If you’re not a fan of queuing for long periods of time, traffic jams and crowded streets around the Christmas shopping period, online shopping may be ideal for you. Not only is it convenient for avoiding the Christmas rush, you could also manage to save a fortune in the long run.
If you do decide to avail of Christmas online shopping this year, take a look at this guide on how to make the most of your online shopping experience, and what to look out for, whilst you are online shopping during this festive period.
Basic Tips For Online Shopping!
- If a website provides feedback from customers, it’s worth checking out their comments. This is the best way to see if your product is good value for money!
- When shopping online for clothing or footwear most websites provide their own size chart. If unsure about sizing, view the websites size chart. It is also worth checking out customer reviews which is another good indication of how items fit.
- Always look out for special offers, discount codes and free delivery online. They are generally advertised on the homepage or on the checkout page.
- It would be wise to order earlier then the dates stated in shipping information to avoid disappointment.
- It is worth a try to order from UK/US-based websites if the currency exchange rate is good. You’ll get your items much cheaper.
- Whilst shopping on auction sites such as Ebay, it would be worth looking at the seller/company profiles to see what their rates/customer reviews are like.
- Make sure to print and save copies of your order and contact details of the seller/store.
What To Watch Out For When You’re Shopping Online
- Use your common sense: double check pricing. Be suspicious of prices that are too cheap or overly expensive. If you’re being offered a top of the line product at a ridiculously low price, it may be too good to be true.
- Always look out for suspicious or unprofessional looking websites.
- A legit secure website should begin with ‘https’ (if you are logged into an online store and shopping, the ‘http’ will be replaced by ‘https’ in the address bar at the top of your browser). Be cautious of shopping websites that end in .net, these can be illegitimate.
- Be cautious if you receive any emails requesting bank information or any other personal details, this is most likely a scam!
- Check the stores private policy. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, you may want to rethink about doing business with them.
- Look out for dodgy looking websites. Always make sure there is a padlock symbol comes up on the browser. Along with the ‘https’, this is an indication of a secure shopping environment.
- Using Paypal/credit cards are the safest way to purchase online. Avoid using direct debit cards if you can.
- Keep an eye out for websites outside of the EU. Sometimes websites don’t include import/tax duty, which could result in paying a fine depending on the total cost of your order.
- Make sure to check the rules and regulations on sites. Whilst on websites such as Ebay, where you can bid on items, make sure to follow up on the rules and requirements the seller provides. If you break a rule, this could affect your profile which may affect your purchases with sellers and companies in the future.
- If the item is running late and you’re unsure about its delivery date, you can make use of the tracker link, which can provide the exact location and estimated delivery times.
Online Retailers For Irish Shoppers
Children’s Toys:
www.smyths.ie
www.toysrus.co.uk
www.argos.ie
www.toys.ie
www.toymaster.ie
www.hamleys.com
www.disneystore.ie
www.toysonline.ie
www.mimitoys.ie
www.imaginarium.ie (educational toys)
Electronics/Gadgets:
www.amazon.co.uk
www.argos.ie
www.pcworld.ie
www.pixmania.ie
www.apple.com/ie
Music/Instruments:
www.hmv.ie
www.towerrecords.ie
www.xmusic.ie
www.thomann.de/ie
www.waltons.ie
www.ebay.ie
www.amazon.co.uk
Books/Kindles:
www.amazon.co.uk
www.easons.ie
www.chapters.ie
www.waterstones.com
www.kennys.ie
www.abebooks.co.uk
Women/Men’s Fashion:
www.asos.com
www.debenhams.ie
www.marksandspencer.ie
www.riverisland.co.uk
www.topshop.co.uk
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
www.newlook.com
www.sheinside.com (designer-inspired clothing)
www.boohoo.com
www.missguided.co.uk
www.forever21.eu
Beauty/Cosmetics/Fragrance:
www.theperfumeshop.ie
www.strawberrynet.com
www.cloud10beauty.com
www.beautyemporium.com
www.superdrug.co.uk
www.makeupshop.ie
www.lush.co.uk
www.thebodyshop.ie
www.boots.ie
www.allbeauty.com
Other Gift Ideas:
www.groupon.ie (for deals, gifts, treatments, dinner vouchers, trips away, etc.)
www.menupages.ie (restaurant dining vouchers)
www.avoca.ie (Irish gifts)
www.killkennyshop.ie (Irish gifts)
www.yankee.ie (candles)
IMAGE: Generic photo representing online shopping – image credit: christmasstockimages.com
