Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? (2024)

Most consumer products (69%) have the same price online and offline, according to a recent report from Anthem Marketing Solutions.

However, when there is a price difference between the two, 65% of the it's the time online channels that are cheaper than offline (in-store) channels, the study found.

The report was based on an analysis of the prices of commonly purchased consumer products across multiple categories, including personal care, books, electronics, entertainment, home improvement/household items, and office supplies.

Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? (1)

Below, additional key findings from the report.

Average Savings

  • When there is a difference, online prices are usually lower than in-store prices. However, on the increasingly rare occasions when the price is less in-store, it is often substantially lower (32% average savings in-store vs. 26% average online).
  • For example, in the entertainment category, when a price difference was observed, there was just a 15% chance of finding the better deal in-store. But, in those situations, the average savings was 76%, suggesting it continues to pay to do price comparisons for certain categories.

Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? (2)

Savings by Price Tier

The trend of general price parity, and an online advantage when there is a difference, was observed at all price levels:

Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? (3)

Same-Store Comparisons

  • 8 of the 12 retailers examined in the study offered more favorable pricing online than in-store.
  • Prices for Walgreens, Best Buy, Target, Kmart, and CVS were lower online than in-store more than 70% of the time.
  • Wal-Mart offered a nearly even split, with 47% of prices favoring offline and 53% favoring online.

Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? (4)

About the research: The report was the seventh installment of a semi-annual study comparing online and in-store pricing of consumer goods across a range of commonly purchased categories (including personal care, books, electronics, entertainment, home improvement/household items, and office supplies).

Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? (2024)

FAQs

Are Online Product Prices Lower Than In-Store Prices? ›

Typically, online prices are lower to account for shipping costs and the cost of running a physical store is higher, so their prices are higher. If an online item is available at your local store, you can place a store pick-up order to receive the online price.

Are online prices cheaper than in store? ›

Key Takeaways. Online shopping is often cheaper than in stores because online retailers may have fewer overhead costs. Online shopping also may come with the chance to apply more discount codes so you can save even more money. You may even be able to find cheaper gently or never used items on second-hand shopping sites ...

Is online more expensive? ›

Not only does tuition tend to be lower, but many additional expenses, such as transportation costs and course materials, are eliminated in an online program.

Why is it possible to charge lower prices online? ›

The primary reason is that they presume online retailers to have lower overhead costs. However, beyond the direct cost of purchasing goods from suppliers, an online retailer bears numerous indirect costs, such as transportation, courier services, and so on.

Is online shopping worth it? ›

For items you regularly use (such as a laptop, phone charger, luggage, or textbook), the internet may be the best place to compare offers. For things you require to have long-lasting value (like a car) or must get right away (such as groceries), shopping in person may be best.

Is it better to buy online or in store? ›

Online shopping often offers lower prices, but in-store shopping may have better discounts. Can I return items bought online in-store? It depends on the store's policy. Some stores allow for in-store returns, while others require mailing the item back.

Are online prices the same as in store at Best Buy? ›

We match our online and app prices on in-store purchases and our in-store prices on online and app purchases. If we lower our in-store, online or app price during the return and exchange period, we will match our lower price, upon request.

Is Costco cheaper online or in-store? ›

Online items are typically priced higher

Since there are extra shipping and handling costs incurred by the warehouse club when you shop on the internet instead of in-store, items purchased online are marked up to help offset this added expense.

Is online class cheaper than in-person? ›

Because online education is cheaper than going to a physical classroom, students have the opportunity to choose a college from anywhere in the country. In fact, many online universities don't charge out-of-state tuition.

Do people spend more money in-store or online? ›

New York – Men and women are spending significantly more in-store than online during a typical shopping engagement, according to a new report by First Insight.

What are the advantages of online shopping? ›

Online Shopping Advantages You Didn't Know Of
  • Safety. ...
  • Convenience. ...
  • Better Prices. ...
  • Variety. ...
  • Authenticity. ...
  • Online Payment. ...
  • No Pressure shopping. ...
  • Time-Saving.

Why do I spend so much when shopping online? ›

Online retailers often offer discounts after you've reached a certain spending threshold. Just like the free-shipping minimum, these conditional discounts manipulate you into spending more just to qualify—even if you won't save any money at the end of the day. They change their prices without rhyme or reason.

Is it cheaper to buy groceries online or in store? ›

It turns out, grocery delivery isn't much more expensive than doing the shopping yourself. Because of membership, delivery fees and tipping, you might think having groceries delivered is far more expensive, but the final tallies were remarkably close.

Why is real shopping better than online? ›

When shopping in a physical store, customers can take their purchases home with them immediately. They don't have to wait for delivery or worry about any shipping fees. This is particularly beneficial for customers who need a product quickly or those who want to avoid any shipping delays.

Do people trust online shopping? ›

Shoppers were also less likely to trust some sites like Google Shopping (preferred by only 16% of respondents), followed by Facebook Marketplace (12%) and Wish (11%). Of course, these were customers who, while remaining cautious, still did plan on shopping online for holiday presents this year.

Are online grocery prices higher than in store? ›

It turns out, grocery delivery isn't much more expensive than doing the shopping yourself. Because of membership, delivery fees and tipping, you might think having groceries delivered is far more expensive, but the final tallies were remarkably close.

Is it cheaper to buy a phone online or in store? ›

It's much easier to take advantage of promotions and deals online because they're easier for retailers to advertise. That means you can save money on your new purchase and perhaps even grab some free accessories.

Do people spend more money in store or online? ›

New York – Men and women are spending significantly more in-store than online during a typical shopping engagement, according to a new report by First Insight.

Is ecommerce cheaper than retail? ›

Ecommerce and retail sales differ primarily in the sales environment: online versus physical stores. Ecommerce usually has lower overhead costs than retail, allowing for more competitive pricing.

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