Shopping has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years. The choice and variety that we have access to, the countless options that we now have it just incredible. I remember when growing up, distance buying was through a catalogue, you know, EMPIRE, LITTLEWOODS and the like. Then came internet shopping and I guess you can say that this is the point when the table turned in favour of the consumer and horray to that as well! I browse through shops in the USA, can order real French soaps 'savon de marseilles' from France and book my summer holiday through a tour operator located in Belfast, so dear friends, I am in heaven!

Buying for me through the internet has been a little hit an miss, less misses thank fully, but now that I have a fully fledged company, I can see both sides of this coin so clearly. I have been able to draw from my own past experiences and my customers feedback to really understand that although internet shopping is fantastic, there is one element that is missing, human contact.

I guess you could call it brave what I set out to do in my business, an online boutique that sells furniture, for when the mass majority of us have to buy furniture - myself included, this is what my parents would call a 'considered' purchase, it is normally a long and drawn out process. This is now even more true in the midst of the 'credit crunch' or global recession, thus will this be where the bubble may burst for internet shopping? Sure, overheads are kept down, but I speak only for myself, I miss talking to a person, asking the sales person their advice (be it true or false!) I just miss that interaction.

Then there comes the nasty few that prey on this fact and I am shocked to report, a little sad also that these very few will advertise to have an item for sale and then run off with customers money and no item. Remember the days when you had to 'order' your chest of drawers? Goodness, even in Laura Ashley you still have to wait and abide by their 'lead time', but I don't know about you, at least with Laura Ashley, I know my money is in safe hands!!

Bottom line is, as I have spent a good few years in this furniture business, I know that it does NOT take 16 weeks to have a bed made, nor should it take 6 weeks to get a delivery date. If a seller or a business leads you to believe this then walk away, they do not have the stock, nor are in any hurry to get this stock. More than often, sellers of furniture go straight - or should go to the manufacturer, and thus they will NOT go to the trouble to just ship one single item, they will invariably wait to get the orders and money from customers to fill a full load.

In the current financial climate that we are in, you, the buyer need to get the best for your money. Why on earth would you sit and wait for over 4 months for you item when you have paid in full??? Just think of what sort of interest that would gain in the bank!!! As sellers, it is up to us to ensure that on line trading continues to be safe, as should we fail to maintain this, then we will lose the buyers trust and that is something I am sure you will agree will have a devastating effect.

Let's remain honest, clear and keep that human interaction and touch alive through this cyber age that we have all come to love.

P.S don't forget to vote for this guide!!