It’s a buyers’ market online this Christmas

The competition is hot online this Christmas with retailers cutting prices in addition to the reduction in VAT, according to Shopping.com, an eBay company.

David Mackenzie, UK country manager of the online price comparison site says, ‘It’s the year of the tactical shopper, browsing comparison sites to find the best deal. It’s a buyers’ market and as a result it won’t be difficult to find a bargain.’

Top online trends this Christmas

Buyers browse before swooping – consumers are looking at price comparison sites like uk.shopping.com to get the best deal available.

Electrical goods – top products for click throughs on shopping.com are: Playstation 3s, Microsoft Xboxes and Nintendo games consoles; TVs from Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba; iPods; Nintendo Wii games; Canon, Sony and Fujifilm digital cameras; Toshiba, Sony and Acer laptops; Sony DVD players and the DVD in the top spot is Mamma Mia.

Most popular shopping categories – Fragrances, Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren for the ladies, and Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein for men, Toys such as a Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet, High School Musical 3 Dance Mat and an almost real-life My Lovin’ Pup, MP3s, Shoes/Boots from Emu, Garage Shoes and Fly, Flat Panel TVs, Video Game Consoles, and PS3 Video Games Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV and Sony’s Gran Turismo 5 Prologue still topping the charts.

Shoppers delay purchasing top price goods – while flat panel TVs are still on many Christmas lists, shoppers are leaving ‘big ticket’ item purchases until the last minute to get the best bargains.

Despite the financial crisis, predictions are that millions of Britons will choose to shop online so that they can save time looking for bargains, avoid the crowds, miss the traffic, and save the cost of parking, petrol or fares.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING ONLINE

Select a price comparison site with an extensive network - uk.shopping.com links directly to the largest network of retailers with the best prices, including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Curry’s and Dixon’s.

Delivery dates – check the last day for ordering so that you’re not too late. This differs from site to site and product to product. For example, Marks & Spencer flowers and chocolates can be ordered as late as December 20th for delivery on the 23rd.

Other addresses – check out the site’s policy. Some sites, such as Amazon and Marks & Spencer, provide a gift wrapping service and deliver presents direct to any address. Others will not accept a different address from that of the credit card holder – particularly if it’s the first order.

Some online shopping facts:

In one minute record online sales reached £750,000 in Britain on December 10th 2007.

December 1st is when online Christmas shoppers traditionally start to order.

Monday is the busiest day after browsing, discussing and deciding on the weekend.

For more information, visit shopping.com