They are in no particular order.
You don’t have to leave your house
You don’t have to leave your house to shop online. This is especially handy if you have children who hate shopping or you don’t have a car. You can also get it delivered to someone else’s address, if you want to keep the contents a secret or if it’s a gift for someone else.
2. You can buy in secret
Whether you are hiding a gift or making a purchase you don’t want your other half or children to know about, shopping online makes this possible.
3. They are open 24/7
Unlike physical shops and shopping centres that have opening and closing times, online shops are open 24/7. This means that you can shop from the comfort of your own sofa, in comfortable clothes, drinking a drink of your choice and indulging in chocolate and/or crisps!
4. You don’t have to drag others along with you
I was amazed at how many people said that shopping online is easier. Most commented on the frustrations of bringing children with them and how much easier it is to do it online when their children are in bed.
5. It reduces impulse purchases
How often have you had to buy each of your kids a small toy when you have been toy shopping for a birthday gift? Or picked up a ‘bargain’ at the checkout? Online shopping is more thought out and less impulsive. It’s also easier to find reviews of products, so you know exactly if they will work for you or not.
6. You can support small Irish businesses
The smallest Irish businesses are often the ones that can’t afford a premise. They are at the early stages of startup and by buying from them, you help them to progress and grow. I have found that a lot of these little shops are run with other ‘Work from Home Mums’ (WAHMs) who manage their family and their shop at the same time. By choosing to buy from Irish shops, you are keeping money in the Irish economy, as these business owners pay taxes in Ireland and use Irish couriers/An Post, Irish packaging companies and much more. If you are searching for a product, simply add ‘Ireland’ into your search bar and Irish retailers will get a look in along with large multinational companies. You’ll find that prices are often better, as you are dealing in euros, delivery is cheaper and quicker, so it’s win-win for everyone.
7. It can be quicker
Our time is valuable and often scarce. Make the most of the time you have by avoiding busy shops/queueing in car parks and shops, by shopping online. One great thing about shopping online is that you don’t have to wait for other shoppers to finish buying.
8. It’s better for the environment
Driving or using public transport to get to the shops isn’t always the best for the environment. And, there is nothing more frustrating that after all the effort of getting to the shop, they are sold out of the product you are looking for. Couriers are organised so that they deliver to other people in your area when they are delivering to you.
9. You don’t have to get dressed to do it!
I think this one is self-explanatory!
10. You can save on petrol/travel costs and parking
I have heard people argue that it’s more expensive to shop online due to the delivery fees. However, if you ask them how much they spend on petrol/bus tickets and parking, you’ll find that it adds up quickly. It’s also very easy to check several shops in a few minutes to get the best price when you shop online. This isn’t something you can do quickly with regular shops.
11. It’s less stressful
My experience of shopping with kids has nearly always been stressful and it appears to be the case for a lot of the people who contributed to this blog too.
12. You don’t have to constantly say ‘no’ to your kids
“Mummy, look at this”, “Mummy, where are you?”, “Mummy, can I have this?”, “Mummy, is this in my size?” and they are all looking at things they don’t need and you don’t get a chance to look at the things they do need.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this blog post. If you are a reluctant online shopper, I don’t know what else I can say to convince you!! Let me know below, why you don’t shop online.
Enjoy shopping and thanks for shopping in my online toy shop.
xx Suzie
PS. If you need more evidence to shop in my little toy shop, check out the awards I won in 2017 or my blog on how to make online shopping easier on yourself. Or if you have no kids to buy for but you’d still like to support my shop, check out this blog ‘4 Ways to Support Small Businesses without spending a cent‘ Finally, if you are interested in hearing why I opened an online toy shop, read this blog. 0r check out the newest toys on my website.
