Why I Shop Online

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Today I just wanted to share a little Christmas shopping experience. For as long as I can remember, I’ve done most, if not all, of my Christmas present shopping online.

This past weekend, I found myself in a mall and figured I might as well pick up some things I was going to buy for family and friends.

I like to give books as gifts, so I dropped in to a Barnes & Noble at the mall. I was going to pick up a couple books on the best sellers list, and they didn’t have either one.

They offered to special order the books, but said it would take seven days for the books to arrive.

Of course, that would require me to return to the book store to pick up the books. So much for convenience.

So, I figured I’d shop for books where I usually go… Amazon.com.

I’ve got an Amazon Prime account, so I get free two-day shipping, so I figured I’d try there for the books.

I was still in the mall and I figured I’d try shopping on Amazon.com from my Blackberry. I didn’t know if there was a mobile version of Amazon, but there was and it was a fast, smooth process to make the purchase.

I ordered the two books I wanted, priced below retail, on a Saturday and they were at my door on Monday. Even faster than Amazon promised.

So, why does anybody even shop at those malls anymore. The crowds, sold out items, packed parking lots, higher prices. Ugh.

I’d imagine there are a lot more retailers that I had assumed who have mobile versions of their sites. I think if I go to the mall during the Christmas season in the future, I’ll just check out some merchandise in person and then buy online.

I can check prices and buy fast on my phone right there, and then there is nothing to carry around.

Any merchants and affiliates who are not currently catering to mobile browsers, be sure to get your acts together by next fall.