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Online shopping is the way to go this Christmas. Not only is it super easy, but it can save you lots of money, too. There are some brilliant online shopping websites offering a massive array of products with regular sales, promotions and even free delivery.
It’s important to be savvy when shopping online to ensure you’re getting the best deals arriving at your doorstep at the right time, with no complications. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when browsing online superstores.
Further reading: Do you wish you could buy more for your kids this Christmas?
Online shopping websites: What to look for before you buy
Where is the e-commerce site based?
Firstly, check you are shopping on a website based in the same country as you. If not, will they deliver to your location, and what is the timescale and cost? Also, if the site is overseas, check the currency and convert it to your own so you know exactly how much you are paying before you hit ‘buy’.
What are the delivery details?
Even if the website is based in the same country as you, check the ‘delivery page’ so you know how it all works. It might be that delivery is a set price or free over a certain spend. The top-notch shopping sites will also tell you how long it will take for delivery and dispatch. All this is worth knowing before you browse so you don’t get caught out with a huge delivery cost at the checkout or your item doesn’t reach you in time. Worst. Thing. EVER.
How do you return an item?
You might be 100% sure your item is perfect when you buy it, but you just never know. Disappointment at the opening stage is common and needs to be followed up with a swift return. Before you buy, double-check the site features to see how returns work. For example, are they free, and can you return easily to a local post office, or do they charge and make it super complicated? Again, knowing this before you buy is worthwhile as it will make you consider your purchase more carefully.
What deals can I get?
What we love most about shopping online are the deals and exclusive codes. They are often displayed really clearly on the website (think flashing banners in psychedelic colours) or along a banner at the top of the page. Check if the site offers free shipping. Some have a discount code to enter when you head to your shopping bag or at the checkout. There are lots of savvy hacks for online Christmas shopping. Make sure you are all over them.
What is customer service like?
More often than not, word-of-mouth will tell us how good a shopping experience is. Simply listen to what people say about them. If you’re new to a website, click on the customer service page and see what kind of information they provide. Is it detailed yet concise and clear? Or limited and over-complicated. We also like websites that display their contact information loud and proud, phone number included, so you can make contact easily if you need to.
Is there a review system?
All good e-commerce sites should have a review system that allows you to read other people’s experiences with the products you are considering buying. Take the time to read the reviews. Make sure they are relevant to the product in question and not for a different product, as is sometimes the case. Also, we need to get a feel for whether they are genuine as fake reviews (including ads!) are all around us; we just need to learn to see through them.
Ok, lesson over! You are now ready to shop on the Internet in 2024 with our list of websites for your retail therapy for great deals this Christmas. Shop with confidence in the comfort of your own home.
Further reading: Where to buy alcohol online in Australia.
Best Online Shopping Sites in Australia 2024
Crazy Sales
Crazy Sales is a favourite shopping destination for Australian bargain hunters. They offer thousands of products in every imaginable category and sell everything from jewellery to musical instruments to novelties. Customers love the after-sales service, fast delivery and rewards program. You'll love their range of activewear, handbags, and denim. Just don't expect to find fashion's biggest brands. The flash sales are also delightful.
Shein
Did you know that the hyper-popular online fashion shop for women’s apparel is also home to a wide range of household and garden items? Shein is not just one of the best online clothing stores. They also have everything from bedding to decor to cleaning supplies. What we love best about this shop is their frequent specials (honestly, there seems to be a deal for every day of the week) and huge markdowns during the sale season. Of course, Shein is not your destination if you're shopping for designer clothes like Balenciaga and Stella McCartney. Sometimes it offers free delivery on orders.
Payday Deals
Payday Deals is another discount retail paradise that is home to Australia’s best online offerings. They compile all the best internet deals in one place. Get deep discounts on a wide range of products, including homeware, gifts, pets and electronics.
OZ Sale
Endless specials and half-price bargains make OZ Sale a top online destination for people on a budget. You can be sure you're getting a good sale, at least price-wise. The entire website offers deals and more deals on men's, women's, baby and kids’ items, plus home, furniture, accessories and even beauty products.
Ebay
The original e-commerce website is still the go-to place for auction lovers and people looking for one-of-a-kind, vintage and exclusive items. EBay Australia’s Business and Industrial category is a must if you’re in the market for farm equipment, heavy machinery and manufacturing products. Sometimes, you will bump against high-end luxury brands as well. In fact, I snagged me a Bottega Veneta handbag and a Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses on it.
Best online stores for great deals this Christmas (cont.)
Bang Good
Bang Good is a one-stop eCommerce shop for everything you need, with thousands of products in categories that range from fashion to industrial and scientific, including carbon fiber and lab chemicals. The site scores highly on deliveries, payment options and 24/7 customer service.
