Buying Supplements

[Boss]

Just thought I would gauge peoples thoughts on shop versus internet buying for supplements. I buy local, and don't like the thought of internet buying, incase I have delivery issues, hassle if I do, (which shops won't dump on me), too many problems a shop negates, "faceless corporation" having more room to wiggle out of things etc etc.

Plus I find some shops can sell things the same or cheaper sometimes than official company websites, depending on who they are, and how much they bulk can buy at beneficial prices.

[Arrowwind09]

I only purchase at the local shop if I feel like paying almost double, which really isn't too often.

I have found purchase over the internet quite convenient and affordable. Been doing it now for about 6 years. When shops provide better prices I'll go back. I like to look around. Places like Whole Foods blow my mind. I am sooo disgusted with them. Their markups are outrageous. As the local grocery stores provide more and more organics I make a point to purchase there. I look forward to the day when I don't have to step into another arrogant whole foods market.

[Health Junkie]

I've been pleased buying my supplements over the 'net. I haven't had any problems with this. I live in a relatively small town but we just recently got a new Vitamin Shoppe so I will probably be buying quite a bit there now to save postage.

HJ

[Arrowwind09]

Even with postage I find greater savings over the net. I did use to shop at one discount place in Dallas Texas that was competitive with the net. Places like that are far and few between for most folks.

[Boss]

I suppose it's different in America. Where I buy supplements, the things I get are usually the same price or even cheaper, than a company website.

I guess I'm a bit lucky in that respect

[Xania]

Boss, please tell - what is your secret source!?

[Boss]

It's no secret, but all I am willing to say, without being too personal about myself, is the people in question are local to me, but are not a company with many national outlets, just a few, and whilst they do have a website, I don't know about their ability to deliver long distances.

I would be willing to discuss this further in private, but as what I could post, might to some extent compromise my privacy, I don't feel 100% about doing that publicly, but moreso privately.

This isn't meant to offend anyone, as I respect and value everyone who posts here, it's just a personal thing, so hopefully nobody takes what I've written in the wrong way .

[Xania]

Boss, everyone should be careful of giving personal information on the internet and you are right to adhere to your privacy.

PM coming!

[Harry Hirsute]

Boss,

I buy almost all of my supplements on the 'net. In my experience, it's much-cheaper, the selection is better, and it's less of a hassle.

I have three primary online sources for my supplements - as I can't seem to find all that my family needs in one place.

I still visit my local health food stores but I mostly get actual food there. And, I just like looking around. I'm like a kid in a toy store. Sick, I know.

[Boss]

My problem with on-line shopping would be things like returns policies.

It could make things worse if the people used Couriers instead of actual drivers of their own, as then anything you ordered that doesn't arrive or turns up damaged or spoiled, could result in both contributary parties supplier and courier, playing one off against the other, as to who was to fault, or certain companies like that might wiggle out of things or put a spin on something, to make out like it's a manufacturers fault, (if the person buys from an E-store, and not an official company website), then you end up not knowing if that is true or B.S.

At least in a shop it is difficult to hide from consumer responsibilities, like "faceless" corporations can, and if they get sent defective goods, they should be honest about it, or if it's only part of a batch or consignment, they will probably sell you a good product, and handle the returns issues themselves, without involving you, which a website based supplier would, and then I'd have to pay money ringing phone numbers to get my issue resolved, which might result in B.S. answers like the manager isn't here right now, when he is, or failing that e-mailing, and possibly wondering if after 2 days, no response was deliberate, or the e-mail get blocked as spam.

I can understand people choosing on-line purchases if they have nowhere local, or local prices are not as good, but I'm glad I don't have to resort to internet buying, as that has several problems, as I've just highlighted, and could be more bother than it's worth, if I ended up with an issue.

Good to read your response though, just like others .