The REAL. BIG. Blog

Like most of us this holiday season you’ve probably been doing some online shopping, hoping to get a good deal, not pay too much, receive it on time, and avoid the mall at all costs. I started shopping online when it was still the wild-wild-west. You had to make sure the checkout was secure because not all of them were. Site search was abysmal and finding something you wanted to buy was a bit of a crap shoot.  But at least you didn’t have to go to the mall.

The last time I went to the mall I yelled at people. Those who know me realize how unusual that is. After waiting half an hour in line to pay for my purchase, the cashier told me that I couldn’t buy my items at his station – I had to go to another department. I reasoned, I pleaded, and then I yelled. It didn’t help. I went to the other department, waited another 15 minutes and finally made my purchase. I’ve never gone back to that store again. I’ve never shopped at that chain again. I haven’t been back to the mall since. But that store is still in business. Go figure.

I’m not saying every website provides a better experience than what I went through but online competition faces a challenge that brick and mortar generally doesn’t – the mighty mouse. Most of us show much less patience online than we’re willing to endure in a brick and mortar store because the next store is just a click away. Can’t find it here? Don’t like the price? Don’t feel secure? Click. That challenge keeps us in the business of e-commerce on our toes.

And here are some big advantages to online shopping in my book: You don’t have to wade through the crowds; you’re always first in line at the checkout; and the car stays in the garage. Plus, you don’t have to take things to the post office or shipping store.

I continue to be amazed by people who love to go to the mall. I’m sure they have their reasons. I’m all wrapped up every day with www.fathead.com so I’m going to have a particular online prejudice I suppose. Still, the selection, the speed, the generally hassle-free experience made me a convert to online years ago and I’m not planning on going back. Besides, if I feel a need for a little holiday music, my laptop can handle that too.