5 ways to shop smartly online this Christmas.

I can’t be the only one who gets over excited about Christmas and keeps spotting little extras to add to peoples presents, so I often go completely over my limit without even meaning to or realising it. I am also not one for heading out to the shops any more, I used to love it, the lights, the sounds and smells would really show that Christmas is in the air. But my body just isn’t willing any more so I shop online and get everything delivered either straight to my own door or to the recipient.

But it’s worth remembering a few things when you are busy shopping online this year including:

1. Make sure your connection is secure.

When your off shopping on different websites and head for the payment page check there are a couple of different ways to check your connection is secure, first is that it includes https:// in the web address rather than https://. The second is with a lock image, either by the web-address or in a bottom corner, you can normally then click (or double click) on this icon and view all the safety information for that website.

2. Be wary of selling pages.

I’m not saying don’t use selling pages, I am sure most of us have grabbed a bargain or two from them over the years, but you do need to careful, especially when it comes to money changing hands.

If you are going to pick up an electrical item sure you can ask to see it working and if someone is posting items to you, paying goods via PayPal makes sure your covered should the item not arrive. Just remember you should never pay for goods by friends and family as that offers you no protection what so ever.

3. Shop around.

Whatever you are buying then it is well worth shopping around for the best deal possible. Take for instance if you find a great deal on something which is listed on a number catalogue website, then head over to creditcatalogues and have a look through to see what type of account would suit you best, as well as save you the most in the long run.

4. Coupons and Vouchers are your BFF.

At this time of year all the companies are vying for your business and as such special offers and discounts are everywhere. So remember to not only check well known voucher websites, but to follow your favourite business on social media and sign up to newsletters to be the first to hear about great offers and flash sales.

Sometimes you also find if you put things in your basket and click away from the website, while signed into your account within the next 24 hours the website will send you a reminder you haven’t checked out, along with a nice discount code to tempt you more.

5. Use a credit card. 

OK, ok please don’t look at me with your mouth open, there is a very good reason for this. Most credit card companies offer protection on purchases over a certain amount (I know on mine it’s £100), whereas debit cards often don’t.

So if you can’t pay via PayPal, I would 100% suggest allowing yourself this back up, should the worst happen, after all you can always pay the credit card straight off and sometimes you get cashback on purchases as well. So used wisely it can really work in your favour.

So that is five tips from me, but what about, what is your best shopping online smartly tip?