Top tips on how to save on shipping costs for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas season

The sales are coming and while it can mean bargains galore in your basket, it can also add up to hefty shipping costs.

But an expert says there are various way to also save money on shipping while shopping online for bargains, especially with Black Friday deals happening on November 29, followed by Cyber Monday in early December then the Christmas period.

Mal Siriwardhane said it was vital for shoppers to pay attention to shipping costs as they could quickly eat into savings made on bargains.

“We are expecting to see a significant surge in the amount of items being purchased online this year as we approach Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the festive season in general,” the B dynamic Logistics chief executive said.

“Many retailers are responding to the cost of living crisis with significant deals such as discounts, bundle offers and other incentives to assist consumers to shop well.

“With so many retailers offering incredible deals, it is important that consumers think carefully about how they can maximise their spend this year on a budget.

“Delivery costs can add up but there are ways to minimise or even avoid these costs altogether.”

Mr Siriwardhane said planning ahead could bring great savings, such as working out what you wanted and putting them on one delivery charge.

“Many retailers offer free shipping at times to encourage more sales at different times of the year,” he said.

“Consumers can benefit from these offers by staying connected with brands and retailers.

“When these offers come up, consumers can take advantage of the free shipping offers and save quite a bit of money.

“Many retailers offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount. If your combined purchases meet or exceed that threshold, you can save on delivery fees.

“This is why it is a good idea to carefully consider your purchases and where possible purchase as many things at once within the one basket online.

“This will help you to reach the threshold for free delivery, thereby saving you quite a bit of money.”

Mr Siriwardhane said another shipping cost-saving measure was to opt for slower delivery.

“For retailers that offer fast and super-fast delivery options, they normally charge a premium fee for it,” he said.

“If you do your festive shopping early and with plenty of time to spare, the less expensive delivery speeds are better for your wallet.

“The key is to plan and be well prepared. Last minute shoppers tend to pay more for delivery.”

Mr Siriwardhane said combining shipping was also an often missed cost saver.

“When buying multiple items from the same retailer or seller, they may combine shipping into one package, reducing the overall delivery cost compared to placing separate orders and this can often save you quite a bit of money,” he said.

“Some sellers offer shipping discounts or even free shipping when buying in bulk or purchasing larger quantities of items.”

It was also worth turning to the often forgotten subscription offers such as those linked to watching Amazon Prime.

“Online platforms like Amazon offer subscription models such as Amazon Prime where you pay an annual or monthly fee for free or reduced shipping on multiple orders,” Mr Siriwardhane said.

“Paying a subscription fee can not only save you money in the long run, it can also mean that you are able to access same day or even ‘on demand’ delivery services for no additional cost.

“On demand services often involve delivery within a matter of hours.”

TIPS FOR SAVING ON SHIPPING

• Look for free shipping offers or take advantage of retailers’ free shipping thresholds
• Combine your orders to reduce delivery fees as many retailers bundle shipping
• Consider subscription services like Amazon Prime for free or discounted shipping on multiple orders
• Opt for slower delivery options to save more, especially if you plan your shopping in advance