Information Systems: Jason's Web Site Tips:
Why wait on line at a mall when there is no line... online? (did you get that?)

June 20th, 2008
By Jason Levy

There is a strange building across the street from the Short Hills office.  It contains a variety of retail units with interconnecting walkways and has two levels.  In addition, there is a multi-level parking lot.  Inside, at any given day you will find people walking briskly, kids screaming, or perhaps employees dressed in costumes.

Shopping malls have been around a long time; in fact, a very long time, dating back to as early as the 10th century.  They show little sign of disappearing from this earth, but I often wonder why people still frequent them.

The other day on my lunch break I stopped at the GAP and selected a few items to buy.  When I tried to pay, there was only one register open with eight angry faces waiting.  I had to leave the store because I did not have enough time remaining on my lunch break.  The GAP lost a sale.  This episode solidified my feeling about shopping malls and their array of inconveniences.

I order almost everything online.  If I go to a mall, I am there for food or clothing, two items I find difficult ordering behind a computer monitor.  I don't want my dinner mailed to me and I don't want to deal with shoes not fitting, then having to mail items back (or return them to a brick and mortar store).

If you order books, CD's, computer equipment, electronics, concert tickets, candles, etc... I strongly urge you to take the plunge and order your next item online.  Online stores offer many benefits such as:

  • No lines

  • No driving (gas...gulp)

  • The stores are open 24/7

  • You can competitively price your item, and still have time to enjoy your day.

I am listing several web sites below which I frequent often and have found to continuously offer great deals.

  • www.amazon.com - Amazon sells literally anything and everything.  Don't buy an item anywhere until you do a quick price comparison here.  Amazon also allows users to review items, which I find extremely helpful.

  • www.ebay.com - Ebay is not just the world's largest flea market, there are many sellers selling new items.

  • www.scoreadeal.com - Get coupons for your favorite stores.

  • www.restaurant.com - Where else can you buy $25.00 gift certificates for $10.00?  Exclusions do apply, so be sure to read the fine print, but I have bought certificates from restaurant.com and I can attest that the web site is legit.

  • http://wdha.greatermediadeals.com - Same as the above, but most establishments are located in northern NJ.

  • www.woot.com - The concept is simple.  They sell only one item daily, and usually heavily discounted.  Once the item has sold out, the next deal is not posted until the following day.  I bought an MP3 player at Woot for $12.99 + $5.00 shipping that I paid $58.00 for elsewhere!

Your feedback to date has been greatly appreciated and helps gauge future articles.
Please feel free to contact me with questions/comments.

Thanks,
Jason