Poll: Buying online

[legend of duty]

My question to the Escapists is simple. Does it seem that it costs more? I'm talking about relatively cheap stuff like apps, songs, and games.

Think about it.

Would you feel more comfortable buying it in an actual store?

 

[Shockolate]

Well according the links my friend sent me for my computer parts, it would cost more buying them from the store. Saved around $150

So, no.

 

[octafish]

I can always, always get a game cheaper via digital distribution than by a retail store. Apps, you mean like applications, well CS5 has a pretty standardised price but yes I can still find it cheaper online. Outside of virus protection, Photoshop, and games I don't really pay for applications as there is usually something free that is better.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I'm a bit confused...do you mean by using sites like overstock and amazon or are are talking strictly digital distribution? Because comparing a digital copy of Master of Puppets to the actual CD, I would have to say that the CD is the better value even if the digital album is cheaper.

When it comes to buying actual things though, it depends. You can find stuff for as low as a penny (even if they gouge you on S&H) but I can guarantee you that I can order a copy of Deus Ex Human Revolution cheaper online (including S&H) than I could at a best buy or, gamestop.

Best Buy

Amazon

gamestop

It's funny how the Best Buy pre-owned copies of DE:HR are more expensive than the new copies you can order! I think those are online only prices though.

Short story though, buying physical stuff is always the best value. ALWAYS. I don't understand how the practice of buying intangible things got to be so huge.

 

[Phlakes]

Not with Steam's sales. I got Civ 5 for $12.50 and the original Deus Ex for $2.49.

And you don't buy individual songs in retail so I can't account for that, but I'm sure buying an album off iTunes costs the same as a CD. I wouldn't know, though.

 

[silvermorning624]

I have never bought so many games, yet spent so little since I started my steam account.

 

[Dr. Pepper Unlimited]

I can find almost anything online for cheaper than a brick and mortar store. It also saves me time, travel costs like gas and mileage on my vehicle and the annoyance of other people. Needless to say, I do almost all my purchasing online.

I have never bought so many games, yet spent so little since I started my steam account.

This. A thousand times this.

 

[Shock and Awe]

Only when its something large, on small stuff like knives and games its usually cheaper.

 

[BigDeadMushy]

more often than not,stuff online will be cheaper due to the seller not requiring a storefront and other various overheads.HOWEVER,pay close attention to postage/shipping fees,as those can be a big difference,and a bit of a profit margin on the sellers part (depending on the product)

 

[SilentCom]

Some stuff may seem more expensive, however if you search enough, chances are you're able to find what you're looking for at a cheaper price. However, you still have to take shipping and handling into account.

 

[DeadlyYellow]

Cross-platform: yes in most cases. The PCDD of Human Revolution, for instance, is currently higher in price than a physical console copy though only by $10 in my area.

For straight-platform it is often cheaper depending on the service. Steam is great since it has specials practically every day, with larger ones on the weekends and midweek. GoG remains pretty cheap, while also providing weekend and special deals.

I find Impulse to have atrocious pricing, but since that is owned by Gamestop it is to be expected. Often looking through the Gamestop site, I come across PC titles that are roughly half the price for a physical copy than their digitally distributed counterparts.

But the one thing I cannot possibly understand are the digitally distributed game strategy guides retailing for $20 to $25 a piece. You are using the internet, everything that you could want to know about a game is right there. For free.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

Hell to the no, i live in the smack dab of cold nowhere so everything i'm interested in has like a 30% mark up compared to shit i order online