Trying to buy Irish online but …

[thelegohooverer]

I’ve had great intentions to support Irish businesses this year but a lot of them don’t make it easy! It’s fine when you’re browsing for a gift idea but when it comes to tracking down a specific item I’m looking for, I end up with the chains or with Amazon in desperation.

Last year I was willing to grit my teeth and battle through clunky websites or pick up the phone, but at this stage I’m inclined to assume they don’t need my online custom if they can’t be bothered taking a picture of the product, using the correct spelling, or the correct name of the product.

I’m particularly grumbly today. But is anyone else a teensy bit frustrated?

If they are small businesses they might not have the manpower to update their website?

What kind of stuff are you looking for? I haven't had those problems.

Which sites sires are you using? I mean a poorly maintained website would put me off, I haven't come across one myself.

The Irish Times has an article on the best Irish websites for buying Irish products.
Sorry I can't do links. Just Google it.

I am in England and did a big order from Carrolls Irish Gifts last Christmas. Great service and everything arrived well packaged and intact including Guinness glassware.

Ah I was grumpy writing that post!

I agree that there are brilliant websites alright. But it’s when you’re looking for something specific - like dd wanted a top model notebook she saw. I’m inclined to give the business to the local bookshop or an independent toy shop but their websites don’t have either a picture or the correct titles, so I end up going to the bigger chains - Easons and Smyths which at least are still Irish. But I’ve had to resort to Amazon a couple of times too. It’s fine when I’ve time to shop in person but sometimes I need the convenience of online and it’s just not very convenient.

Art materials are the worst! Sometimes you have to scroll determinedly through 40 pages of products because you can’t filter anything.

I’m sure if I were better at googling, there’s a work around and I know independent shops can’t afford to get decent websites.

Even with bigger chains who have got half decent websites, I wish they’d realise that when you’re at home you might need to know the dimensions of an item.

Ah no, I’m getting myself all grumpy again 😂 I’m glad it doesn’t seem to be bothering anyone else. If it’s just me resorting to Amazon I won’t need to worry about sinking the economy 😂

I just bought myself something very nice from Enibas.com, lovely site

From me, to me.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS USERBOT

www.enibas.com/