Shopping online can indeed be a savvy way to save money if you know how to navigate the digital marketplace effectively.
Australian shoppers exhibit remarkable resourcefulness, diligently scouring various avenues to secure the best bargains and access a wider array of products.
Although the advent of Amazon Australia was heralded as a seismic shift in the Australian retail industry, the true disruptor emerged with the implementation of new GST regulations in July 2018. These regulations mandate that any international retailer surpassing the $75,000 AUD turnover threshold for GST registration must levy a 10% tax on all goods shipped to Australia.
Before, Australian consumers could procure items from overseas vendors valued below $1,000 AUD without incurring GST. However, these alterations have prompted certain international retailers, such as Amazon, to restrict Australian shoppers from making purchases beyond its Australian platform.
For those accustomed to Amazon for online shopping bargains, fret not — numerous options abound to ensure you maximise the value of your online shopping endeavours.
Browser-based Plugins for Discounts and Coupons
Imagine always securing the greatest savings whenever you shop online. Thanks to browser plugins, this becomes effortless. These plugins diligently track discounts and cash-back opportunities, notifying you automatically.
Simply create an account, then install the extensions onto your browser. Whenever you visit a participating retailer, you’ll be promptly informed of any available offers. Also, these plugins let you shop directly through their platform for added convenience.
Online Shopping Events
Since 2012, Click Frenzy has been generating 24 hours of shopping frenzy annually, offering time-limited discounts during its event-based sale. While the most prominent Click Frenzy event occurs on the second Tuesday of November, aiming to jumpstart Christmas shopping with best deals and exclusive offers, additional events have been incorporated throughout the year.
Despite Australian shoppers having access to Amazon, albeit with a more limited product selection, they were introduced to Prime Day for the first time in 2018. Prime Day is Amazon’s yearly sale extravaganza tied to its subscription service, Prime, which provides expedited delivery and other perks. Although the response to Australia’s inaugural Prime Day was underwhelming, it remains worth monitoring to gauge whether the retailer can enhance the service in the coming years.
Marketplace Sites
The Catch Group, headquartered in Australia, operates prominent marketplace platforms such as catch.com.au and scoopon.com.au, featuring daily discounts on a wide array of products, dining experiences, events, and activities. These brands regularly send emails with the latest promotions, and customers have the convenience of shopping at any time through their websites.
OzBargain serves as a collaborative platform for deals, where users contribute both online and offline offers spanning various categories including food, beverages, technology, fashion, home goods, entertainment, educational courses, internet services, and telecommunications. Users have the option to set up alerts for specific items and participate in sharing discovered deals within the community.
Student Deals
Platforms such as UNiDAYS and studentdiscounts.com.au provide excellent opportunities to discover bargains on popular brands across diverse categories. Also, companies like Microsoft and Adobe extend discounts to students and educational professionals.
Tip: Accessing student discounts often requires a university or TAFE email address or proof of student status.
Online Shopping Safety
Making purchases with just a few clicks has never been more convenient. As retailers continue to innovate and find new ways to attract customers, safeguarding your information is increasingly crucial. With the proliferation of online retailers, distinguishing legitimate sites from dubious ones can be challenging.
To ensure your online shopping experience remains secure, consider the following tips:
- Always verify that the URL begins with “https” and confirm the presence of the padlock security symbol on every page of an online store. This guarantees the safety of your data during transactions.
- Seek independent, third-party reviews for unfamiliar online stores.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for shopping to prevent potential security breaches.
- Keep your device protected with up-to-date virus and malware software.
- Consistently check your statements for unauthorised transactions.
- If you suspect any unauthorised activity, promptly contact your bank or card provider.
By employing these strategies, you can make the most out of your online shopping experience and save money in the process.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official financial advice. QUICKLE has no working relationships or financial interests with any online shopping service or government agency.
