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You can order almost anything with just a few clicks when you shop online. And you don’t have to deal with crowded stores, long lines, or heavy traffic. But is it always the best choice? Let’s face it, some things are better bought the old-fashioned way—in a store where you can see, touch, or try the items first. So, what’s better to buy online, and what should you still get in-store? If you want to find out the answer and be a smart shopper, keep reading.
The Best Things to Buy Online
1. Books
If you're a book lover, online shopping is the way to go. Not only can you find better prices online, but you also get access to a more extensive selection of titles—including rare, international, and out-of-print books that might not be available in your local bookstore, as well as e-books if you’re into e-readers. Just make sure to buy from a platform that’s known to ship books in the best manner possible if you’re the type of person who wants their books to come in mint condition.
2. Office Supplies and Stationery
Need pens, notebooks, or printer ink? Ordering office supplies online saves time and money, especially when buying in bulk. Many online retailers offer lower prices and bulk discounts compared to physical stores. You also don’t have to worry about stock shortages—if one store doesn’t have what you need, a quick search will likely lead you to another seller with better deals.
3. Toys and Collectibles
Whether you're shopping for kids or building your own collection, online marketplaces often have a wider range of toys and collectibles than local stores. Limited-edition anime and superhero figures, rare trading cards, or hard-to-find buildable sets are much easier to track down online. Plus, you can compare prices across multiple sellers to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Just be sure to check seller ratings and reviews to avoid counterfeit or low-quality items.
4. Auto Parts and Accessories
If your car needs a quick fix or an upgrade, buying auto parts and accessories online is often the smarter choice. Whether it’s wiper blades, seat covers, or performance parts, online stores typically offer better prices than dealerships. You can also easily compare brands, read customer reviews, and check compatibility with your specific vehicle model. And don’t worry about buying the wrong item. Just buy online retailers that offer hassle-free returns in case a part isn’t the right fit.
5. Fitness Supplements and Vitamins
Buying protein powders, vitamins, and fitness supplements online is not only convenient but also cost-effective. These days, advances in cross-border commerce have made it so that you can now order products even from overseas health and wellness stores. These and even online stores often have better selections and deals than brick-and-mortar pharmacies or health stores, offering bulk-buying options and a wider variety of brands. Again, just make sure to buy from reputable sellers to ensure you’re getting authentic and safe supplements.
The Best Things to Buy In-Store
1. Groceries
While buying groceries online has become more popular, there’s something about picking out fresh produce, meats, and dairy products in person that just can’t be replaced. When you shop in-store, you can inspect the quality of fruits, vegetables, and meat cuts to make sure you're getting the best. Plus, you can easily compare prices and make adjustments based on current deals or in-store promotions.
Maya, the Philippines’ number 1 digital bank, also has the perfect credit card if you’re a Landers member and a frequent shopper at this superstore club. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card gives you up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.*
When you shop at Landers with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you’ll start with a base cashback rate of 3% if your total credit card spending is below PHP 20,000. This rate increases to 4% when you spend a minimum of PHP 20,000, wherever you use your card, and then it increases further to 5% when you accumulate a total qualified credit card spending of at least PHP 50,000 during the month. Collect enough points to get discounts that you can also use at Landers later on.
2. Beauty and Personal Care Products
When it comes to beauty products like foundation, lipsticks, or perfumes, testing them in person is crucial, if the store allows it. You can see how a shade or fragrance matches your skin tone, test the texture, and ensure it’s what you’re looking for. Many stores offer testers or samples so you can get a feel for a product before committing to a purchase. Attendants are usually also present in stores or stalls that sell makeup and fragrances, and they can help you in selecting the right products.
Take note that such products react differently with each person’s skin chemistry, making in-store shopping ideal for finding the right scent. Shopping in-store also helps you avoid fake or counterfeit beauty products that sometimes crop up online.
3. Clothes
When it comes to shopping for clothes, trying things on in-store is still the best way to ensure they fit and flatter your body. You can feel the fabric quality, check the stitching, and make sure the fit is just right—something that’s hard to do online. Plus, it’s easier to see how an item pairs with other clothes or accessories. In-store shopping also gives you the opportunity to try on multiple sizes and styles to see what works best.
4. Electronics and Appliances
While online shopping for electronics and appliances offers great deals, seeing them in person is crucial when making a significant purchase. With small gadgets, you’ll definitely want to feel the quality, test out the features, and ensure the product fits your lifestyle. With large items like refrigerators, washing machines, or cooking ranges, in-store shopping is especially a must to check the model size, finish, and overall quality. Plus, in-person shopping allows you to interact with knowledgeable staff, allowing you to ask questions and get demonstrations on how things work.
5. Medicines and Over-the-Counter Drugs
While online pharmacies exist, it’s safer and more reliable to purchase medicine and over-the-counter drugs in-store. In a physical pharmacy, you can ensure that the products are stored properly, well within their expiration dates, and haven’t been tampered with. You can also consult with pharmacists about potential interactions, correct dosages, or any side effects.
Know When to Shop Online and In-Store
Shopping online is convenient, but it’s not always the best choice. Knowing when to click ‘add to cart’ and when to visit a physical store can help you save money and avoid bad purchases. So, shop smart, shop securely, and make informed choices with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
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