What would the world look like if everyone weren't running errands on Saturday morning? Countless free parking spaces in front of the dry cleaner, tumbleweed bouncing down the bread aisle at the supermarket. And what would you be doing instead? Pedaling your bike, watching VH1, everything else, nothing at all?

It's not that farfetched. With a few clicks of a mouse, you can take care of many basic needs without leaving the house. You'll save time and hassle, and in some cases you'll save money, too. And though you'll still need to be out and about for a few things, with a little diligence the phrase "running errands" can go the way of "churning butter."

The Drugstore

On-line pharmacies allow you to restock the vanity and fill prescriptions without your having to trawl the aisles and wait in line behind Mr. 20 Questions. (For medications you take regularly, the least expensive way to buy them may be through your health-care-insurance provider, via the mail.)
WE TRIED: www.drugstore.com and CVS (www.cvs.com).
HOW THEY WORK: Click on your over-the-counter needs, fill in the contact and payment information, and toothpaste arrives at your doorstep. Save your list for fast and easy reordering (drugstore.com will automatically do this for you). Both sites accept new prescriptions as well as transfers from other drugstores. Before filling one for the first time, they require that your doctor call or fax the prescription to them (prescriptions for controlled substances must be mailed). When having a prescription filled on-line, beware of rogue sites: Check that your site has a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site seal. A list of certified sites can be found at www.nabp.net.
BEST FEATURES: CVS can e-mail you a reminder when it's time to refill a prescription, and it has joined with WebMD to provide health advice. Drugstore.com carries Philosophy and Burt's Bees products.
HOW THEY COMPARE
drugstore.com
Cost: $44.95
Wait Time: 3 days

CVS
Cost: $46.95
Wait Time:7 days

Local drug store, Seattle
Cost: $54.29
Wait Time: None