NextBigCommunity

My 2c

a) dunno, really. Sometimes it stays in the head a while and the purchase can happen when decision and opportunity intersect - could be anywhere.

b) when the decision has already been taken, and there's a known, reliable place and one can order "conveniently" - read from office/in the course of one's usual life.

c) a quick check on some common online stores I know about. Will look around at others too, but probably not want to get into shipping/payment/reliability hassles with unknown brands. Will also call one/two brick and mortar guys for a comparo for high value stuff.

d) Google spreadsheet, to take notes in one place :) And Twitter, to get some feedback.

Here are my opinions:

a. As long as it's not apparel or furniture, I wouldn't mind buying online.
b. Find products in the news that are interesting. Run into them at stores when I am out. Check for prices of that product online.
c. Buy online if price is cheaper, shipping is handled well and after sale support from the website is good.
d. Not really.

Thanks to all who answered. It's helpful.

a)     
I do my research online and then compare prices
of online stores to physical retail stores (considering shipping charges). I decide
based on evaluating the ‘savings’ against the comfort/speed of purchase.

b)     
When I identify a need for a product (or
category), I do my research online to narrow down to the ‘select few’ items.  I don’t browse online without a need for a
product.

c)      
I research the respectable and well known sites
for reviews/prices and buy from them.

d)     
I use niche price comparison sites especially if
they provide a lot of content about the products that are being compared.

Since you used the ‘camera’ example, I would like to bring
up my IndCara.com, helping Indian consumers choose the right camera.
Please visit and give feedback on my first attempt.

@HemanPatel, thanks that's helpful

a)  Well , there are two factors 

    1. Price - If we get a good deal online will go for it sure

    2. convenience - Sometimes online prices will be less than the offline market price but still if I get the product in hand when I think of buying it. I will choose offline shopping.

b) I have some favorite online stores. Most of the times the value for money offers tend me to buy that item. If I need a specific item I will check the price and service of all online shops and then will go for one.

c) Since camera is not a very very urgent thing to have I am ready to wait for some days for it to be delivered. I will go for the best discounted deal.

d) I never used any of this

http://www.mobile-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=81561&full_skip=1 might help.

I like to do online shopping. It is easy to do get verity and sometimes we also get the free coupons for shopping. But if you are shopping as a habit then it is not bad but be sure that it will not become a addiction. Shopping addiction is not very common in the people who like to do online shopping.

Online shopping is great but it depends on individual to individuals that he wants to buy a certain product via online or physical, online shopping gives us great discount through online deals and coupons present, so online shopping is good for those people who don't have a phobia of getting cheated on web.

I would never buy any apparel,furniture or any expensive item online.I mainly purchase gadgets online and always look on for deals to get the best price.

online shopping is best option for shopping than direct shopping because online shopping save money as well as time.

One of the best and growing Coupons site http://www.dealsbooth.in/

http://www.facebook.com/925sandy

a) How do you decide whether you are going to buy an item online or offline?
1. convinience, sitting in front of laptop and jst click away
2. Many times I try researching products online, before buying - if I like the description and feel good about the site, their presentation i usually click add to cart.
3.Availability of a few brands/products which are not readily found in retail stores.


b) What motivates your online shopping? Do you have a specific product in mind first or do you have a favorite online store that you tend to browse and then buy from when you see something interesting.
1.If i need a product I browse, research abt it, its pricing/sale comparing websites. if pricing is not much of difference I go back to my fav sites and buy it.

c) Let's say you need to buy a certain specific Canon camera. How will you decide what online shop to buy it from? If you research prices first, how (specifically) do you do your research (please give more detail than just saying "I use google")
1. Amazon.com for reviews
2. Junglee.com for price comparision
3. Call Customer service ask about delivery time.

d) Do you use any shopping aides (like price comparison sites, deal sites, coupon sites, cashback sites, etc). Which ones specifically?
Only Junglee.com for price comparision
I hate coupons....too confusing and too wierd for me.