You make an interesting point about some items being things that it helps to see and touch. The TV I’m going to put in the living room… I’d like to see it first. Another monitor very much like the ones I already have… order it online.

The “saving me time” part is definitely a big aspect of it. Imagine trying to find five or six antique clocks of certain types in certain conditions at, say, auctions or estate sales. I imagine I’d have to attend a dozen or more such events, several hours each, and would likely have to make decisions without adequate opportunity to research what it is that I’m buying. One day I’ll go to a few auctions since, in theory, that is the best place to get the really good deals, but wow, what a waste of time.

That lack of readily available comparisons and knowledge and the wasted time of “in person” shopping has an interesting side effect. In the absence of online auctions for clocks and web stores for clock repair tools and supplies, there is a good likelihood that I never would have gotten started on my current horological adventures. I mean, how many stores do you know nearby that sell mainspring winders, or taper pins? I’m sure there are some, but I can’t imagine it would be fun tracking them down, and comparison shopping would be painful.

On the other hand, there are some things where either the instant gratification of walking out the door with purchase in hand or the benefit of “touch and feel” that you get in a store weighs heavily. But I’m finding fewer and fewer instances where that is really necessary for me.