text: why and why not do people buy things on the internet?   i buy some things on the internet because it is convenient and i can sometimes get a better price (though you have to take shipping into account). it's nice not to have to go fight with all the morons at the mall or the discount store just to get a dvd.  other things i can't see buying online - clothes, furniture, a car. some things you just want to physically view and touch before buying.