I was recently shopping for a barbecue grill (yes, at this time of year!) and I started to look at what was available by doing a Google search. The internet is fantastic for information although there's a lot of rubbish out there but once I'd filtered through the dross I found some really good websites that satisfied all my needs without leaving the comfort of my home office. It got me thinking to write this article and just crystallize in my own mind exactly what it was about buying through an online store that gave me such a good feeling about spending so much money!

One thing that I detest about the traditional store is that the range of choice is so poor and I can't find all the top brands altogether under the same roof, so I end up walking round until me feet ache trying to evaluate the best product for me. When I've chosen it I then have to walk round again to find the best deal and when I'm finally in the right store and ready to make my purchase the sales assistant tells me "Sorry, it's out of stock". Then in attempt to placate me (and it makes me even more frustrated) the sales guy tries to sell me something that is in stock but not exactly what I want. What a waste of a day!

If you're reading this thinking "I've been there" then maybe it's time to start buying online. I was surprised at how easy it was and how the new breed of online stores really understand my needs.

1.The range of choice is greater. There's nothing more to say on this point, every brand I wanted was there for me to read about.

2.The features of each item were clearly displayed so I could see the differences between the different models.

3.For more information some online stores now have videos.

4.There's web forums so you can discuss before you buy.

5.If you want to talk to someone about your purchase, many online stores invite you to give them a call.

6.Everything is delivered to your door.

7.The price is definitely competitive.

8.There no state sales tax!

OK, let's be clear on that final point. If you're unfortunate enough to live in the same state as the online store then the chances are that you'll have to pay the tax. I guess there had to be a catch somewhere.

There's been many well publicized stories about internet fraud and warnings about buying on line but my view is that we need to get this into context. Statistically chances of being ripped off are no worse than any other purchase transaction, it's just that web based robberies generate more interest at the moment and sell more papers. How many times do read about somebody being pick-pocketed in the shopping mall? Never? Yet it happens all the time, it's just that you and I are just not interested.

But even as I write, the big news stories are about the boom in internet shopping, not the risks, and this just goes to show how safe the internet is these days thanks to secure payment processes like Paypal or Google Checkout and website security systems such as Hackersafe.

Just like you don't stroll down the sidewalk waving a wad of cash, the same care should still apply to the internet. Remember, whether you shop on line or not banks and credit card companies never send you e-mails asking you to confirm personal details or passwords. If you receive mail like this report it to your bank or credit card company.