How to Get the Most from Online Shopping
Online shopping offers us an unimaginable number of options all at the click of a finger; the process is all about convenience, allowing you to ordering everything you need without leaving the sofa, or your desk.
And with more and more of us turning to the internet, rather than the high street for our retail therapy, it’s important to ensure you’re online shopping savvy. Fortunately, our handy guide is here to make sure you get the most from online shopping and hopefully save some money!
Shop Around
Make sure you get a good deal by shopping around. Using online price comparison sites like Money Saving Expert’s Mega Shop Bot is a great way to find the best prices available on the web. You might also be able to find some excellent deals on auction sites, such as Amazon Market Place. Sites like eBay also allow room for haggling, or at least attempting to bargain with the seller should you wish to.
Unlike a trip to your local shopping centre, online shopping allows you to buy goods from almost anywhere in the world. Whilst overseas shipping might take slightly longer, the web makes the whole process much smoother, often letting you track your purchase from placing the order, right through to delivery.
Also, why not take advantage of the wide range of stores you won’t find on the high street?! Sites such as the aptly named Notonthehighstreet.com and Etsy, offer quirky, imaginative and personalised items you won’t find just anywhere.
Discount Codes
Before making a purchase from a big brand it is worthwhile to do a quick internet search to check whether there are currently any discount or promo codes running. If you have a Student Discount Card then be sure to check out UniDays to see which stores offer discounts.
Also keep an eye out for any additional promotions, many shops such as Topshop offer up to 20% student discount from time to time. Sites and apps like VoucherCloud are regularly updated with new offers, ranging from money off purchases to free delivery and restaurant deals.
Delivery Options
Many sites, such as Amazon and ASOS, offer year delivery subscriptions, where for a flat fee you are entitled to next day delivery for an entire year. There are also other perks that can come with this, such as early access to sales and free returns. While Amazon Prime will set you back £79 a year, there is an initial 30-day free trial, with no obligations to subscribe after that period has elapsed.
But beware, you must cancel after the 30 days if you don’t wish to continue with it, as otherwise Amazon will automatically take the £79 from your account. However remember, although Amazon is undeniably the biggest online retailer out there and offers student discount on some items, there are other options available, with many high street book and electrical stores having sites of their own and some offering free delivery when you spend over a certain amount.
Don’t Be Shy
A great deal of retail sites now have a ‘chat’ function, meaning you can talk to an advisor almost instantly. Though you might argue you could talk to an advisor just as easily in store, it can be assumed that the person online has more information available to them on subjects such as stock levels. The chat function is also great for obtaining advice or more information about products you may know little about.
Read Reviews
One of the things that sets online shopping apart from hitting the high street is the reviews. Unlike in a shop, online stores often allow feedback – both positive and negative. This allows you to become more informed about the product you wish to buy and other people’s experiences of them. While you might not wish to follow the reviews to the letter, and some will no doubt be contradictory, it is a good means to get a feel for the product before making a final decision.
Know Your Rights
It might come as a surprise to learn that you can return most goods bought online for a full refund within 2 weeks, even if there isn’t a fault with it. Make sure you read up on returns policies before you purchase, it’ll make things easier should you need to send anything back.
Also, returning items has never been easier with Collect+ and Royal Mail return options made available by most online retailers. Plus, if the website has a real-life store, you normally have the option of returning items there too, which means you will get your money back quicker.
Payment Options
You might not be able to use cash but there are still plenty of payment options available to you, including debit and credit cards, and PayPal. Making purchases on credit cards will give you extra protection as the law stipulates if you pay for something costing between £100 and £30,000, the card company is jointly liable if anything goes wrong – meaning you won’t be out of pocket.
Also, some banks such as Natwest have schemes where you earn points or money for spending at certain shops. Take a look at the offers available with your bank and check out whether you’re eligible for any extra rewards!
So, next time you reach for your debit card for an online shopping spree remember these handy tips and hopefully you’ll end up saving a few pounds!
About the author: Hannah Buckley
This article was written by Hannah Buckley of Pack & Send – specialists in providing professional packing solutions and international delivery, courier & freight services. Visit them online at: http://www.packsend.co.uk/
