not.
Thinkgeek.com rewards your purchases with Geek Points...I don't think RadioShack has had a promotion like that in years!
isn't it better to shop locally instead of buying something that may be shipped by air freight or driven across the country before it gets to you?
*Saves* energy? Compared to what?
Psst, it's "ETSY" not "ESTY".
Alains says:
"isn't it better to shop locally instead of buying something that may be shipped by air freight or driven across the country before it gets to you?
*Saves* energy? Compared to what?"
I'm not sure I follow you, Alain. Doesn't merchandise get shipped all over the country/world when it gets delivered to brick and mortar shops?