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In recent years the discount vitamin industry has grown tremendously. Vitamins can now be found in numerous products, some you may not expect from food and drinks to beauty products such as lotions, make up and toothpastes. It is anticipated that by the year 2008, vitamins are expected to have a market value of nearly $2.5 Billion. However, while many of these companies began as specialty stores or discount chain stores, the industry has rapidly spread to the internet. Discount vitamin stores online have several advantages over land based companies, which not only contribute to their overwhelming success, but also offer consumers the opportunity to receive great discounts on vitamins.

If you were to ask around, some people might say that they prefer to go to a store to purchase vitamins; the face-to-face contact, the ability to look at a variety of vitamins in one place and the idea that buying online may be more expensive (shipping and handling charges, etc.). But what most don't realize is that the internet companies can offer not only just as much personalized service but even more.

Specialty stores and discount chain stores have a just a few costs that the internet doesn't ' multiple sales people per store, middle management, training, continuing education of the employees, not to mention rent and utilities. These operating expenses in turn drive up the cost of vitamins in order for the stores to profit. Internet companies don't have most of these expenses because they usually work from one place and don't need hundreds of employees to get the job done. Ultimately the savings that internet companies earn from not having these extra costs are passed on to their customers in several ways:

* Education & Information ' The websites provide articles and specific information about the industry and specific vitamins, herbs and supplements. This is critical and beneficial to a consumer's health. It is important to know what the benefits of the vitamin are, how it should be taken and what its ingredients are. Any site should offer product descriptions, size and directions for use. On many sites, articles and blogs are available regarding trends and the latest news on the vitamin industry. Most recently, the vitamin industry has been focused on the events going on in Washington with the Adverse Event Reporting (AER) bill. This bill, currently in Congress would ban all vitamins and supplements on the basis that they are associated with sicknesses, conditions and in some cases, even death. The Nutritional Health Alliance (NHA) is working to make sure that this bill does not pass so that Americans can have the freedom to choose for themselves what vitamins and supplements they want to take.

* High Quality/Brand Name Vitamins - Companies have more funds available to obtain the highest quality and brand name products. A wide selection can be offered of vitamins, herbs and supplements that some stores cannot provide due to the cost. Some products available online, you wouldn't find in most stores or are only available in a select few. Having a large selection right from your computer and at your finger tips makes the search that much easier. Discount vitamin companies are also well known for carrying the freshest vitamins in the market. There has become such a loyal base of customers, that the products nearly 'fly off the shelves', causing continuous purchase and restocking to occur.

* Lower Prices ' Internet companies save so much money without having the extra costs, therefore offering their product at a significantly better price. On top of the already great prices, many have sales on particular brands and/or type of vitamins and supplements. At any given time, discounts anywhere from 5% to 75% off can be found on select products.

* Secure Sites ' Sites can offer tremendous security and safety, so not only do you not have to worry about leaving your home, but you can be sure that your transactions are secure. For years many consumers have been afraid to use their credit cards online or enter secure information, but with the advancements in technology, this is no longer a worry. All sites should have information about how they secure their site and most have a link to the company they use, which will provide the consumer with further information.

* Great Customer Service ' While the face-to-face interaction is not available, consumers can contact the company and reach a friendly, helpful voice on the other end of the line to get additional information on purchasing and shipping. This is especially nice for those consumers who may have a question, but have always dreaded talking to a salesperson, for the fear of getting bombarded with sales pitches and questions.

Our doctors and health care providers stress the importance of including vitamins as part of a healthy lifestyle, reminding us that vitamins are a natural antioxidant, helping to protect our bodies from sickness. Vitamins, along with healthy diet and exercise can help us stay healthy and happy. They continue to make our bodies more efficient and our minds ever stronger. Anyone who has spent any time selecting and purchasing vitamins at a store however, knows how expensive, not to mention time consuming it can be. Discount vitamins online have become the clear alternative for anyone who is interested in becoming and staying healthy, while not spending a lot of money doing it. Go online today and take a look at what the internet has to offer.