When you add middle men to the buy/sell equation, then you’re going to pay
for those extra individuals involved. A good example of online purchasing where
more rather than fewer sellers get a piece of the pie is the flower market.
Most online flower venders simply take the order, call the local flower shop
and then place the order. The other flower model tends to be using an overnight
carrier which again adds to the costs. Even if you’re ordering flowers
out-of-town, it’s cost effective to place a call directly to a flower shop in
the town where you want flowers delivered. Put the town and “flower shop” in
search if you don’t know any contacts in the area where you want to send
flowers.
Another market where online has been bumpy is the grocery segment. Some
online grocers reflect and represent the local market while others partner with
local groceries and delivery, but again the costs must be factored in. If an
outside company or group is contracting through the grocery store down the
road, you’re adding more employees to the buying chain.
In addition, when it comes to groceries, you’re looking at many items that often
have to be moved fast and may or may not ship well. Week old bread and smashed
tomatoes are simply not very appealing. On the other hand, beauty and pet items
sold under the grocery store umbrella can be appealing. It may be worth a few
extra cents to have bulk bags of dog food waiting on the porch.
Weight comes into play when considering off versus online shopping. If items
purchased are heavy, then transporting costs may offset savings or even greatly
increase the price paid out of pocket. If the onliner has a brick and mortar
store where items can be picked up or where delivery can be arranged, then some
high weight items can be selected with click-and-buy. If the refrigerator or
stove has to be carted across country, then likely the buyer will kick in some
big bucks to set up and seal the deal.
If arrival time is a key consideration, then online buying is a gamble.
Though online stores try to get items out fast and some even guarantee
delivery, it’s simply impossible to predict and control shipping. If a
heartfelt “sorry” and a coupon on a future purchase won’t make up for the item
being late, then avoid any buying that involves waiting for shipment. After
all, Christmas really isn’t Christmas with no gifts under the tree.