I can definitely appreciate buying clothes in store lemmy.ml/post/17369601 What I neglected to include in this account was the incredible staff at the store who went above and beyond to help me find proper sizing when they knew I wasn’t even making a purchase then and there.
On the other hand, I did buy sneakers in a store but there wasn’t anyone to help me find the right pair. It seems like many corporations aren’t willing to pay people to work in stores as much these days. Instead, they can just offer free shipping and free returns for less money than paying someone a living wage.
I can not tell you how many times I wish Radio Shack were still around. I’d gladly pay more money to solve a problem now than have to wait for something to ship over from China.
I used to work in a car stereo and home theater shop. I can tell you that online reviews, even YouTube videos done by “experts”, are no where close to an in-person experience. It’s sad and incredibly frustrating. I just bought another set of highly regarded headphones which I found to be severely overpriced and under performing. I’ve been around high end audio for over twenty five years - I actually know what I’m listening for.
I think the point you raise is that people who care about the things they’re buying would generally prefer to buy that thing in person. Others who may not care as much or not be as knowledgable are content buying whatever the internet tells them to buy - regardless if it’s proper for them to make that specific purchase. I have to wonder how many unsatisfied customers there are out there who either throw things away or have to keep buying replacements.