Hi, my name is Gracie Carroll and I’m a shopaholic; I’ve been a shopaholic ever since I was old enough to say “Mommy, I want that.”, and have even managed to turn my habit into a career where I share my favourite shopping finds with others. As you can imagine, I was a very early adopter of online shopping, and even created by own online store last year called The Chic Canuck to help you shop super chic, Canadian brands in one online space. In my opinion, there’s little that compares to the ease and convenience of online shopping because whatever it is your heart desires can show up at your doorstep with just a few clicks of a button. Magic!
As much as I love online shopping, there is of course the danger to your credit card that comes with it. And no, I don’t mean credit card scamming, I mean the endless products that pop up on your screen that you never knew you needed that are just so easy to add to your shopping cart. How does one’s online shopping bill go from zero to 100 so quickly? The temptation is real, guys.
Trust me, I (probably more than anyone) fall victim to this all the time. Even just last week I was putting together the 12 Things I’d Pack For a Dreamy Wardrobe in Punta Cana and ended up purchasing these gorgeous Prabal Gurung booties from Shopbop before the post was even published.
Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, a recent TD survey found that when it comes to purchasing gifts for loved ones, instead of battling the busy malls, more than seven in 10 (72%) of Canadians surveyed do at least some of the holiday shopping online. This, to me, makes a lot of sense as someone who A. hates shopping in large crowds, and B. has a busy schedule and relies on the convenience of online shopping to help check off everyone on my gift list.
While online shopping may have its conveniences, there can also be the impulse to splurge and overspend. The TD survey found that over one-third (37%) of those surveyed who do most of their holiday shopping online are more likely to say they spend more than they would in store. I only need to take one quick glance at my new lace boots to know this stat is too true.
To help you, and me, plan our online holiday shopping without breaking the bank this year, I’m sharing some key online shopping tips from TD Bank and Cathie Mostowyk, online shopping expert and president of Shoestring Shopping Guide Inc. See what Cathie has to say below!
PICK YOUR PRICE:
Canadians love a good bargain. The TD survey found that 57 per cent of Canadians surveyed shop online looking for better pricing. You can use online shopping to compare prices so you can help ensure you get the best deal without having to face a crowded mall.
SIGN UP FOR SAVINGS:
Sign up with your favourite retailers for their email updates. They often send out information about upcoming sales, or special pricing and offers for their subscribers.
CONSIDER INTERNATIONAL EXPENSES:
If you’re like the 39 per cent of Canadians who shop online for the ability to shop with international retailers, make sure you factor in duty taxes, exchange rates, and consider the return shipping costs, as those costs can quickly add up.
CUT SHIPPING COSTS:
Many stores offer reduced or even free shipping with a minimum dollar amount spent. Think about how many people you can cross off your list from one retailer – it can help save you time and money.
There you have it folks! Be savvy this holiday season, and shop smart when you’re shopping online!
xo
*Please note this post has been brought to you by TD Bank, all opinions are my own*
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