5 Things To Avoid Buying On E-Commerce Sites

15/06/2024

woman couch enters credit card info tablet ipad_iStock-1393756376

Online shopping is one of the benefits of modern life. With just a few clicks, you can have almost any item your heart desires delivered right to your doorstep within days — often overnight or even within hours of your purchase.

However, for certain purchases, the instant appeal and rapid access of e-commerce offerings can be a deceptive “bargain,” when you’re not really saving money. Hidden costs, such as shipping fees and higher-ticket impulse buys, can make your final total much higher than expected.

Brick-and-mortar stores may not offer the convenience of shopping for power tools in your pajamas, but many everyday items are more affordable when bought in physical stores.

Keep reading for a look at some hidden gems you can get from local retailers and help on where to find the best bargains.

In contrast, here are some items that are actually cheaper online.

Explore More: The Best $20 You Can Spend at Dollar Tree This Summer

Everyday Items Often Priced Higher Online

While prices can vary based on store and location, these items are consistently cheaper at brick-and-mortar locations.

Greeting Cards and Gift Wrap

Online Prices: Online greeting cards can range anywhere from $3 to $10 a piece and gift wrap can run you anywhere from $5 to $15 per roll (and that’s before shipping fees!).
Brick-and-Mortar Price: Drugstores and discount stores often have greeting cards for $1 to $3 and bargain bins with discounted gift wrap for under $5.

While online retailers offer a wider selection of personalized cards, the price difference is significant for standard greetings. Similarly, discount stores often have seasonal gift wrap sales, making in-store browsing a budget-friendly option.

Check Out: 6 Best Deals to Buy at Big Lots in June 2024

Hardware and Tools

Online Price: A basic hammer can cost $10 to $20 online, with additional shipping charges and no opportunity to examine important features like how it fits your hand or the comfort of its grip.
Brick-and-Mortar Price: Hardware stores frequently sell hammers for $5 to $10 and you can avoid shipping costs by picking them up yourself. A physical store also allows you to inspect the tools before you purchase them.

As an added bonus, hardware stores often have knowledgeable staff who can answer questions and recommend the right tool for the job, something online retailers and online reviews frequently lack.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Online Price: At most online retailers, a regular bottle of a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can cost anywhere from $7 to $12, with shipping fees adding to the already high cost. They’ll often bundle packs of two or more, which can add to the price while giving the appearance of a bargain.
Brick-and-Mortar Price: Drugstores will often have promotions, in-store coupons and store or generic brands for over-the-counter medications, which work just as well but at a much lower price — usually around $3 to $5 per bottle.

Unless you need a specific or hard-to-find medication, you’ll probably be better off browsing the shelves of your local drugstore.

Household Staples (Batteries or Light Bulbs)

Online Price: A pack of AA batteries can cost between $5 to $10 online, plus additional shipping costs. Light bulbs can be even more expensive from online retailers and risk being damaged in transit.

Brick-and-Mortar Price: Discount stores and dollar stores often have bulk packs of batteries for $2 to $5. Light bulbs can also be cheaper in-store, with varying prices depending on type.

Bulk Paper Products (Paper Towels or Toilet Paper)

Online Price: A bulk pack of paper towels can cost $15 to $20 online, with shipping fees presenting a significant factor.

Brick-and-Mortar Price: Warehouse clubs and grocery stores frequently have sales on bulk paper products, bringing the price down to $10 to $15.

The size and weight of bulk paper products raise your shipping costs. Additionally, physical stores allow you to assess the quality and absorbency of the paper products before purchase, something online photos cannot fully convey.

Things To Think About Before Clicking “Buy Now”

Shipping Costs: Even with Amazon Prime or similar features, shipping fees can add up (and Amazon Prime isn’t free). Many seemingly good deals online can become less of a bargain due to considerable shipping or membership charges.
Impulse Purchases: E-commerce sites are designed to make you buy more and do so impulsively. Resist the urge. Adding items to your online cart (“because … why not?”) can lead to purchases you don’t need and will only increase your final bill.
Returns and Exchanges: Returning or exchanging online purchases can be a hassle, involving repackaging and shipping the item back. Online merchants know this — it’s a built-in feature to keep returns limited. In-store returns and exchanges can still be a pain, but they’re generally quicker and more convenient.