To feel I’m in a minority of one?

[JontyFilks]

So many threads on MN (understandably, just an objective observation, not a criticism) about internet shopping sites and the resultant parcels etc -

but to be honest I NEVER buy online so I’ve never used -

Amazon
Evri
Temu
Etsy
Vinted
Yodel
Uber
Uberests
Deliveroo

i did have an internet purchase birthday delivery from colleagues - from Scentsy - which nearly sent me into a tailspin as I’m not used to this 🤣

Still I’m living in 1983, 3 Channels etc, jumpers for goalposts all of that ..

AIBU to think I’m unusual ?

Was going to say not being an internet shopper one of the advantages is not having any of the associated problems!

I've never used Deliveroo.... I just don't do takeaways ever. I'm in my 40s in case it is an age thing!

My mum is like this.

however she is increasingly finding that there is stuff she can only get online.

she spent three weeks recently trying to buy a paper shredder before giving in and asking me to
buy it online.

apparently currys, pc world and the like no longer stock them.

Do you live in an affluent town or city though? Having a variety of good shops available within convenient distance would make it easier to live a life without internet shopping.

Many towns just don't have the shops available any more, so internet shopping is a necessity. Well not necessity exactly, but you see what I mean.

I’ve only used Amazon from your list, and I don’t even use that anymore because I prefer to support actual shops. We don’t have Uber eats or grocery deliveries in our area, maybe I would use them if they were an option.

I do spend a lot of time on Teams, Slack etc for work and manage a couple of social media accounts so not a complete technophobe!

They aren't old, we shop on line, have cable, Netflix and all modern technology. I'm surprised they didn't get into online grocery shopping during Covid, that did push us in that direction, now maybe 50:50 online or in shop. We do a lot of other shopping online, so much choice and so easy to get all manner of stuff that you would have trouble finding in physical shops particularly in a small town. Online banking, savings accounts, etc, etc.

It seems like you pride yourself on your traditional approach to shopping and home entertainment, so I'm not really sure what the perceived issue is. Of course you're not doing what most people do, you know that and you like it.

I've got to ask about receiving a parcel throwing you. You do know parcel delivery isn't a new fangled thing? You don't need to pretend to be ignorant about that!

I don’t really think refusing to integrate into the modern way of life is a flex, but you do you.

Agreed. Despite my views on many political issues I really don't think western society in particular thinks about how they are causing their own demise

That may work if you're a fairly standard size/shape, but I end up returning at least 50% of clothes I buy online.

Sometimes it's because I find the quality poor for the money, or the fabric just feels horrible, but usually it's because they don't fit. I sent back an otherwise lovely pair of trousers the other day because the crotch was about 6" lower than my actual crotch, despite the trousers being the right length overall, and bras that fit me can be 36F or G and 38E or F. I really miss Debenhams for bras - their own range bras was very consistent for size!

Just do add - I practically do ALL banking online

OP, I’m not as online avoidant as you, but I do try to avoid buying anything online that I can buy in actual shops, because I don’t want to see UK retail end up as one massive Amazon warehouse.

So my Christmas shopping for example is done almost entirely in shops. I take my own bags with me to avoid getting any more, and go early to avoid queues. I usually bump into someone I know and generally enjoy it. Basically my approach is to give a huge minimal tax paying, road destroying organisation as little of my money as possible.

I much prefer shopping in person than online.
Browsing at round the shops is much more pleasant than staring at a screen, I know exactly what I’m buying and I get it when I buy it rather than having to wait for it.
Buying online is a last resort for me.
I’m in my mid twenties too so not an age thing here either

Thry don't have much of a range in the shops atm. My high atreet has a large ahopping centre and not one shop stocks boys school shoes in my sons size. We trapsed around for half a day.
I like the convenience of buying in bulk on amazon. Just this week ordered 6 months of toilet paper, washing up liquid, washing tabs, bleach and sponges. As well as bulk buying tinned tomoatoes and chickpeas. Now zi dont have to think about any of thosr things for 6 months and they are on subscription so will just renew.
Need a halloween costume, get one by tomorrow.
Argos does same day delivery.
On the Just Eat app you can order groceries, milk and butter delivered in 15 minutes, ran out of gravy granules.. two clicks and they arrive in ten.
It makes my life much easier being able to do this.

I think you are a bit of an outlier. What I find slightly odd is that it seems to be based primarily on inertia, rather than out of principle: some people avoid anything digital for political/principle reasons but you just seem to have managed to avoid it, which is unusual.

No judgement at all, in some ways it looks rather a charming life but you should be aware that you're giving yourself far more work than you need to!

I really only use amazon, have never bought clothes online. I'm 61. Also in Ireland if that matters

Oh and deliveroo, just eats and of course Revolut which is big in Ireland among friends for small purchases like splitting meals out, gift collections etc (I think not the UK?)

You sound very efficient, ethical and eco friendly !

you're spot on - I absolutely agree with me it’s pretty close to 100% inertia!

Just to clarify though actually I’m SO reliant on online backing that I’d be TOTALLY lost without it !

I must admit that I work four days not five - so I make good use of that non working day. And my youngest DC is 17 …

Amazon - lots, but decreasing as they become more shit
Evri - only if I have to. My bulk loo roll comes from Evri.
Temu - never
Etsy - once or twice
Vinted - in waves. DS does a lot and uses In Post to send and receive.
Yodel - very rarely around these parts.
Uber - even less than rarely around these parts. Have used in the US and India.
Uberests - never
Deliveroo - never

LOL...can you tell I live in the back of beyond?!

OP, I wonder do you have quite a bit of time to shop and do you live near a large town or city? Time and living close to things you need enables people to shop in-person more.