Temu
If you're looking for a budget-friendly online shopping platform, Temu is definitely worth a visit! I’ve been using Temu throughout the year for well-priced kids’ clothes, and I can confidently say it's a treasure trove for budget-friendly finds. The site offers a wide variety of affordable clothing options for children, along with a delightful selection of toys, home décor, and holiday gifts, making it an ideal one-stop shop for the festive season. With frequent discounts and promotions, you can find quality items without breaking the bank, which is especially helpful for busy mums looking to stretch their holiday budgets further. Plus, the user-friendly interface and fast shipping make shopping a breeze.
Costway
Speaking true to its brand philosophy to redefine the meaning of living, Costway provides a myriad of fresh homeware choices to consumers. From home tools and gear products to stylish furniture and DIY projects, this shop has you covered for versatile home living without breaking the bank.
Mytopia
Mytopia is a fast-growing online store for home and lifestyle products. Some of their most popular categories are treadmills, sofas, solar panels, massage tables and electric bikes. The product selection is pretty extensive, and the site scores highly on customer service, delivery and quality (12-month warranty on most items).
Big W
Big W is an affordable shopping website for the whole family. They have everything you need, from party supplies to household cleaning products to kid's toys from local and international brands.
Light in the Box
The direct-to-consumer online retailer Light in the Box is known for its affordable apparel, gadgets and home and garden products. Specials are featured on top of the page so you don’t miss out. Also check out their made-to-measure evening and wedding dresses and other customised items.
More online shopping deal sites in Australia (cont.)
Amazon AU
Amazon has come a long way from its beginnings as an online bookstore in 1994 to becoming the world's one-stop destination for almost anything. Now, you can buy anything you want from the world’s leading shopping website, including digital products like streaming music and movies. Amazon Australia is the nation’s second-largest online retailer, the first being Myer.
It also carries lots of favourite Australian fashion brands such as Asos and Bondi, as well as international luxury fashion brands like Chloé, Acne Studios, Levi's, and Calvin Klein. Amazon is probably your best bet aside from Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, Ssense, and Outnet if looking to shop for designer brands, including Gucci and Prada.
Kogan
Kogan’s appeal lies in its variety of products on offer. It started in 2006 as an e-commerce platform selling mainly electronics before expanding to other categories. There's a whole feature of televisions, home theatre systems and electronics prominently.
DH Gate
Head to DH Gate if you are looking for great deals on quality electronics, appliances, and home improvement products. The popular budget shopping website was originally set up for business-to-business (B2B) sales, so the more you buy, the more you can save. Check out their top-ranking category and flash deals to save big on popular and trending items.
Bargains Online
Bargains Online is an online shopping website for all your household needs. Shop great deals on mattresses (from $209), furniture, outdoor, garden, kitchenware, kids toys, sports and more. Daily deals are featured prominently on their website to make sure you never miss out. We like their 30-day return policy on most products, fast delivery times and great customer support.
AliExpress
Alibaba’s sister site for online retail, AliExpress, is a must for direct-from-supplier items with matching bargain prices. Both shoppers and sellers love the endless variety of items available (over 100 million) at AliExpress. If you're a DIYer, foodie or fashionista, you’ll find all the essentials you need, plus fun, hard-to-find items. AliExpress is a must for Christmas shopping, but make sure to order well in advance due to long delivery times.
My Deal
My Deal is your ultimate online shopping destination for home and lifestyle. They have millions of products in their catalogue and a community that connects sellers with customers to make it super easy to find that elusive item you’re looking for. Don’t miss their Wine section–they have a huge selection of great brands for up to 75% off.
Harris Scarfe
You’ve probably shopped for bed linen and kitchen appliances at Harris Scarfe. This retail giant has been around for more than 170 years and has 43 stores all over the country selling homewares, apparel, intimates, travel and outdoor items. Other things to love about this online shopping website are excellent customer service and a price match guarantee.
Catch
Looking for the latest gear in tech, fashion and beauty, sports and even grocery? Catch a wide range of items from the brands you know and love at affordable deals (it’s massive!) here at Aussie's everyday online marketplace, Catch. Every deal is fast and eager, with a Push notification feature to keep you in touch. Plus, all items in your cart come with a full warranty.
More of the best shopping destinations on the internet
As the festive season draws near, it's the perfect time to dive into the best stores online for your Christmas shopping. Whether you're looking for designer fashion or trendy streetwear, online fashion boutiques like Dazie, Zimmermann, and Loewe have you covered for building your holiday wish list. With a mix of ready-to-wear pieces and stylish shoes and accessories, you can easily elevate your holiday wardrobe. They offer must-have items you might find to strike the right balance between high fashion and practicality.
For those wanting to shop with peace of mind, Everlane and Ganni deliver curated collections that cater to both Australian and international shoppers. Many of these sites also feature partner content showcasing their latest collections, and some even offer perks like free shipping or delivery on orders over a certain amount. Plus, with convenient click-and-collect options, your Christmas shopping just got easier.
If you're eyeing a one-stop shop, explore platforms that house designer brands like P.E. Nation and more, with accessories from over 700 brands. With so many options, you'll find the perfect gifts for your loved ones – or a fabulous treat for yourself – this holiday season!
