Whether you’re looking for a new weed wacker or you’ve run out of toothpaste, you can likely find just about anything you want to buy on the internet. But once you factor in the cost of shipping and the inconvenience of having to be home to sign for your package, not everything makes sense to purchase online.
So, what should you be buying online?
It’s best to focus on things which you can’t get locally or those you can find much cheaper online. Here are 5 products that fit those descriptions.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are an ideal online purchase. Not only can you find great discounts on the web, but you can always find your brand and prescription in stock. And since they ship to you in boxes that fit in your mailbox, you also won’t worry about missing the delivery. If you haven’t bought contacts online before, the next time you drop your last lens on the floor, log onto Clearly Contacts or LensCrafters and see just how simple it is.
Specialty Foods
If you’re gluten-free, keep kosher, or have severe allergies, it can be a pain to find food that fits your diet. Luckily, the internet has many more delicious options to choose from than the two shelves your local grocery store devotes to specialty foods. Have fun trying new products on sites like Well.ca or Spud.ca. If you’re hungry now, you can get delivery from places like YamChops, the Toronto-based “vegan butcher,” or from your favourite restaurants with delivery services like Just-Eat.ca.
Niche Items
Does your nephew really like obscure anime character figurines? Do you have a niche hobby like weaving or archery? We all like something that is a bit outside the mainstream and for many of us it’s impossible to buy the things we love locally. In the past, you would have had to do without but today you can easily track down the specialty item you’re lusting after with a quick online search. Amazon.ca and eBay.ca are now great places to find niche products, but there are also online specialty stores that cater to every interest.
Electronics
Electronics are expensive – that’s why most people shop around when they’re looking to buy a new computer or TV. But going from store to store takes a lot of time. Why bother when you can easily check out prices at those same stores online? Companies like Best Buy and Staples often have more selection and availability on their online sites than in stores.
Vintage/Used items
If you’re a fan of thrift stores and garage sales, then it’s time to consider buying used items online. From vintage clothing to power tools, you will find more selection on the web than at the local swap meet. For those who love saving money by buying used, you can often find great deals on eBay.ca and Etsy.com.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
