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Technology > Online Shopping > Guide to online shopping
Guide to online shopping
13th Jan 2011
With record numbers of Australians shopping online during 2010, securing a bargain almost became a national past-time. Webmaster Drew shares valuable hints, tips and warnings to ready you for the world of online shopping.
Hints and Tips
When shopping online it is important to take advantage of the three key areas of benefit listed below. The simple fact is, even with shipping costs, the prices on these websites are cheaper than the outrageous mark-ups we ensure here in most physical Australian chain stores. But it is important to maximise savings and take every advantage to make your online shopping experience worthwhile.
Buy in bulk
If you are buying items, buy big, and if possible, buy from the same ‘store’ or seller. Buying big is important because you will save a bundle on shipping costs as well as the costs you would have spent in Australia. If you buy three items from the same store in one purchase, instead of three separate purchases sporadically over six months, you would be spending somewhere in the region of $25-30 for shipping instead of $50-60, depending on the size of the item.
Try used
Second hand items can be bought at drastically reduced prices. While many may feel trepidation at buying used clothing or footwear, you should not feel hesitation when buying entertainment like books, CDs etc. Amazon provides quality ratings (usually in %) beside the items, ensuring that you will be satisfied with the item, as well as bagging a bargain.
Watch exchange rates
The most important thing, considering you may be buying from overseas stores, is to watch overseas exchange rates. When the Australian dollar reached parity with the US dollar, it was the best time to shop online.
Successful bidding on EBay
Almost everyone has looked at items on eBay or even tried to purchase something, perhaps unsuccessfully. Here are three handy tips for successful bidding.
Set limits
Set yourself a limit and do not go over it. Make sure you know how much the product would cost retail, and subtract the postage fee from this price, and then you will see the price level to which you need to bid.
Clock watch
When bidding, only bid in the final hour. Bidding before this time generally will only raise the final purchase price. If you cannot be at the computer at the time of auction ending, set your limit ahead of time, and put this as your maximum bid.
Buzzer beat
The last minute bid. Everyone gets frustrated at the auctioning system, but you can use it to your advantage to get the product every time. As long as you have a fast broadband connection, you can keep refreshing the auction page (F5 button) to see how long is left on the auction and post your bid in the last 10 seconds to secure the product.
Warnings
Watch for fakes
If a Ralph Lauren suit is retailing at $1899 but is selling on a website based out of Burkina Faso for $3.50 there is a small chance the suit may be fake. Stay on trusted websites, and for big ticket items, ask for a certificate of authenticity if they do not already provide one.
Size it up
There is a distinct difference between American, UK and Australian sizes. It is important to remember when buying clothes online you must check your measurements. Use centimetre or inch measurements and order online using this as a guide. Do not use the M – L - XL unit of measurement, as this may lead to an ill-fitting garment and a headache when it comes to arranging a return.
Check it out
Just because a website looks good doesn’t mean it is good. Make sure to look around the internet and find out what other shoppers say. Sites like Epinions.com or Epinions.com or shopzilla.com have customer evaluations which can help you determine both the legitimacy of a company and the quality of their products.
Wait!
Online stores are becoming more and more like physical stores every day. However, since it is online and instantaneous, people log on, buy what they want and log off, assuming they have saved enough money. The savvy online shopper will watch, and wait. Online stores hold sales and two-for-one deals just like a regular physical store, and often have days where they have free or reduced shipping. If you’re patient, keep an eye on your favourite online stores and play your cards right, you could reap the benefits.
Hints and Tips
When shopping online it is important to take advantage of the three key areas of benefit listed below. The simple fact is, even with shipping costs, the prices on these websites are cheaper than the outrageous mark-ups we ensure here in most physical Australian chain stores. But it is important to maximise savings and take every advantage to make your online shopping experience worthwhile.
Buy in bulk
If you are buying items, buy big, and if possible, buy from the same ‘store’ or seller. Buying big is important because you will save a bundle on shipping costs as well as the costs you would have spent in Australia. If you buy three items from the same store in one purchase, instead of three separate purchases sporadically over six months, you would be spending somewhere in the region of $25-30 for shipping instead of $50-60, depending on the size of the item.
Try used
Second hand items can be bought at drastically reduced prices. While many may feel trepidation at buying used clothing or footwear, you should not feel hesitation when buying entertainment like books, CDs etc. Amazon provides quality ratings (usually in %) beside the items, ensuring that you will be satisfied with the item, as well as bagging a bargain.
Watch exchange rates
The most important thing, considering you may be buying from overseas stores, is to watch overseas exchange rates. When the Australian dollar reached parity with the US dollar, it was the best time to shop online.
Successful bidding on EBay
Almost everyone has looked at items on eBay or even tried to purchase something, perhaps unsuccessfully. Here are three handy tips for successful bidding.
Set limits
Set yourself a limit and do not go over it. Make sure you know how much the product would cost retail, and subtract the postage fee from this price, and then you will see the price level to which you need to bid.
Clock watch
When bidding, only bid in the final hour. Bidding before this time generally will only raise the final purchase price. If you cannot be at the computer at the time of auction ending, set your limit ahead of time, and put this as your maximum bid.
Buzzer beat
The last minute bid. Everyone gets frustrated at the auctioning system, but you can use it to your advantage to get the product every time. As long as you have a fast broadband connection, you can keep refreshing the auction page (F5 button) to see how long is left on the auction and post your bid in the last 10 seconds to secure the product.
Warnings
Watch for fakes
If a Ralph Lauren suit is retailing at $1899 but is selling on a website based out of Burkina Faso for $3.50 there is a small chance the suit may be fake. Stay on trusted websites, and for big ticket items, ask for a certificate of authenticity if they do not already provide one.
Size it up
There is a distinct difference between American, UK and Australian sizes. It is important to remember when buying clothes online you must check your measurements. Use centimetre or inch measurements and order online using this as a guide. Do not use the M – L - XL unit of measurement, as this may lead to an ill-fitting garment and a headache when it comes to arranging a return.
Check it out
Just because a website looks good doesn’t mean it is good. Make sure to look around the internet and find out what other shoppers say. Sites like Epinions.com or Epinions.com or shopzilla.com have customer evaluations which can help you determine both the legitimacy of a company and the quality of their products.
Wait!
Online stores are becoming more and more like physical stores every day. However, since it is online and instantaneous, people log on, buy what they want and log off, assuming they have saved enough money. The savvy online shopper will watch, and wait. Online stores hold sales and two-for-one deals just like a regular physical store, and often have days where they have free or reduced shipping. If you’re patient, keep an eye on your favourite online stores and play your cards right, you could reap the benefits.
