What are people's views of online ordering NON essentials?

[ImfinallyaMummy]

DS could do with some new trousers (legs seem to be growing fast), I could do with some new leggings as it's all I'm wearing at the mo and a new pair of slippers.

Am I being selfish ordering online? Is it frowned on at the mo? Online clothing stores seem to be still open. What about returning if they don't fit etc?

I’d do it if you can afford to and realise there might be a longer wait than normal. It will help the economy and help places to stay in business

The staff are forced to go to work and mix or take unpaid leave so you can get new clothes. They could have corona or pass it to people at home.

Are the trousers still essential?

Why wouldn't you?

I’m on the fence about this. I’m worried about the workers, but I’m also worried about the long term effects on their jobs if the retail economy crashes. I don’t know. I don’t even know if the warehouses are actually allowed to be open. I’d wait and see if any official guidance about internet shopping and deliveries comes out.

Well, at the moment we aren't being advised to only buy essentials, are we?

I would have thought that on-line ordering of stuff would be a positive thing to do.

It will assist the economy to some extent and keep people in employment - many of whom may be on zero hours contracts and would struggle without their salary.

With most shops now shut, you certainly won't be the only one OP.

Would you be happy with your daughter/son going to work at next or wherever on a bus mixing at work then traveling home during a lockdown or lose their job @Wingedharpy?
I wouldn't.

But what happens if you order something and it doesn't fit when it arrives? You can't take it to the post office to return, surely?

Although I guess with house leggings that's less of a concern. Loads of shops have been emailing me discounts and I'm tempted by a few things, but been holding off because I can't see how I'll be able to return if I need to.

You can't take it to the post office to return, surely?

The post office is still open.

That's my worry, post offices are open but surely returning clothing isn't classed as either going out for exercise or shopping for necessities?!! So is it worth the risk in case I don't like what I order?

Lots of drop off points for returns are in food shops/ garages. Ours are.

Many online retailers/catalogues have a courier collect return service. You essentially return it the same way you received it.

@PristineCondition :
I'd encourage DS to ride his bike to work.
I'd also be more concerned about DS feeling overwhelmingly depressed about potential loss of home and increasing debts.
I would encourage DS to ask, when he gets to work, what is being done by the company, to ensure compliance with Government social distancing directive and to ensure health and safety of employees.

@userxx Sure, but it's not exactly an essential visit is it? I imagine the PO is still open for its essential services, not so I can return clothes.

All the above assuming DS is in robust health.
Underlying medical conditions = different kettle of fish.

Check the returns policy most have been extended.

And knowing that he is still expected in with no measures other than occasional hand washing as facing most of retail right now would you still be ok?

I work in retail as do 13 members of my family, majority of us have no choice to go, working longer hours in unsafe conditions or lose our pay.

As for a chat about conditions we would be referred back to the work or quit part and told to crack on because people who want yo stay safe are increasing their orders and out targets have gone up 🤷🏻‍♀️

Britains employers didnt care about min wage workers before and they wont after

I’m wondering about this; DD needs a load more clothes and I’ve just had a baby and desperately need a bra that fits but I hate the idea of people having to go to work when I’m finding it stressful that DH has to go to work in a non essential job. I think I’m going to wait 3 weeks to see if the restrictions lift a little as I can manage for a bit longer

@MaJoady No idea but online shopping is being encouraged from the gov.uk updates I'm receiving.

So what would you suggest PristineCondition?
Surely, shutting"non essential" shops will help to protect some who work in retail.
Encouraging on-line shopping, as Boris did yesterday, means that there should be fewer people out and about on the streets, meaning those that have to go out will meet fewer potential infecters.
Anyone who is still working/has to work IS at greater risk than those who get to work from home.
Would you suggest we stop selling anything at all?
Can't see that going down well.
Some folk can't cope with being asked to stay in so telling them they can't buy anything either would cause riots.
It's about minimising risk - we can't erradicate the risk completely.
I don't want to rubbish what you and your family do.
Retail staff are also unsung heroes IMHO as without them, none of us would be fed or able to use soap to wash our hands.

None of us wanted to be heros. Our employers have given us no choice but to be cannon fodder if we want to feed our unsafe kids.
But your kids are safe so order a nice dress to cheer them up, perhaps a nice puzzle book so they don't get bored.

I’ve had a delivery today of something I’d been waiting for. I won’t be ordering any other non essentials though.

I feel for people working in these delivery jobs who may now face loss of income . However I care for their health and I think non essentials have to stop.

However I care for their health and I think non essentials have to stop

Why? With reasonable precautions they will likely be fine. Delivery drivers are safer than retail work and they need the income right now. I say buy if you have the money.

But your kids are safe so order a nice dress to cheer them up, perhaps a nice puzzle book so they don't get bored

Look I get you’re not happy with the situation but people need jobs and this absolutely helps. People who can spend should do so right now to help us all out.

I think unnecessary orders need to stop. My son loads freight on and off aircraft - lot of it is non essential - and the nature of the job is such that they cannot work 2 metres away from team mates so they are at risk. He has been confining himself to his room at home to minimise the risk to us but we are all very stressed. He has to take huge risks or lose his job as his work place isn't going to close down.

Also I would not want clothes that others may have tried on and returned, in this current environment.