Monday 17th November 2008
By Rachel Jones
Know Your Money Editor
As December edges closer and the shops fill up with Christmas goods - and the crowds to go with them - it is easy to see why people take the option of shopping on the internet to avoid the festive pushing and shoving that often accompanies that last minute dash. Indeed, without the overheads involved with renting out a property on the high-street, online retailers may pass sizeable discounts to customers which could reduce the need to shop around. With everything seemingly available at the click of a mouse, surely people will choose the option of sitting in the comfort of their own homes rather than fighting the swathes of shoppers this winter? However, like everything in life, there are pros and cons of choosing to buy presents online and there are issues that need to be addressed.
Straight to your door
Once the gift is paid for, shoppers are often promised fast delivery, hassle-free. But what happens if the wrong item is sent? Would it have been cheaper to go to the shops in the first place? Not necessarily so, according to the Guardian. The newspaper notes that its survey found that seven out of ten items on its Christmas wish-list could not be found anywhere cheaper other than Amazon. Guardian Money regularly scours online retailers during the festive run-up to find the best deals and let shoppers in on the secret. However, Amazon may appear to be the only place to know about.
"It suggests that shopping around the net in the traditional way - searching out the cheapest price for each individual purchase at price comparison websites and then ordering from a raft of different retailers - may now be redundant. Many online competitors have decided that if you can't beat them, join them."
But what about complaints about the store's delivery times? "Customers, so far at least, seem to be satisfied. Complaints about service and delivery by Amazon remain low," the newspaper concludes.
An empty mailbox?
Shoppers who buy gifts from the high-street have the confidence that they know the gift they have bought is in good condition, or is easily returnable. But how do you solve a problem with a faceless shop experience? What Consumer states that a seven-day period exists from the day the product is delivered for the item to be returned and a refund obtained. Furthermore, consumers should be aware that the delivery charges are often added near the end of a transaction, although many stores will provide free delivery over a certain amount.
"Unless you've agreed otherwise, the supplier must send the goods or carry out the service no more than 30 days after your initial order. If they can't, they must offer you another date, send you something else or give you your money back," What Consumer advises. Moreover, consumers should carefully read the terms and conditions and ensure that they untick or tick the relevant boxes which are often placed next to the small print, such as agreements to receive marketing mailings.
Another concern may be about fraudulent websites and stolen payment details. The consumer organisation says that payment pages should be encrypted, which can be seen by a padlock in the corner of the page. Additionally, online shoppers are automatically protected by the card issuer against fraudulent use of a payment card, while refunds can be claimed back if a person spent more than £100 on a credit card. Shoppers should be cautious of traders who demand payments through bank transfers or via a wire, What Consumer adds.
Swapping the web for local shops
Many local newspapers are calling for Christmas shoppers to buy their items locally in order to raise economies out of the financial downturn. Speaking to The Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News, Matthew Brown, the general manager of his parents' 40-year-old toyshop, says: "Anything which is supporting independent or local businesses I would support 100 per cent. I think it's important that people support our town centres otherwise they will just disappear and the supermarkets will take over."
Mr Brown adds: "It's worrying - everywhere could become like clone towns with the same national chains in every one."
So although online shopping could be the cheapest way to fill stockings this Christmas and the payment protection rights enjoyed by high-street consumers apply to internet bargain hunters too, could it be at the peril of independent and smaller stores, which are struggling with their overheads during the credit crunch and need their locals' custom more than ever before?
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