Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: Money/Health

Media Credit: Lydia Gantert

Shopping was once completely different than it is today. At one point, potential shoppers had to search through piles of fliers that came in the mail to find a good deal, then drive to the store and pick it up.

Then, along came the Internet. Shoppers can now visit Web sites to find deals and read product reviews in less time than it takes to read a flier; however, the Internet does have its flaws.

The threat of Internet scams, identity theft and fraud prevent some shoppers from using the Internet's convenience. So, which shopping method is better?

Affordability
Every now and then stores like to have sales to encourage shoppers to buy their products. Other stores would then be inclined to have sales of their own to bring back some business. For shoppers, sales used to be the only way to find cheaper products. Now there are numerous sites dedicated to finding the best deals for shoppers online.

"I do a lot of shopping from Amazon and certain electronics like headphones, digital cameras and digital frames can be found cheaper online," senior Daniel Altenberg said. "(It's) probably because there is some middle man cut out somewhere."

Online shopping sites usually include reviews from past customers, making it easier for potential customers to make their decisions.

"I like that you can do a little researching and read people's reviews of products, and that gives you a nice overview," Altenberg said.

The online reviews are usually available to everyone with Internet access, and people who prefer to shop in stores can still use them.

"If I find a product I want in the store that I'm not sure about, I can still go online and look at the reviews anyway and go back and buy it," junior David Brickner said.

Convenience
Convenience is another major factor in why shoppers choose to shop online or at home. Shopping online essentially brings the stores to you.

"Generally (the good deals) draw me (to online shopping)," Altenberg said. "Also, around Christmastime I do a lot of shopping online because I hate the stores when they get crowded."

Shopping online may take less time, but shopping for something in a store gives the shopper a better feel for the product.

"It's nice to be able to see what you're buying," Brickner said. "And, if it's clothing, you can try it on. You get a feel for what you are actually buying."

While online shopping offers more potential sellers than a mall, it does have its drawbacks. Ordering something online requires the company to ship the product to your house, which can take anywhere from a day to weeks. When shopping in stores, the shopper can usually bring the product they want home with them that day.

"I like to support the local booksellers just because I'm hardcore into English," Altenberg said. "I suppose it is equally convenient … because (when shopping online) you have to wait for your stuff and if you want it there quickly, you have to pay extra."

Safety
Safety is a major concern for most potential online shoppers. The threat of fraud and Internet theft prevents many people from switching over to the online shopping world.

The Federal Trade Commission's Web site recommends online shoppers use intricate passwords and to verify the source from which the shopping is being done. To prevent identity theft, the site suggests monitoring financial accounts and billing statements to check for unauthorized purchases. Major consumer reporting agencies are required by law to give credit reports at the shopper's request.

"I generally only order from companies I have ordered from before," Altenberg said. "I don't just search for an item and then whenever a random company pops up, I don't order from there. I'm paranoid about this, I read into it and make sure they have privacy policies and secure networks."

There are numerous steps that can be taken to prevent identity theft while shopping online. Altenberg said potential shoppers worried about identity theft should check into the company and to read the privacy policy statements. There are other computer programs designed to further protect personal information; and, according to a June 24, 2008, New York Times article, representatives from industry leaders such as Microsoft, Google and PayPal are working together to solve the problem of online identity theft.

Shopping in stores is not completely safe either. On Black Friday 2008, the day after Thanksgiving that is famous for its sales and unbelievably high number of shoppers, a Wal-Mart worker was trampled to death as shoppers rushed into the store.

"This (holiday season) I did purchase a couple things online," Brickner said, "but for the most part I just take it head on, get what I need to buy and get out of there."

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