Who Has The Largest Retail Location In The World? The Internet, That's Who!

Walmart has often been called the king of retail, but it has nothing on the internet. The largest retail location in the world is online, and it's still growing. The internet is now home to every kind of store imaginable: luxury fashion houses, bargain shopping hubs, and everything in between. And let's not forget that the web offers entrepreneurs an opportunity for freedom from building costs or rent that often come with physical locations...

The best thing about factory outlet stores online is that prices are usually much lower than what you would find elsewhere — they're less concerned with brand exclusivity than brick-and-mortar retailers. Factory outlets are one of the most affordable ways to put that designer outfit, bag or shoe collection together.

But just because you can save some serious cash doesn't mean you should be willing to take a risk with your personal safety. Here are a few tips for making sure you're shopping smart:

Read reviews thoroughly! Many times factory outlets online will say that the site is not associated with any brick-and-mortar store—sketchy, right? So make sure to investigate who the website belongs to. If they have an in-depth page about their company, it's a safe bet that they're above-board. Factory outlet stores are often associated with middlemen that place orders with factories and then send them to the supplier...

So you've found the perfect factory outlet store. Here's a few questions you need to ask when buying from factory outlets:

What is the price of each item? Is it on sale? How long does your return policy last? Any details about shipping? Is there any additional costs or fees? If your items are in need of repair, what do you have to do and how much will it cost? Are you able to track your package and will they replace your items if they arrive broken/damaged in transit? And finally: Will there be additional taxes or fees upon delivery (i.e. customs)?

When it comes to budgeting and finding a factory outlet, you should always make sure you're aware of what the items are worth and how much they'll cost in total. You want to avoid surprises when it comes time to pay. Your best bet is to ask the manager or associate at the cash register for an itemized receipt, so you know exactly what you're paying for. And if you have any questions or concerns with the product, don't hesitate to ask them! Always feel free to ask questions—don't be afraid to speak up!

Best Your Money Can Buy [ARTICLE END]

So now that we've discussed the most affordable places online for everything from designer handbags, shoes and accessories... to office supplies, clothing, groceries and even electronics — it's time to talk about the most expensive things you can buy online.

Conclusion:

So in this article, we discussed the top five most expensive things you can buy online. And if you're anything like me, this list may have raised a few eyebrows. If you think we've missed any items or brands — feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

Note: This article was originally published on Nov 18, 2012 but has since been updated with additional items and information.

- About The Author -

Tyler writes for a number of blogs including his own where he talks about online shopping (www.OnlineShoppingSecretTips.com). His hobbies include cooking, weight lifting, and reading books/blogs about online marketing/business/design (www.BusinessDesignBlogger.com).