Shopping: Welcome to the 21st Century

You’ve probably already spent a good part of your Friday standing in a rigid line waiting to check out items you managed to snatch up from the crowd. Coming home to count the day’s treasure, are you really satisfied? Do people really get what they want on Black Friday?

For the majority, what the glossy newspaper ads promise is something only the few sleeping-bag-clad morning warriors can get at. So what about the rest of us ‘sane’ people who refuse to go through post-Turkey Day on three hours of sleep? This year, why not try doing some online shopping?

I’m not always a big fan of purchasing things online. For one thing, you can’t guarantee that what you see on the website will translate into the physical item. Especially in the case of apparel or shoes, it’s hard to determine how well something fits just by the picture and measurements.

However, for items such as electronics, books, or apparel that I have already tried in stores, I know certain online stores are pragmatic choices to get what I want. This year, after potential disappointments during Black Friday, try searching up items you wish you had gotten but didn’t online.

Personally, I like to surf Amazon.com when ordering things online because I trust the site. One thing to pay attention to is the legitimacy of online retailers. If there is any cause for suspicion, abort the site and do not disclose any credit card information online.

In addition, many people are also starting to shop locally. Don’t forget that there are local online websites as well! These can be great when you are searching up items as gifts for family members or friends, because chances are the sites are trustworthy. I like to visit the Orchid Lane website because I have been to the actual store here in Ann Arbor, and I can trust it. In addition, the location of the Orchid Lane store makes it easier to compare items and make returns, if needed.

Further, I would recommend checking out the mega online superstore, Amazon.com as the remedy to Black Friday drama. Boasting deals rivaling those of hot-spot stores lasting all week, try hitting up the online version of Black Friday to get at some deals you might have missed during the actual dash.

Not only will Amazon.com be part of Cyber Monday, the not-so-distant relative of Black Friday, but it will fill in the holes in your holiday shopping list. Features on Amazon.com guaranteed to help your shopping convenience include “personalized recommendations”, and categorized shopping lists. When you first activate an account on Amazon.com, you can get item ideas from the site based on what you’re looking for. In addition, Amazon will automatically provide a basic list of item suggestions just on what products you view on the site. Point your browser to Amazon’s home page for quick “Lighting Fast” item deals that last for only a certain period of time (Hurry!).

With these innovations in post-Black Friday shopping, there’s no need to worry if you faced disappointment during the actual shopping spree. Whatever is in stores this year, there’s likely a twin on Amazon.com or some other local online website for you to take advantage of.

With more online experience, I think I will be going online to do some future Black Friday (or is it Cyber Monday?) shopping. It doesn’t include the hassle of getting up early, waiting in long lines, and I can still get the deal I want. Welcome to the 21st century.