The prevailing view seems to be that online shopping is usually the most cost effective way to shop, but is it supported by the facts? Consumer advocate Choice has got together a bundle of 10 products and compared their online and bricks-and-mortar prices.
|
Product |
Average online ($) |
Average store ($) |
|
Sony PSP PlayStation portable |
291.39 |
281.65 |
|
Microsoft VX-6000 LifeCam |
131.37 |
149.30 |
|
Canon Powershot A710 IS |
422.77 |
492.00 |
|
Trivial Pursuit Genus VI |
87.64 |
77.82 |
|
New release DVD: Pan’s Labyrinth |
36.07 |
33.61 |
|
Scanpan Classic Fry Pan (32 cm) |
119.00 |
166.23 |
|
Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream — Dry Skin 50 ml |
97.18 |
105.00 |
|
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Non Vintage 750 mL |
94.30 |
81.39 |
|
Simple Essentials: Chicken by Donna Hay |
30.60 |
24.16 |
|
iPod Nano 4GB |
279.95 |
281.50 |
The lesson from Choice’s comparison appears to be that shopping online can deliver savings – but only on particular products. You still need to compare prices and shop around to know if you’re getting a good deal – and don’t forget to add postage or delivery costs to online shopping prices.
Smart Company is the leading online publication in Australia for free news, information and resources catering to Australia’s entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers.
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