Instant Anticipation

There's something about the instant gratification of an in-store purchase.

The ability to assess the item in person. See the color. Touch the fabric.

There is the option to try the item on before handing over hard earned cash. The dress may be the right size. The shoe might be the perfect style and color. But nothing is certain until you try it on.

There is comfort in knowing the item can be easily returned should it somehow transform into something completely different upon entering your home.

These are all great reasons to shop in the box, that is, the physical store. However, there is a whole other shopping world out there, where comes a whole different set of fuzzy retail feelings. Shopping in cyber space.

Here's what we like about cyber shopping:

The ease and comfort. Don't have to drive anywhere. Don't have to park. Don't have walk. Don't have to share shopping space with anyone else. Don't have to wait in line. Don't have to wear a shirt or shoes or anything for that matter.

The anticipation. Go out to the mailbox everyday since that fateful click knowing it will take 5-7 business days regardless of how excited you are. Everyday it doesn't come is one day closer to the day it will arrive. When the mailbox finally produces the glorious package with your name on it, it's like a gift. A gift that you paid for. Oh well, it feels like Christmas morning none the less.

Here's what I'm learning. Shopping for nothing in particular is best done at the store. It's likely where the best deals are to be had. It's where you can be 99% sure that you really want to buy something, knowing that it is exactly what it is. The risk is low.

Shopping for a specific item can be a bit more time-consuming, a bit more frustrating if limited to the physical store. This is where online can be SO helpful. Plug what you want into a search engine and your options appear before you in seconds.

Browsing the interwebs for nothing in particular can produce fantastic results as well. Especially on resale or overstock websites such as Ebay or Amazon. But be careful. Shipping fees and return policies can put a damper on a purchase you didn't need in the first place. Make sure it's worth the risk.

I recently won 2 dresses on Ebay for minor pennies! I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival and hope they are as great on me as they are in pictures.

Please fit. Please fit. Please fit. Oh please, please, please.