Online shopping in Australia is booming, thanks to practical options like exclusive online deals , Christmas gift ideas, online boutiques, online grocery shopping and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The fact that you can do all your shopping in your pyjamas from the comfort of your bed doesn’t hurt either.
With Christmas just around the corner, online shopping can be a lifesaver for a busy bargain hunter.
This is a guide for anyone looking to pick up some tricks of the (online) trade.
Online shopping safety tips
Always make sure the site you are using has a secure checkout — you can check this by making sure the start of the website address is https:// — the ‘s’ stands for secure, and means no one else will be able to sneak a look at your credit card details.
If you’re unsure about anything else on an online shop you can check their terms and conditions, privacy policy and complaints procedures — make sure you’re happy with these before you hit ‘pay now’.
For a full list of your rights as an online shopper check out the ACCC’s Online Shopper’s Checklist and Choice’s online buying guide.
Online shopping money saving tips
Lookout for websites offering sales and discounts and try to buy in bulk if you want more than one item to minimise credit card transaction fees and delivery fees, some sites offer free delivery over a certain amount spent.
Also favourable currency exchange rates mean that your Aussie dollar will go further in online stores in the UK and USA. Use a currency converter to double check the cost.
Online Shopping with Coles and Woolworths
Get your weekly grocery shop delivered to your door or take advantage of the free pick options.
Shopping online gives you the opportunity to make the most of any deals or specials a grocery store may have going on.
Online shopping Kmart and Target
Kmart and Target also offer online shopping and often have free delivery deals.
Get your Christmas shopping delivered to your door!
Other great online shopping websites
Credit cards, savings accounts and loans — Rate City
Flights — SkyScanner
Holidays — Expedia.com.au
Computer, electronics, jewellery, photography and household items from about 250 Australian retailers — Ausprices.com.au
Electrical: Lookout for online sales to maximise your savings.
Free listings for anything and everything — Gum Tree
Cars — Car Point
Holiday homes — Stayz
Houses — Domain
Books, DVDs and games — Amazon has just launched in Australia so we are in luck for Christmas!
Personalised greeting cards created online, posted in the receiver’s country — Moonpig cards
Perfume — The Perfume Connection
Flowers — Interflora
