Until a few months ago, I bought most things online. It felt efficient, modern, and effortless.
But after a few frustrating experiences, I started to change my shopping habits.
Deliveries arrived late. Returns became a headache. Sometimes the product wasn’t what it looked like. Once or twice, it never arrived at all.
I realised that for certain items, I had been shopping online by default, without thinking.
So I made a small guide for myself — a way to decide what to buy online, what to buy offline, and when a hybrid approach works best.
Two questions now shape most of my decisions:
- How urgently do I need the item?
- How much sensory experience do I need before buying it?
If something is urgent, I buy it offline. If something needs to be handled, worn, tested, or smelled, I go to a store.
Everything else depends.
Here’s how I think about it now.
Shopping online
1. Everyday essentials and repeat purchases
If I already know the product and buy it regularly, ordering online saves time. Predictable things don’t require a visit to the store.
2. Small electronic accessories
Cables, chargers, batteries — these don’t need to be tried in person. Price and basic reviews are usually enough.
3. New books
Books are easy to ship, and rarely disappointing. Online is often the cheapest and simplest option.
4. Familiar gifts
If I know exactly what someone wants, online shopping works well. No guesswork is involved.
Shopping offline
1. Urgent or last-minute purchases
When time matters, delivery cannot be trusted. Buying offline avoids delays and return hassles.
2. Fresh food and groceries
Quality, expiration dates, and freshness are hard to judge through a screen. These belong in physical stores.
3. Clothes and shoes (especially unfamiliar brands or secondhand)
Sizing, colour, fabric, and comfort are too unpredictable online. Trying things in person saves frustration.
4. Furniture and comfort products
Anything you need to sit on, sleep on, or live with should not be chosen from photos alone.
5. Fragile or damage-prone items
Glassware, mirrors, ceramics — shipping adds a risk that isn’t worth it.
6. High-value items
Luxury products and jewellery should be checked for quality and fit in person.
7. Special gifts
The best gifts often come from wandering, noticing, and choosing something personal — not from clicking “Buy Now.”
8. Supporting local stores
Some purchases are worth making offline simply to keep local businesses, craftsmanship, and unique places alive.
9. Anything with a complex return policy
If returning is difficult, buying online becomes a gamble.
Hybrid shopping (try offline, buy online)
1. Branded clothes and shoes
I try them in-store for size and comfort, then buy online later if the price drops.
2. Eyewear and watches
They are often cheaper online, but you can’t trust the fit without trying them first.
3. Appliances
Seeing appliances in person helps, but online prices are often better. The store visit becomes research.
4. Tech gadgets
Reviews can be manipulated. Influencers can be paid. Products are hyped up. The only real test is trying the device in-store.
Stores also prevent spec obsession — often, a cheaper model is enough once you see it in reality.
5. Skincare and perfumes
First purchases should be offline: samples, scent, ingredients. After that, online works.
6. Stationery
I like trying pens and paper in-store, but they’re usually cheaper online. So I do both.
Shopping online is not the enemy. It offers convenience — but sometimes it comes with more hassle than it’s worth.
I’ve learned not to let my shopping habits become automatic.
Some things should be clicked.
Some things should be held.
And some decisions deserve a pause.