Christmas Online Shopping: 6 Tips You Don’t Want To Miss

The holiday rush is officially on! People are starting to shop presents for their godchildren, loved ones and friends in preparation for the holiday season. With the growing number of e-commerce sites around the web, online shopping has definitely become a trend. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re definitely missing out.

The Department of Tourism and Industry (DTI) said 35% to 45% of consumers prefer shopping online. It is far more convenient since they just need a laptop or a smartphone and an internet connection, and they’re all set. Online stores have made shopping possible in the comfort of your own homes (and in your jammies!). It is perfect for busy individuals who couldn’t afford to spend long hours at the mall.

Do you consider buying Christmas presents for your loved ones online? Here are some of the most important pointers you need to consider:

1. Purchase only from legit online stores

The first thing to consider when shopping online is the legitimacy of the website. A legitimate online shopping site can guarantee scam-free transactions. To find out whether a website is legitimate or not, head on to DTI’s Business Name Search and enter the official business name of the e-commerce site. A legitimate retail site should be registered. Thus, the name should appear on the site.

2. Compare prices

Compare and contrast. Online shopping websites sometimes don’t have the same prices of the same items. You always have to check other stores regarding the price of the particular item you plan to buy. Some online stores trick their customers into thinking the items are 50% off, but when you check on to other sites, the discounted price is actually the original price of the item. Be smart enough to check on this.

If you have been eyeing for that Hermes bag you saw online, you probably have its price tag tattooed in your mind months ago. You might not have plans buying it anytime soon unless it’s on sale, which is common during the holidays. Since you already know the original price of the merchandise, you will quickly know whether that “50% off” price tag is really slashed in half or if it’s just another marketing trick.

3. Take full advantage of your coupons

Don’t let regret ruin your holiday mood! A lot of people don’t know this, but you can actually ask for a refund of the difference. Several online stores still honor coupons even after the item have already been purchased. You just have to present the coupon and your receipt.

4. Don’t underestimate newsletters

Newsletters are often left unread in your inbox or go straight to the trash. There’s definitely more to it than just filling up your inbox, so it looks like you have a pretty worthy email. Don’t be afraid to skip signing up for newsletters from your favourite online stores. Newsletters often contain exclusive deals for subscribers that you don’t see on their website. There are even e-commerce websites that offer ‘thank you gifts’ in the form of discount coupons just by signing up for their newsletters.

5. Save up on shipping fee costs

Convenience often comes with a price. In this case, it is the shipping fee that makes the compromise. However, many online stores offer free shipping when you hit a certain peso amount. So, to make the most out of your online Christmas shopping, better do your shopping all at once and save up on shipping fee.

There are also some online shops that don’t offer free shipping. Instead, they offer a feature called in-store pick-up. The retailer will ship your item to your nearest store, and all you have to do is to walk in and grab it. You don’t even have to fall in line to the cashier or customer service for this transaction.

6. Shop online even without credit cards

Several online shopping sites offer Cash-On-Delivery (COD) payment methods as an easier and safer alternative to paying goods online. You will only pay for the item once it arrives at your doorstep. This payment method can keep shoppers from getting scammed, which is the number one risk of online shopping.

Although there is no doubt that online shopping is really convenient, there are still some points you need to consider regarding your safety and protection since everything is done through the internet. According to DTI, there is a law that protects the consumers from any faulty transactions done both offline and online. Thanks to Cash-On-Delivery (COD) payment that is being offered by several e-commerce sites as one of the options for online transactions. This is by far the safest payment method to choose when buying goods online.

Featured Photo Source: Unsplash

Like PilipinasPopcorn on Facebook for more updates. To send feedback or contribute your stories, email editor@pilipinaspopcorn.com.