THE convenience of shopping online makes ticking off your Christmas list as easy as browsing your mobile phone while waiting for the bus.
But make sure you don't click too freely and overspend or compromise your financial security.
With less than three weeks to go until December 25 now is the time to place those online orders to ensure they arrive in time.
Here are four festive tips to keep in mind before you scour the internet for presents.
1. BUDGET
Make sure you have a strict budget and shopping list and stick to them.
Research from financial comparison website Finder.com.au shows, on average, we each plan to spend $498 on gifts this Christmas.
To keep costs down, consider arranging a Kris Kringle with family and friends which means you only buy one big present instead of truckloads of smaller, less valuable gifts.
You can also use the internet to compare prices, which is far quicker than walking around a raft of crowded stores to see who has the best price. Comparison sites such as ShoppingNinja.com.au are useful for finding the best deals.
2. ORDER IN TIME
Posties are working around the clock to ensure your deliveries arrive before Christmas Day, but make sure you allow plenty of time between the purchase date and planned delivery date.
Major retailers including Myer are urging customers to order their gifts as soon possible to avoid the disappointment of them arriving too late.
“We can guarantee delivery to a customer if the order is placed online by December 18,'' Myer general manager of online Mark Storie says.
“But to ensure your gift is ready for Christmas we recommend our free “click and collect service” which lets you order right up to December 23 if you pick up from a store.”
3. DELIVERY COSTS
Buying in bulk from one store or spending a minimum amount can help reduce delivery charges or waive costs entirely.
For David Jones store cardholders standard delivery is free when you spend more than $100, says a spokeswoman. “Increasing your basket size assists you with free delivery,'' she says.
Some retailers do charge higher costs for online shoppers who need their items posted quickly, particularly for those who leave their shopping to the last minute.
Most websites will clearly outline Christmas delivery deadlines and costs so check these before you order.
4. SCAMMERS
National Australia Bank's chief information officer David Boyle says security is one of the most vital things for shoppers to keep in mind when purchasing online.
“Be alert not alarmed,'' he says.
“Know who you are doing business with ... do your research and verify before you buy.
“If a deal is too good to be true it probably is too good to be true.”
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns consumers to be wary of potentially fake online retail sites.
It's also important to check to see if the retailer has a refund or returns policy available.
Boyle urges shoppers to keep their antivirus software up to date and to make sure they are careful with their passwords before they begin their online shopping.
With less than three weeks to go until December 25 now is the time to place those online orders to ensure they arrive in time.
Here are four festive tips to keep in mind before you scour the internet for presents.
1. BUDGET
Make sure you have a strict budget and shopping list and stick to them.
Research from financial comparison website Finder.com.au shows, on average, we each plan to spend $498 on gifts this Christmas.
To keep costs down, consider arranging a Kris Kringle with family and friends which means you only buy one big present instead of truckloads of smaller, less valuable gifts.
You can also use the internet to compare prices, which is far quicker than walking around a raft of crowded stores to see who has the best price. Comparison sites such as ShoppingNinja.com.au are useful for finding the best deals.
2. ORDER IN TIME
Posties are working around the clock to ensure your deliveries arrive before Christmas Day, but make sure you allow plenty of time between the purchase date and planned delivery date.
Major retailers including Myer are urging customers to order their gifts as soon possible to avoid the disappointment of them arriving too late.
“We can guarantee delivery to a customer if the order is placed online by December 18,'' Myer general manager of online Mark Storie says.
“But to ensure your gift is ready for Christmas we recommend our free “click and collect service” which lets you order right up to December 23 if you pick up from a store.”
3. DELIVERY COSTS
Buying in bulk from one store or spending a minimum amount can help reduce delivery charges or waive costs entirely.
For David Jones store cardholders standard delivery is free when you spend more than $100, says a spokeswoman. “Increasing your basket size assists you with free delivery,'' she says.
Some retailers do charge higher costs for online shoppers who need their items posted quickly, particularly for those who leave their shopping to the last minute.
Most websites will clearly outline Christmas delivery deadlines and costs so check these before you order.
4. SCAMMERS
National Australia Bank's chief information officer David Boyle says security is one of the most vital things for shoppers to keep in mind when purchasing online.
“Be alert not alarmed,'' he says.
“Know who you are doing business with ... do your research and verify before you buy.
“If a deal is too good to be true it probably is too good to be true.”
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns consumers to be wary of potentially fake online retail sites.
It's also important to check to see if the retailer has a refund or returns policy available.
Boyle urges shoppers to keep their antivirus software up to date and to make sure they are careful with their passwords before they begin their online shopping.
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