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The Christmas holiday season is synonymous with last-minute shopping, coupled with hasty decisions and “any discount looks good” pressure. Don’t get caught up in all that hype and stress; follow these online shopping tips from PriceCheck CEO, Kevin Tucker.
Don’t give in to the panic – shop around for prices
The closer it gets to Christmas the more pressure people feel to purchase gifts before Santa eats those cookies and drinks that milk. Often, this results in impulse buys and spending outside of your budget. It only takes a couple of extra minutes to search for the most affordable and superior products online. By just typing “compare hdtv and smart tv” in Google (don’t forget to click ‘Tools’ and then South Africa, to get local site links), you will get links to South African sites and comparison platforms providing instant information on a good buy.
Check delivery cut-offs
For many, failing to receive their orders before Christmas is a stressful possibility which easily becomes a reality when placing an order without first checking the delivery cut-off dates or stock levels. Many online sites will either display clear festive season delivery dates across their site or on the checkout page. Ensure you take note of these dates and plan your purchases accordingly. Contrary to popular belief – couriers are in fact not Santa’s Little Helpers on Christmas Day.
Multiple purchases from one store saves time and money
Cut down your delivery fees by purchasing multiple gifts from a single online store. No matter your basket size, you will only pay for one delivery. Some sites also offer delivery discounts based on basket size – a welcomed saving around the festive season.
Read reviews on high priced items
For high priced items, ensure you read the reviews before purchasing to avoid disappointment. Especially when it comes to gifting, make sure that you are purchasing the right product to suit the recipient – no one likes receiving an inferior product for Christmas.
Check return policies
Checking the return policies of online stores before purchasing, is a must. If you’re buying a gift for someone visiting from overseas or from another province, you want them to be able to return their gift with ease, without having to carry any associated costs. It’s also vital to familiarise yourself with the length of the returns process. With most companies slowing to a halt over this season, you want to make sure that you can make full use of their return and delivery logistics and not encounter any delays.
First published via Moneyweb.