Online veg stores

[missleigh]

I'm curious about how many of us choose to purchase supplies from online stores such as Vegan Essentials, Pangea, Vegan Unlimited, Different Daisy, etc.
I'm lucky enough to live in an area that has many health food stores with lots of veg*n options. I do still buy some things, like makeup, chocolate, etc. from the online stores that I may be able to find somewhere else because I want businesses that are dedicated to the veg community to succeed. I do sometimes opt for convenience and just go to the store in town for these things.
Who do you choose to buy from?

[stellar26]

I buy things from online veg stores even if I can find them locally.

The fact of the matter is this: I like to shop online. I LOVE recieving packages- even if I had to pay for it myself :P . So, not only am I doing something that I love, but I am supporting stores that need supporting! It's a win- win situation.

[rincaro]

I'm big on supporting our local HFS as well. If they carry it and it's even close to competitively priced, I buy it there. Money talks.

[RedWingsFan]

I only buy online (from Pangea) if I can't find what I am looking for locally. Usually I find everything I want in my city though. Some online stores are really expensive. For example, I checked out Moo Shoes, it's amazing how much they are charging for some synthetic shoes. I just about fell off my chair! You can get similar products (shoes, belts, etc.) right in Payless or Target for less than half what they charge. I'd rather buy locally if I can find it.

[Ntelligentidiot]

I'm pretty sure shoes are the only thing I've bought from online veg stores. I got a pair of tan "suede" boots and some hiking boots. Sometimes it's just a lot easier to find shoes online than go through an entire store. So far, all the ones I got fit:).

[epski]

I'm in favor of buying locally, time and availability permitting.

[missleigh]

*bump*

Please vote, if you haven't yet! I'm curious about everyone's buying habits.

[IamJen]

Another for shopping locally. If there's something I need/want and can't find, they can usually order it for me. I try and stock up a bit when I'm in the "big city" (Chicago) every few weeks too at the co-op.

[Christy]

I don't buy any food or clothing items online. I'd rather see the things in person before buying. Plus, it's a little weird (for me) to buy food online. I do buy 90% of my supplements online. It's just more convenient, since I'd have to go to 2-3 different stores since not all of them carry all of the supplements I need. The prices tend to be better, too, even with S&H.

[dawngirl]

I have access to the veg items I need locally through HFS, Grocery, Asian market, and City Market.

[TheFirstBus]

I said only if I can't find it locally. If there was a store that sold vegan food I couldn't get in a regular grocery store in my little cow town I would deffinitly support it.

[punkmommy]

I usually buy things I can't find locally, like certain supplements, some makeup and candies. I've gotten shoes for Eric ( black and white steel toed wingtips -sweet ) but never order clothes. I order stuff around the holidays for Sebastian like chocolate bunnies.

[thebelovedtree]

I have an ongoing list of things I want from online veg stores for use at christmas time, where traditionally I would lose weight from eating at relatives houses who are insulted when I bring my own food or communial dish. This year I'm hoping that this will no longer be a problem and I can just snack on my present.

[clickman]

I buy things locally, but get it online if I can't get it around here. I hate having to wait, I need instant gratification most of the time!

[missleigh]

What if the price of an item is significantly less than locally?
I buy a certain supplement online from Vegan Essentials that is four dollars cheaper per bottle than at my health food store. If I were to get just one bottle, then the cost of shipping would make it about even to the local price. But if I add a couple of other things to my order, like some cookies I've been meaning to try, or a new belt or something, then the shipping doesn't hit as hard.
If something was less expensive, would it be worth it to you to order it online?

[clickman]

If it's significantly cheaper, then maybe. But, rarely I find that to be the case, that it's cheaper enough so that even with shipping I'd be spending a decent amount less.

[Christy]

I find that to be true with my supplements, especially at one particular online store (which is lower than local stores, as well as other online stores).

[plath]

I buy online all the time-- we don't have any good health food stores within a 20-30 minute drive, so almost all of my vegan health and beauty products are bought online-- toms of maine toothpaste (we only use the fluoride free which kroger doesn't sell), shampoos, makeup,etc. I also splurge occasionally when I feel I need to be rewarded with vegan marshmallows at Vegan Essentials. And I sometimes buy clothing and shoes if there's a good deal to be had.

[Trudatman]

Since I am joke broke, I don't really buy stuff, but...
I got a gift certificate to veganessentials from a family member for some religious holiday (a big one that happens every winter...).
Sixty bucks.
I got soaps and cookies and stickers and condoms (maybe someday I'll use them).

[beforewisdom]

I live close enough to buy from Pangea by working into their store.

I usually don't because most of the things they have I can get cheaper elsewhere.
The veg*n shopping my area is that good.

The exception is vitamins. I like to make sure they are vegan, pangea doesn't have much of a selection, and neither do my local stores so I end up going online for those.

Steve

[Jennifer]

I try to buy localy because I want to support the stores that do carry vegan products. However, If I cant find it localy I do not hesitate to buy it online. I like to shop Pangea and the Mail order catalog just to name a few.