Have been very busy lately doing a lot of shopping. The long hours have not tired my legs though and neither do I feel dehydrated at the end of it. In fact my bank balances are also intact. Wondering how I managed to shop in such a manner?
E - WINDOW SHOPPING!!!
Have you seen those cute ads or those crazy ones? The ones where it claims to be child's play or even cheaper than your neighborhood discount store?
I have to say that the ads did not kindle my interest but the actual witnessing of successful purchase by a comrade. Probably that is how trends catch on. And ever since I have been religiously scanning all such sites. Seems like there are many such and some specialize in certain lines of product.
Despite have surfed around and having done my ground work, I am still wary of making that first purchase. A practically empty bank balance is one reason but more than that there are a few issues.
Paisa Vasool ??
Some items I feel do not really give you that price advantage. It is the same as buying in a local store. Whatever the discount shown, it only makes you doubt the quality of the product. With no means of being assured of that, for the time being I prefer to click on that little 'x' in the top right corner.
Fit hoinga kya??
I have a horrid time shopping for clothes and chappals. After many trials I finally emerge with one or two successful acquisitions. Given my peculiar taste, just seeing a picture and choosing does not seem workable.
Since ages I have been accustomed to trying on footwear and walking a few steps inside the store. How can I give up such an illustrious tradition? And do not start about the dresses part. Sometimes my own tailored suits do not fit well. I am not yet prepared to gamble on the fit.
Agar kaam nahi kare toh??
This is one big doubt. Yes, they will take return but then they won't give a refund. It will only be a replacement. Agar woh bhi kaam nahi kare toh?
Naya lagta hai, magar...
What about expiry dates? When I pick a bottle of lotion, I check the dates immediately. Sometimes they offer huge discounts and you are left wondering what is that all about.
DEMO NAHI HAI???
This is the most ridiculous part. Even when buying a pen we will write on a paper and then chose. But here cellphones and other electronics are sold only with the pictures to tell the story. We always check any appliance twice or thrice before buying it.
This is like the Arranged Marriage of previous century where the groom will see his bride only on their wedding day. Such surprises are not that fun.
But kuch toh bath hai:
No pesky sales person watching over your shoulder. (C'mon how can I shoplift a TELEVISION?)
No pesky sales person (BIG ADVANTAGE hence repeated twice)
No need to dress up for the trip
No need to struggle in Traffic to and fro for your expedition
No need to allocate a Shopping time (useful for those who are always on the go)
Par KHABARDHAAR:
I have been testing the waters and plan to place a small order. That way it is not much of a risk and I can get to see the quality of service.
Some things that I keep buying regularly can be bought online as I already know the nature of the product.
And I shall stay away from straying in to too many of these websites. There are MANY of them out there.
And one more actually, I shall not yield to temptation when faced with a BIG discount on something I do not NEED.
Having said all this, I am simultaneously searching for OSAA (Online Shopping Addicts Anonymous). Just as a back-up cause I do not know when I might need their help.
