Non essential online buying?

[MorrisZapp]

Looks like shopping is off the cards then. I'm thinking of buying some skincare goodies etc online, but I'm not sure this is a great plan.

On one hand, it's helping the economy, keeping people in jobs etc but on the other it's creating more need for workers to be out and about and at risk of infection.

What's the right answer on this?

From what I've seen our delivery people are now coming close but not passing the stylus to us- we don't have to sign.

I would be interested in how robust the policies are for delivery drivers, to keep them safe. I think they should have more time allocated for deliveries. And I really hope we get a universal basic income soon.

Delivery drivers will be out anyway though, they may also be carrying essential deliveries in their vans.

I think buying skincare is a good idea because it takes a while for you to truly see the effects so it’s a opportune time to start the process

I bought hair dye online as I couldn't het the one I wanted in the shops. This is hard enough without having grey roots too!

I have also had some amazon deliveries of books etc. for the kids.

I don't know about going forward though, its hard.

I was wondering if online deliveries were going to be still happening? Got two kids birthdays coming up and obviously can’t go out to get the items. Will they be delivery as normal?

It won’t be “as normal” obviously but I’m sure online delivery will still exist

I just panic bought a case of wine online.

I reckon online shopping will carry on albeit with longer delivery times of non-essential items as people have to go off I’ll etc.

It may be the only way for some companies to stay viable.

I ordered a case of wine from an independent wine seller (Yapp) and some skincare last night. May as well help some retailers beyond Amazon, the supermarkets and Homebase/B&Q.

I think anything that keeps the economy going is good. Making sure we don’t have contact with drivers is important though where possible. My skin has been AWFUL since I started isolating

I was wondering about clothes actually. I've got a just turned one year old that's growing fast and a 5 and 3 year old. I was supposed to do a big clothes shop two weeks ago but held off. I'm glad as they don't need to be well dressed isolated lol. However I feel bad if I order clothes as it might slow delivery for urgent things for others.

Same. DS needs almost everything but I was waiting til shorts weather to purchase.

The people in the warehouses are safer than those in the shops because they can keep 2m apart and there are no customers.

The delivery drivers are leaving the parcels on the door step and not taking signatures. Also they work alone in their van for most of the time.

You ordering online is one less person in a shop, one less person to spread or catch the disease.

The post is still going - I am assuming many packets and parcels will come via the P.O. Hermes is also not a food delivery business, so assume they will keep going. We need to keep buying to keep businesses in, well, business! I will be ordering lots of stuff, they all have free delivery at the moment as well, so are very much hoping that we will support them through this.

I’m in the sane boat. I’m out of moisturiser that I buy from a small independent beautician. They emailed saying they are closed but are still sending online orders. Does that mean some employee who’d prefer to be at home has to go in to send out my order or ami helping to keep a small business going?

I really don’t know the answer.

Bought an extra computer table and an extra TV table from Ikea yesterday. Both needed for the mental well-being of the family. We now all have our own work-spaces in separate rooms/bedrooms, and two places to watch TV or DVD's.

Does that mean some employee who’d prefer to be at home has to go in to send out my order or ami helping to keep a small business going?
Ask them?
I'd be interested to hear the answer. A lot of the business round my way are small independents too, and I think some of them are still offering online shopping/deliveries. I suspect there's no 'good' answer as such; each option has its downside and its upside.

I’ve been feeling the same - I buy my dogs food online and I’m thinking is it a good thing to do this or selfish?

I had to laugh (nervously) at the Coronavirus message that Hermes are emailing though - drivers will sign your parcels for you and leave on doorstep...no change there then!!

I've just bought some jigsaws and done new oil paints from Amazon. All delivery drivers are ringing the bell and leaving stuff on the doorstep when you answer. Not signed for anything in a while.

I'm a bit conflicted on this too. On the one hand, buying stuff is going to help the economy and online orders are probably keeping some businesses afloat. Same for our local restaurants who have now become takeaways.

However I do feel sorry for the workers in the offices, warehouses and on the road involved in the process. I would hate to think that my order of some new PJs would contribute to the problem.

Ocado will put shopping just inside your front door, as far as they can reach without crossing your threshold, and no longer take bag bags (and probably nothing else).

I am really hoping there will be prioritised slot booking for the vulnerable.

But until there is, it would be unreasonable for people not to book the slots they need, when they can, and fill them with whatever they need that week (ie not stockpiling now)

My way the delivery drivers knock on the door, leave the parcel and walk away. So do the posties.

Ask them?

I did email them and I think they will reply on Monday. Whether the reply will be the preferred option of the business owner or the employee going in to do the work is another thing....

I think if online businesses are still open for business, you’re not inconveniencing them by placing an order.

Had a really hard time finding puzzles anywhere on-line, all major shops and on-line sold out. Then came across some in a tiny private on-line shop completely not related to puzzles..... actually sells smellies! They are on their way via Royal Mail. Paid via PayPal to get extra security, but all seems to be fine.

I work in a supply chain to (non essential) retailers and wholesalers. Our customers are closing and some want items (even incomplete) returned but the local post office is closed. I dont know how widely this will affect deliveries.