Just because there’s a pandemic happening around the world doesn’t mean that all life stops. For many people, there are still big life purchases that need to be made or businesses that need to be run with additional equipment. In situations like this, it’s good to know how you should go about making these big purchases when shopping has a brand new face.

To help you with this, here are three tips for shopping for big-ticket items during the era of coronavirus.

Shop Online First 

While you previously may have gone straight to a retailer when starting the shopping process, this is no longer possible in many situations. As a result, your shopping should begin online first.

According to Nate Rattner, a contributor to CNBC.com, online shopping and e-commerce spending have had a huge surge since the coronavirus has been on the scene. And since most retailers recognize this, websites are trying to make it as easy as possible for you to get the information you need to make a purchasing decision, be it for a piece of furniture or some larger type of equipment. So although you might not have made a purchase for a big-ticket item like this in the past, it’s now become easier than ever to simply buy almost anything online and have it shipped right to you.

Call Stores Before Going In

However, there are still some things that you’re going to want to go to the store to get, either because that’s the only way for you to get it or because that just makes more sense for the item you’re buying.

When you’re going to purchase something at an actual store, Shoshy Ciment, a contributor to Business Insider, recommends that you call the store before you go in to make your purchase. There are two reasons for this. First, you can check to make sure that the thing you want to buy is actually in stock. And second, the store can inform you of any additional measures they’re taking to keep people safe and socially distanced from one another.

Expect Delays

At this time, production and shipping for certain items that are deemed non-essential may be much slower to get to you than ever before.

According to Courtney Jespersen, a contributor to MarketWatch, there are a lot of shortages in certain supplies due to a lot of people buying these items. To refill this inventory, these sold out items are being produced and sold at a higher rate than other items. So if the big ticket item you’re buying is something that hasn’t been deemed essential, it might take a while for you to get the item to your home or office.

If you’re needing to purchase a big ticket item soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do so safely.