Buying Online

**HisDaisy** · 04-23-2008, 11:41 PM

Today, I brought yarn online instead of going to the craft store. I live 30 miles from the nearest craft store. I decided that paying for shipping would be cheaper than paying for the gas to get there.
In the end, I ended up spending $25 and getting free shipping. The price of the yarn online was the same as the price in the store.
I did miss browsing the store for bargains, but I probably spent less my staying home.
Is anyone else finding that it may be cheaper to buy online then spend money on gas?

**Frugal Cook** · 04-23-2008, 11:46 PM

Been doing it for years. Even bought my chest freezer that way. I was actually turned off by the sales person in the store, so I went home, found it online and bought it.

**happimommi** · 04-24-2008, 07:45 AM

I bought some clothes online at Kohl's, got a Buy 1 get One Free and $5 shipping for the whole order. Much cheaper than the gas would have been.

**BetterLateThanNever** · 04-24-2008, 08:26 AM

Been buying online for a long time. For me it's about convienence rather than gas. I buy alot of oddball movies as gifts and it's easier to go to amazon or barnes and nobles to find what i'm looking for. Also many online stores have items that are only offered online and many times good deals.

The only thing that is annoying is buying clothing online because most stores not only charge shipping but tax on top of it! I do buy online but look for free shipping or i stop by the mall on my way home from work to save gas.

**Rosebush3** · 04-24-2008, 08:29 AM

I definately find shopping online cheaper.

I can find what I want for the right price without driving all over to search prices.

It costs $0 in gas, shipping is always going to be less than gas money in my case.

When I go out shopping I generally take the kids, who need to be fed, so factor in the cost of eating out when we go shopping.

Also, taking the kids can lead to a purchase I wouldn't have otherwise made, even if just a pack of gum.

I can save my cart online and go back later after having a while to think about it, usually deciding I don't need what is in there.

Much less temptation for me.

I can often find online coupons and codes, saving more money.

I don't need to make extra purchases to 'validate' my 3 hr round trip to get shopping.

**anna021** · 04-24-2008, 09:53 AM

I love shopping online especially at christmas time, I can stay home and do fun holiday things like decorating and baking, and get all my shopping done with the click of a mouse. I find prices better, selection outstanding as opposed to stores, and so many offer free shipping these days. I always check ebates to see if the store I'm shopping at has a rebate for even extra savings. I think its the way of the future, with gas prices soaring. Maybe Malls will become a thing of the past?

**mmy2grls** · 04-24-2008, 10:27 AM

I find good deals online plus I save money for that the fact my kids can't buy extra. With the cost of gas i'l probably be buying more online.

**forHISglory** · 04-24-2008, 10:30 AM

I don't do a lot of on-line shopping. On the other hand, I don't do a lot of off-line shopping, either!

But I buy my ink cartridges for my printer on line, as it is free shipping and the cost is less than Walmart (and Walmart doesn't always have what I need in stock).

I have also purchased some cabinets for the garage from Target on-line and we were very pleased with that transaction.

**FrugalWitch** · 04-24-2008, 10:44 AM

I love Amazon (man they sell just about everything these days!), getting the free shipping with the Super Saver items is great.

Huge eBay fan, only been burned twice in, oh, maybe 8 years. ( I fought and got my money back, thank goodness)

Walmart has free site-to-store shipping on many items, very convenient for items our local WalMart doesn't carry.

At Yule we always buy a few treats from Swiss Colony from the free shipping choices they have each holiday season.

**HisDaisy** · 04-24-2008, 11:30 AM

I have bought items online for years. But usually I stick to books, games, gifts, and electronics. I shop online to find a better deal. However, if it is the same price in the store, i usually buy at the store.
Now, I am finding that I will buy things online, even if they are the same price or more, just to save gas.
I never thought that I would buy clothes and crafts supplies online just to save gas money. I enjoy shopping for those items at the store, but it just costs too much to get there (especially when your small town is 30 miles from the any good stores).
I hope I don't have to buy groceries online just to save money.

**barb7** · 04-24-2008, 08:53 PM

I've been buying things through Amazon. One thing I like is to read the customer reviews. I've bought things due to the reviews and not bought things for the same reason. I even got free shipping on a reel lawn mower, which was pretty heavy. I only order from Amazon (not other vendors) and only buy when I can order enough to get free shipping. I don't like to shop, so that makes on-line buying even better!