Do you think the internet help you save or helps you spend more money?

[EddieStobbart]

I'm not sure. I shop around and buy things cheaper than I would otherwise but I'm about to by a top online, 50% off, that I wouldn't have even seen today as wasn't going near any "real" shops. I think I might be spending more.

"buy" not "by"

I kicked my online shopping habit a year ago and now I only use shopping sites for price comparison (for groceries not clothes-I no longer buy any clothes bar essentials). I think if you have a shopping habit then online shopping will probably cause you to spend more. If you have a different mindset you will use it to your advantage

I agree, it does depend upon your mindset. I must say, I do prefer actually going to shops, so I can see an item before I buy it. I try and use the Net to my advantage:

Finding discounts that are only available online.

Browsing online stops impulsive purchases, particularly when I have to sign up for online accounts, which I CBA.

I read reviews before making purchases, particularly electrical items.

I can hunt down the best prices.

I know only that the internet is such an integral part of life here that we couldn't any longer do without it - so I've had to come to terms with spending on it.

I think I probably save money on the whole, even after paying internet charges. Nearly all my business is conducted on the net so I can look around for good prices - and it certainly helps to be able to easily source decent tools and replacement parts in a way that my parents never could. (I'm a terrible one for repairing things in the house and doing my own DIY where I can - which actually saves a bundle although it's not so immediately obvious.)

We also gave up the car because of online shopping (particularly groceries) and despite the occasional hire/petrol money/bought in service to clear stuff etc, that's saved us a packet. I suspect that the glory days of cheap or free delivery are going to end soon so I'm taking advantage of them while I can.

I think it saves me money but I un subscribed from a lot of emails advertising sales etc.

The trick is the same for all shopping, only buy what you need.

It allows me to really target what I spend money on. So I keep searching until I find something that fits the bill exactly. Don't buy it if it's not quite right. Also always look for codes and offers and when I've found what I want will bookmark it and keep checking until a code does come up.
But on the other hand I spend most of our money on the internet (rather than in the shops), so you could say it costs us!

As said before, I think it depends on your mind set. One online store I've shopped with in the past regularly has offers like 20% off kidswear, womenswear etc, so I keep an eye open for those and only buy then rather than in store.

Money is tight at the moment and for me I can't be in a position where I can pay for things, so I don't even look at the above store at the moment. I've found websites like this great help for money saving tips (albeit some small, but they have helped get my food bill down, and are things I wouldn't have thought about myself), and keeping an eye on energy and food prices. Also, I can regularly check my bank and credit card accounts online, so I can keep a regularly check on spending.

save, definitely. Bed being delivered tomorrow at half the price of some other shops, by searching around. (Not Amazon BTW)

but I only buy what I need, after research. No interest in clothes shopping anyway.

It helps me to search for the best prices that I would have missed out on because I can't get to the shops too often.

I bought 30 craft kits for 39p each from the Dotcom shop to give out as party bag fillers. They are A5 size so I just need to put in birthday cake & haribos and I am done. I couldn't have afforded to buy the kits at full price.

I also do a lot of my usual shopping via top cash back so I can take advantage of money back offers.

Both I think. With groceries It definetly helps me spend less.
Amazon'd twinnings camomile tea the other day. 300 teabags for about £13. Per teabags was cheaper than coop own brand.

Also did a boots online shop. Even with the offers I only spent £30. We have enough shampoo shower gel toothpaste etc to last a few months. I'd have easily spent double that if I'd shopped instore.

Great idea for a thread, I have often thought the same.

I would say, on the balance of things, it does influence me to spend more. Not that I am too prone to the persuasion of advertising, but due to ease. Many years ago (no car), the thought of going into town, getting all the shopping and taking it back on the bus, really took the fun out of it .

If you have the right mindset, you can find real bargains and it has opened up the second-hand and free goods markets.

One big saving with the internet is that I can look at homemade alternatives to help me save money.

Also, for getting the most out of the food I have at home.

Second hand is a very good point. I bought both the DCs beds on Gumtree, they cost around £200 each including hiring vans for collection which was a saving as they are cabin beds by brands which cost £££ new. Although I would probably have spent £50 on Ikea ones if that option hadn't existed...