A lot of stores have adjusted their prices to closer reflect online competing prices. I do agree that people are less aware of this fact because they have not paid attention for many years. Also, many big stores price match (as I've said earlier, I take advantage of it). The main reason I don't like buying online is return shipping (not being free). It is the reason I will never buy clothes online.I think the populace is growing less and less aware of what is available locally, because they spend less time in stores.
If B&M stores resolve to continue overpricing their wares, then they deserve to go out of business. They really need to look in the mirror and ask themselves "what have I become?" - "Why am I charging $62 for a $20 device?" It's either drop prices to realistic levels and restructure, or ... go out of business. Maybe transition to more of a showroom???
The only thing I get nervous about buying online is shoes. Returning stuff is IMHO a hassle & I don't want problems with Amazon for excessive returns. I do read reviews about fit before ordering though & have had decent luck for my husband & son.
I like going to brick and mortar stores to see tech hardware in person before I buy it, I can't tell how good a phone is till I feel it in my hand & check it out in person.
Oh and paper towels, toilet paper...get em delivered by the case, it saves so much hassle & you never run out
One more thing, OTC meds, Amazon sells Kirkland brand meds, I save a ton on generic Pepcid, low dose asprin & others I need
You gotta be creative. Start out, or supplement your business with the internet if necessary. It's a great time to be a small seller. Between amazon, ebay, and etsy, you have the world as a potential market, and can start a business with less chance of failure. Some businesses aren't as viable(computers for one), but that's the way it goes. Even with that, money can be made with enough creativity.It's actually kinda sad in a way. If the big corporate stores are having issues, then small mom and pop shops definitely have like zero chance. You have the ones that have a loyal customer base, but trying to open a new one is going to be near impossible.
Gas station shops and take away food shops are doing great where I live and it's grown a lot in the last 10-15 years.It's actually kinda sad in a way. If the big corporate stores are having issues, then small mom and pop shops definitely have like zero chance. You have the ones that have a loyal customer base, but trying to open a new one is going to be near impossible.
Gas station shops and take away food shops are doing great where I live and it's grown a lot in the last 10-15 years.
Probably selling shit to collectors.Speaking of buying shoes online, there is a guy that I was watching on YT live stream. He made a little over $200k selling noting but used shoes on eBay.
Yes, $200k selling used shoes.
A lot of stores have adjusted their prices to closer reflect online competing prices. I do agree that people are less aware of this fact because they have not paid attention for many years. Also, many big stores price match (as I've said earlier, I take advantage of it). The main reason I don't like buying online is return shipping (not being free). It is the reason I will never buy clothes online.
Yea, but the thing is if you get a set with issues like dead pixels you can bring it back to a B+M the same day and just get another but I agree in general, Amazon Prime is the shi*, killer price and it's there fast.I bought a TV online and it's still going strong nearly 7 years later.
You gotta be creative. Start out, or supplement your business with the internet if necessary. It's a great time to be a small seller. Between amazon, ebay, and etsy, you have the world as a potential market, and can start a business with less chance of failure. Some businesses aren't as viable(computers for one), but that's the way it goes. Even with that, money can be made with enough creativity.
Online is winning retail because of one simple reason for me: I fucking hate the american public. Every store around me has become the equivalent of "Only at a Walmart". It's everywhere, it's rampant, and I hate having to interact with incompetent fools.
Plus, they don't have to hire incompetent fools to interact with their customers. All their employees have to do is put shit in boxes.
We have the most insane consumer economy, too. If it weren't for online, most of that "cruft" would be in full swing, because while you may not double your profits by opening twice as many stores, you will see some increase in your nets, the more stores you have.The US needs fewer stores and retail blight. The US has more retail space by a factor of ten than the rest of the world. Cutting the cruft is a good thing.
We have the most insane consumer economy, too. If it weren't for online, most of that "cruft" would be in full swing, because while you may not double your profits by opening twice as many stores, you will see some increase in your nets, the more stores you have.
But the 5% hit to sales you get from online competition will make a large % of those stores unprofitable.
After Amazon starts collecting sale tax, its advance over the local stores is almost gone. I am using Amazon right now because of my clients is paying me with Amazon gift cards, not because of lower price.
Disagree.
Most people aren't shopping at Amazon because they can avoid sales tax. They are shopping online because they can minimize time and energy.
I had said this early and I'll repeat it. Most people are busy and many are getting beat up every day. Kids, bills, 8-12 hour days working, stress, grocery shopping, tasks, family time, training, additional education, more bills, only 2 weeks off a year, etc. Most people are just f*ckin tired. Very tired. Also, with humans our biology tells us to minimize time and our energy output. Shopping online fulfills this.
1) Ordering on Amazon; I take out my smartphone, tap the Amazon app, tap the things I want to purchase, CC is charged, wait 2 days, it's over.
Time: 2-3 minutes.
2) Going to the B&M; Take time out of busy schedule, get in my car, fill the tank, drive 10-15 minutes. Maybe even longer. Go into the store. Search for the item. Interrupt the busy sales guy if I can't find it, Pick it up, wait in line, get into car, wait in traffic, etc..
Time: Anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Certainly true, but I bet issues like that are relatively rare events overall. And if the TV starts acting funny outside of the return period, you'd be in the same boat regardless of purchase method.Yea, but the thing is if you get a set with issues like dead pixels you can bring it back to a B+M the same day and just get another but I agree in general, Amazon Prime is the shi*, killer price and it's there fast.
Interesting to know. Had no idea about Walmart (only thing I buy there is oil for my car).Not walmart anymore. They stopped doing that last year at some stores and it has spread to most now.
BestBuy says they do but they fight you on it and now carry more BB only items. The items will be the same but the model number will add a BB or some other character so they can deny.
HD and Lowes also do the same so that's getting harder.
Not many other large stores left that will pricematch without a fight if at all.
I think it depends on where you live as to how much of a hassle it is to shop locally for things you can get online. Where I am in NJ, going to the store can be a minor production.In 10 years I hope everyone looks back at how many local stores they used to have and wonder if it was worth it when Amazon is the only thing left and prices are much higher than they ever were in the local stores to begin with.
Thankfully at least locally I see more and more people refusing to shop at Amazon and want to support local stores again.