Q Talk

[Twins Mom]

I appreciate the opportunities to shop in Brick and Mortar as well as QVC.  Touching fabrics, trying on styles for comparison, seeing first-hand differences are all valued by me as a shopper.  I also value demonstrations and new products which QVC presents.  But I feer that these avenues for shopping so long valued by myself are falling to the wayside in favor of free shipping, throw away products, etc.  Personal service is no longer valued.  But somehwere down the road I can see these items once again creeping into our lives.  How long do you think reasonable shipping or free shipping and returns will be available when the brick and mortar disappear? Smaller versions of what we once knew will probably reappear way down the road. 

There is, however, only so much of items that people can afford to buy or need.  How many versions of Dyson can be demonstrated before we throw up our hands and say "just show me the differences on a chart and give me the best price for what I need."  I don't like thinking that I might find my purchase a bunch cheeper or something better by the same retailer and manufacturer within a month or so.  It turns me off totally from making a purchase.

[Annabellethecat66]

@Twins Mom I agree with what you said.  I would love to be able to shop in stores but I have some physical ailments that prevent it, so I often shop at places like QVC, etc.

However, I find myself more and more shopping at a place like Amazon (for items other than clothing) because I am a member of Prime.  Many, many things at Amazon if you are a Prime member are delivered within one or two days and they are FREE delivery.

I just ordered a large kerosene heater from Amazon (with Prime) and I received it in the morning of he second day after I'd ordered it (as promised) and the shipping was free!  I've ordered things from there and received them the same day!  Yes, same day!

I mail a lot of things from the Post Office and UPS and they are almost (if not more) expensive as QVC.  If the Post Office wonders and whines that they are loosing money, ONE of the many reasons is because their shipping is also expensive.  

More and more people are moving toward companies who maybe make a little less money by eating into their profits by offering free shipping.  It's good for the company (more revenue, more orders) and it's good for the public (a feeling like they want our business).

[Q4u]

Aneb!  LOL!

One thing to note about the Dyson's TSV.  Unless the engineers have put in a slide lock on the handle (where you can lock it on and then slide it off again).... this item's on switch has to be depressed throughout performance.  It doesn't matter to some buyers but to others who have dexterity or strength issues, it makes a huge difference.  That's why when I bought one a year or so ago I sent it right back.  After 20 minutes of holding the button "on" my hand would cramp....  Just some info that I don't believe is mentioned in the promo....

[Q4u]

That should read:  Amen LOL!

[ECBG]

Stores as well as computor sites will always fight for the dollar you spend.  There will be a lot of perks in lowered prices and free shipping.

They'll still fight over winning the consumers.

[AngelPuppy1]

As long as I am able and b & m stores are readily available to me, this is my preferred method of shopping.  I would rather see the product firsthand and really know what I am getting.  More often than not things I order from on-line places are not what they appear to be.  I am then forced to return which is more work for me and I also end up spending more money for the s&h.  

Also, there's the gratification factor for me.  I get a lot of pleasure out of shopping -- but really only when I do it in person.  And when I want something, I want it now!!!  This is not to say that I do not shop on-line because I do.  Many stores around me seem to have reduced their stock and some have even closed.  

I support my local stores as much as I can.  I know there are many who cannot shop in b&m stores for physical reasons and so on-line shopping is really a blessing.  I just hope in the future that there are still both options available to us!!!!  

[CalminHeart]

98% of what Q sells can be found for less elsewhere....and with faster, free shipping and returns.  I would never buy anything from Q without searching the product on other retailers' sites or at a local store.  

For example, I was looking for a certain pair of shoes.  I knew Q had it in stock.  I found it elsewhere for $20 less plus free 2 day shipping.  Why would I buy those shoes from Q? 

[TY]

Bricks and mortar in the U.S. Is slowly but surely being replaced by online shopping. Bricks and mortar retailers are all in trouble as sales and profits decline. Those dead malls will arrive sooner or later. I think it's a bit different in metropolitan areas of Canada but even then people will look for deals online and if the bricks and mortar stores don't keep up, they'll disappear too. There's a lot less choice and expensive shipping here.

[Moonchilde]

I fully embrace online shopping, but there are some things I need a b&m store for, and some items I prefer to buy from a b&m store.

I will always need to try on clothing. Once I know what fits, THEN I can (re)order online. Same with shoes. I don't want to necessarily buy a TV sight unseen. I have bought laptops and tablets online but prefer to buy b&m in case I need to return or need service.

If an item was $300 online with free shipping and $325 b&m, depending on what it was, it might be worth it to me to pay more and have a b&m place to return to.

Many b&m stores will price-match; that makes it a no-brainer then.