11 Things You Should Always Buy In-Store and Never Online

We all love convenience, and shopping is no exception. Sometimes, buying things on the internet can be easier, and it’s often a great way to save more money.

But shopping online isn’t always the best option. There are times when it still makes sense to make your purchase in a physical retail store.

Here are some items you should always buy in a store and never online.

Ordering food items online can be a great way to save on groceries. But there are times when it doesn’t make sense.

If you order groceries online for delivery from a local grocery store, avoid adding perishable foods to your cart. It’s unlikely that another shopper will take the time to find the freshest items for you.

That means those fruits and vegetables might go bad before you get the chance to use them.

Shopping for these items yourself in-store allows you to choose the highest-quality products and ensures you get your money’s worth.

Don’t forget about other perishables, such as dairy and meat. When you order online, you are relying on someone else to keep those items cold before they are delivered. But when you shop in-store, you are in control.

It’s impossible to know whether shoes are truly comfortable without trying them on. Online shopping is convenient, but wearing uncomfortable footwear isn’t worth it. And returning shoes you bought online can be a hassle.

Trying on shoes before you buy them can make all the difference. You will know whether the shoes are comfortable, how you look in them, and if they fit. That is why shopping in stores for footwear is a must.

It’s difficult to gauge the quality and comfortability of clothes without actually touching the items, and sizes aren’t consistent across all brands.

And because no two people are exactly the same, outfits might look different on online models than they would on you.

Shipping costs on some toys can be high due to the item’s weight and shape. So, you might find a better deal if you head to the store.

Even when online and in-store prices are the same, you might benefit from shopping in person. Toys often come with “try me” functions that kids can check out before you buy an item.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, not all online pharmacies are legitimate. So, while ordering prescription medications online can be cheaper, it is important to do thorough research if you choose that route.

Shady and unregulated online pharmacies might sell counterfeit, expired, and even harmful prescription medication to unsuspecting customers. If you want to stay safe, going to a brick-and-mortar pharmacy is often the right move.

Home decor items are sometimes heavy or fragile. In these cases, it might be best to head directly to the store instead of having the items shipped.

The last thing you want is for your new vase to arrive broken, especially since it’s not always easy to prove that items have been damaged before you unpack them.

Shipping costs for heavy items — such as statutes or quality furniture — also can make shopping for home decor more expensive than it needs to be.

Whenever possible, you should inspect and test drive vehicles before you buy them. This is especially true when purchasing from an individual on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

However, this also applies to purchases from dealerships and used car retailers. Pictures and descriptions are nice, but they can only tell you so much.

Home appliances can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Given that they are a significant investment, it only makes sense that you would want to see and feel them in person before buying.

After all, something can look great in a photo but feel cheap when seeing it in person.

Additionally, in-store employees are typically trained to assist customers and answer questions about the appliance. Delivery people are generally not trained this way.

Flowers don’t last forever. When you purchase flowers online, they could arrive wilted or discolored if there is even a slight delivery delay.

Ordering flowers online might also come with fees that don’t always apply when ordering in a store.

It’s not ideal to order paint online. Colors can often appear skewed online, which can lead to you purchasing a shade you don’t want.

Color samples are more accurate in a store, where you can view them in person.

However, colors might still look different on your home’s walls. Some retailers sell sample-size paints, so you can try them at home before committing to a larger purchase.

Scent is the sole purpose of perfumes and fragrances, so it makes little sense to purchase them online unless you already know what they smell like.

Fragrance companies might try to lure customers through celebrity endorsements, fancy commercials or luxurious-looking packaging. But these things have nothing to do with how you will smell.

Online shopping isn’t always a bad idea. You can easily compare prices and save gas and time by shopping online. And sometimes, you get the best deal this way, which can help you get ahead financially.

However, it’s better to buy some things in person, directly from the store.

Some brick-and-mortar stores match competitors’ pricing, and others don’t. So, it’s still a good idea to research and compare prices online before going shopping in person.