Online delivery deadlines loom

By MICHAEL CLARKE
Updated:

 

BRITONS are expected to spend up to £150m a day online in the run up to Christmas, but shoppers had better get a move on if they want their presents to arrive in time for the big day.

Santa Claus

More than half of consumers will use the web to buy some of their gifts this year, up from just 2% in 1998, and up from a third last year. Around 6% plan to do all their shopping online.

According to the research from business services group Deloitte, shoppers prefer to use the websites of well-known High Street stores rather than trust smaller online-only retailers.

But Deloitte today warned shoppers that they should complete their orders early to ensure they receive their goods in time.

Most retailers have imposed a December 18 cut-off point for orders, but some will allow orders up to December 22 if the customers pays an extra delivery charge.

Richard Lloyd-Owen, a Deloitte partner, said: 'This year some consumers may fall victim to companies either losing or failing to deliver the correct orders. When you buy online it's often not clear who you can speak to when something goes wrong and consumers like to complain face-to-face. For high value items consumers should check the details of their order and print off a copy of the order confirmation for back up.'

Customers of online fashion retailer Asos already face an anxious wait after the company's warehouse was hit by the Buncefield oil depot blast. And Amazon, the biggest brand in online shopping, has come under fire after some customers were told they would not receive their pre-ordered Xbox 360 in time for Christmas.

To ensure consumers receive their goods, retailers recommended they choose special delivery services when ordering. Although this service is dearer, it means that orders can be tracked more effectively than those going through the normal postal system.

Most retailers are operating a duel pricing policy, so some goods are cheaper online than they would be in store.

Online shopping Christmas deadlines

CDs, books and games

Amazon: December 18 for normal post, December 20 for special delivery
HMV: December 19, December 22 for special delivery
CD-Wow: December 18
Play.com: December 20
Game: December 20, December 22 for special delivery
Toys R Us: December 19

General retailers

Woolworths: December 19
Argos: December 21 for small, non-furniture items
WH Smith: December 20
Gratton: December 19, December 22 for special delivery
Boots: December 19, December 21 for special delivery

Electrical Goods

Currys: December 17
Dixons: December 17
PC World: December 17
Comet: December 20

Clothing

Marks & Spencer: December 18, December 21 for special delivery
Next: December 18 (December 22 via special delivery)

Supermarkets

Tesco: Wine – December 17, groceries – December 21, books and entertainment – December 20
Sainsbury's: December 18
Waitrose (Ocado): December 18 for deliveries on 21 and 22, December 20 for delivery on 23, 24. Asda: last day for deliveries December 22.

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