The debate between shopping online versus in a traditional, brick-and-mortar store is a constant one. While a physical store offers the benefit of seeing a product in person, online retailers almost always have the advantage when it comes to price. Because they do not have the high overhead costs of a physical storefront, online sellers can offer a much lower price on a huge variety of items. For these ten products, the online price is almost always significantly cheaper than what you will find in-store.
1. Electronics
This is the most well-known category where online is almost always cheaper. For big-ticket items like televisions, laptops, and cameras, online retailers like Amazon and Newegg will consistently beat the prices at a big-box store like Best Buy. The lower overhead and the intense competition of the online marketplace drive the prices down.
2. Books
The rise of Amazon was built on the back of the book industry. The online giant’s ability to sell books at a much lower price than a traditional bookstore completely revolutionized the market. While it is nice to wander through a local bookstore, you will almost always find a much cheaper price for the same book online.
3. Specialty Pantry Items
If you are looking for a hard-to-find, specialty food item, like a specific type of spice, a gourmet oil, or an international ingredient, the online price will be much better. A physical store has to dedicate a lot of valuable shelf space to these slow-moving items, so they have a very high markup. An online specialty store, on the other hand, can operate from a single, large warehouse.
4. Pet Supplies
The cost of pet food, cat litter, and other pet supplies can add up quickly. Online retailers like Chewy have built a massive business by offering these items at a much lower price than a traditional pet store. Their “autoship” subscription model offers an even deeper discount. This makes the online option a much more affordable choice for pet owners.
5. Diapers
Like pet supplies, diapers are another bulky, high-volume item that is much cheaper to buy online. An online subscription service, like Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save,” will offer a significant discount on a monthly delivery of diapers. This is a much more convenient and cost-effective option than buying them at a physical grocery store.
6. Small Home Appliances
For small kitchen appliances like a coffee maker, a toaster, or a blender, the selection and the prices are almost always better online. A physical store can only carry a few of the most popular models. An online retailer can offer a huge variety of brands and price points. The intense competition means you are much more likely to find a great deal.
7. Mattresses
The mattress industry has been completely disrupted by a wave of new, “bed-in-a-box” online companies. These brands, like Casper and Purple, do not have the massive overhead of a physical showroom. This allows them to sell a high-quality mattress for a much lower price than a traditional mattress store.
8. Eyeglasses
For years, the only way to buy a pair of prescription eyeglasses was through a local optometrist’s office. This was a very expensive process. Now, a huge number of online retailers, like Warby Parker, allow you to upload your prescription and order a pair of high-quality glasses for a fraction of the cost.
9. Cell Phone Accessories
The phone cases, chargers, and other accessories that are sold at your cell phone provider’s store or at a mall kiosk have an enormous markup. You can find the exact same, or a very similar, product on Amazon for a tiny fraction of the price. This is one of the easiest ways to save a huge amount of money.
10. Furniture
While many people still prefer to see a large piece of furniture in person, the prices online are often much better. Online furniture retailers like Wayfair and Overstock do not have the high cost of a physical showroom. This allows them to offer a much larger selection at a lower price than a traditional furniture store.
The Power of the Digital Shelf
The price advantage of an online retailer is a simple matter of economics. The lower overhead of a digital-only business model allows them to sell their products at a price that a brick-and-mortar store simply cannot match. While there is still value in the experience of a physical store, the reality is that for a huge number of products, the best deal is almost always just a click away. It is a fundamental shift that has changed the way we shop forever.
What is the one item that you will now only buy online? Do you still prefer the experience of a physical store, even if the prices are higher? Let us know!
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