Shopping online expands your marketplace from your local shops and nearby shopping centre to a whole world of goods and services. Instead of traipsing from shop to shop searching for that specific thing you need, you can trawl around the internet and find it in a few clicks.
Online shopping will never replace shops completely. You need to try on a new brand of jeans before passing over the credit card, or you need to see a throw for your couch to get exactly the right shade.
But for other things, shopping online can save you hassle and money. Many things we buy are replacements – and when you know exactly what you want it is an awful lot easier to just get it delivered.
We have been shopping online for flights, tickets and music for some time now, but there are lots of other things to spend on.
Here are ten things you should be buying online:
1. Cosmetics
Buy discounted skincare products, makeup and fragrances at StrawberryNet. Shop by brand and get refills of whatever you are about to run out of. Shipping is free.
You can also visit the website of your own favourite cosmetics brand and often you can buy direct - just check to be sure they ship to Ireland.
2. Electronics
Laptops, cameras, satellite navigation systems, TVs and other electronic items are a good thing to find online, because you can search around, compare prices and get the best deal. If you want to get some customer service and see what you are buying before spending a big chunk of money, you can go into shops and decide, and then buy the exact product you want online for less.
Just be sure that you buy from a reputable website, because electronics are an area where a lot of scam artists operate.
You can also read customer reviews online. Amazon.co.uk has customer reviews on a wide range of products, or you could try Epinions.com.
Another thing to look out for is that many websites will not ship some or all of their electronic items to Ireland.
Try Amazon.co.uk (it is clear on each item whether or not it can be sent to Ireland) or Komplett.ie, which is setting itself up to be the Amazon of electronics in Europe. Dell.com is also a popular place to buy computer equipment.
3. Contact lenses
It is unclear why anyone would want to make the trip into an optomotrist to buy replacement contact lenses anymore. This is one item where you know exactly what you want (after you have been given a prescription), and where you can purchase it for much less online.
There are a variety of online shops that will deliver contact lenses to your door (often for free). Try Opticiansonline.ie,
Lensbase.ie or Specsavers.ie.
4. Furniture
At Furniture.ie you can compare 2,000 products from 15 different retailers. You cannot buy on the site, but it can help you simplify your search, and then send you on to the retailers' own websites.
If you are looking for used furniture, Gumtree.ie is a great resource.
A mattress is something that is easier to have delivered, so it is a perfect thing to buy online. Try Mattress.ie.
5. Clothing
It is becoming more and more popular to shop for clothes online. You can send things back if they do not fit, and there are excellent deals to be had - plus of course the variety is bigger than the biggest shopping mall.
Many people have their own favourite sites, and there are so many good ones out there. These are just a few that you might find useful.
Asos.com is a very popular UK site that stocks a massive range of brands and designers, and includes lingerie, swimwear and petite lines. It is easy to use and there are some great deals to be found, especially in the clearance section.
Topshop.co.uk is very easy to use. Your items will be shipped from the UK, but if you decide you do not want something, you have the option of returning it to an Irish Topshop store, instead of posting it back.
If you are unsure about finding the right fit online in a dress or a top, what about loungewear? For the most comfy and stylish clothes to wear at home, see Hush-uk.com.
Lovethoseshoes.com is where you can find comfortable footwear that looks good, including Redfoot's foldaway After Party slippers.
6. Specialty clothing items
The web is even better when it comes to finding specialty clothing. Specific outdoor brands, say, or maternity wear. For unusual sizes (big, tall, short, small), the internet can be your best friend.
Check out Styleplus.ie, for women looking for size 16 plus.
Long Tall Sally www.longtallsally.com styles are a little old fashioned sometimes but good for tall girl suits, and since it is in sterling, you can find good value. Tallgirls has younger styles and good long tracksuits and jeans.
For maternity clothing, see Bloomingmarvellous.co.uk or Cravematernity.co.uk.
Stockings and undergarments are another good thing to buy online, since you often stick with a brand and style you like, and generally do not try them on anyway. Pebbleuk.com has a good range of specialty support stockings.
7. Food
More people are getting their food delivered, instead of fighting over parking spaces at the supermarket.
Tesco.ie has put a lot of effort into its online grocery shopping service. It does not deliver everywhere, but where it does, deliveries start at just €5.
Superquinn also offers online shopping, through the Buy4now.ie website.
Hard-to-find health food items are another good thing to source online. Have a look at Evergreen.ie for a wide range of products.
8. Dishes and cookware
If you look for what you want online, you are less likely to hear: 'Sorry, we are all out of stock on that item.'
Shopcookware.ie by Anthony Ryans includes big brand names like Denby, Jamie Oliver, Le Creuset and Prestige Meyer, and offers some good sales. Orders above €50 are delivered free.
You can also look for a specific brand online and buy direct. Denby.co.uk is offering 50% off its discontinued ranges.
9. Car parts
More people are shopping for car parts online, especially people looking to save money in the downturn.
The number of motorists shopping online for car parts or accessories at MicksGarage.ie increased by almost 80% in the last three months over the same period last year, the retailer said.
MicksGarage.ie sells parts for over 350 models, and says the most popular items are roof bars, tow bars, seat covers and wind deflectors, while wiper blades, spark plugs and bulbs are also selling well.
10. Books, DVDs and CDs
Amazon was one of the first big internet success stories, and it is still one of the most user-friendly websites, with customer-friendly policies and a huge range of merchandise. Its specialty is still books, but it has gone much broader into an e-tailer of almost everything.
Bookdepository.co.uk prides itself on making as many titles available. It offers free shipping, and will give you the option to buy from Amazon, if it is cheaper.
Abebooks.co.uk also has a wide range of books available, often used copies, so you can get them cheaper.
Most of the Irish booksellers have sites where you can buy online, but it's not usually cheaper. Dubraybooks.ie offers a very quick - and expensive - delivery service.
For DVDs and CDs, try CDwow.ie, Play.com - and of course Amazon.co.uk.
Note: RTE is not responsible for the content of any external websites or any recommendations from readers.
