The Pros And Cons Of Internet Shopping

Each week I blunder into town to perform endless research on behalf of my readers my clients and of course, me. I spend a fair amount of time in changing rooms,road testing the latest trends to hit the high street. My view is that fabric is king and that once you cop a feel, the decision is made whether or not to head for the changing rooms.

The internet has changed the face of retail as the great british public shop uninhibited either by time or place. Unhampered by parking restrictions, busy changing rooms and queues at check outs, millions of pounds exchange hands. High Street versus Internet Shopping! Lets see who comes out on top!

First up Isabella Oliver. I am on the prowl for basic tops,it’s smart to find these at sale time, hence making quality items more affordable.

Sunday 1st July: I submit an order, value £169. £ 4.95 postage, a little annoying, strike one.

Tuesday 3rd July: Order arrives. Full marks for speed. Five minutes later I have tried everything on and concluded it all has to go back, strike two.

Forget strike anything as the afternoon unfolds thus.

• Although they specify you don’t have to return the cardboard box, ( after I had stuck the return label on it of course)  there is not another alternative provided. I am now hunting for a jiffy bag. My fault for not reading the instructions properly.
• I am now peeling the label off, only to tear it, so now, I have to write out the address by hand on the torn label.
• I have 7 days to return the items for a full refund (Sales items you see) it’s quick smart to the post office.
• I pay £9.75 for special delivery, the full value is not covered in the event of the parcel going astray. My responsibility to return items safely so it’s my call if I want to risk it. Humph! What a right old palaver!

Waiting for a parcel to arrive is very exciting, if I had liked any of the items I would have kept them. Queueing at the post office did however, not excite me. I’m not sure that £14.70 plus jiffy bag wouldn’t have, in preference, been better spent on parking and a six hour shopping session…what do you reckon?