The subject for today is online versus brick-and-mortar.

I will talk about 3 different categories of this: shopping, banking and education

Shopping

For me this just depends on what you are buying.  Clothing and shoes are things that I physically have to try on as I have all different sizes depending on the brand and style.  When I say this people tell me they have great return policies but I just don’t have the patience for that when I can just go to a store and try things on and buy them.  I guess I can understand if it is something you have tried on already and you find it online for cheaper and you buy what you saw physically.  I know many retail stores have started the price match concept but I have not seen this for clothing stores.

For non-clothing merchandise I know I love Amazon and use it all the time…especially now that they have added same day shipping.  Most of the time I am able to find things cheaper on Amazon or online in general.  Many times there are online coupon codes which are a benefit to online shopping.  Online shopping also allows you to research your product and read reviews.  I know the same thing can be done with physical stores but you would have to make a second trip after you do your research.

I do like supporting local businesses so I will always do that but I will most definitely continue my online shopping habits for the conveniences it gives me.  I can shop at the comfort of my own home when the stores are closed.  During the holidays I can avoid the crazy people.  The only thing I know I won’t do is become lazy and pay more online because I don’t feel like going to the store….then I would just be a crazy person 😉

Banking

I know recently this has become more popular where people are banking with banks that do not have physical locations and are only online.  I looked into this when I was looking for a new bank but something about it just didn’t seem right.  Then you also have the online banking with places that also have physical locations.  This has definitely become the norm these days with everything such as filling out loan applications, check deposits, paying bills, etc.  I know I definitely don’t go into the bank much since I get direct deposit for my paychecks and if I do need to deposit a check I do it online.  I also take advantage of paying things online.  The negative to this is I feel like I have become dependent on having my check card or credit card and rarely have actual cash on me.  I know most places have other options besides cash but there have been times that I needed it.  I definitely find the conveniences in the online aspect of banking but like the option of going into the bank also.

Education

This is an area which I think I will always prefer a physical location where you go to class and interact with the teacher and other people.  Yes having an online option for some things is nice but for everyday education I don’t like the concept of online.  I like to go into class and be in the presence of other people wanting to learn and inside the classroom and be in the environment that the professor/teacher is creating.  I think this helps me learn more and be more motivated.  Online classes seem weird to me and I am afraid that this is the direction that things are taking more and more each day.  As it is okay to have some online classes for certain things I hope that this always remains an option and not the only choice.

The online world is nothing that can be stopped and it will just become bigger and bigger but it kind of frightens me…