Shipping Prices On The Rise: Here’s How To Tackle Bigger Bills In 2022

James Andrews, senior personal finance editor at money.co.uk said: “As the cost of living is expected to increase even further this year it’s no surprise Brits are worried about getting by, and this week’s announcement by Next will only add to their financial stress.

“There’s nothing you can do to stop a business putting prices up, however it is possible to minimise your losses by clawing back cash where you can or shopping elsewhere if it’s cheaper.

“When it comes to buying online, there are various tools you can use to compare prices and make sure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

“Using Google shopping, you can filter your search results by price, retailer, rating delivery and lots more. Once you have selected the item you want, just click 'compare prices’ to see how much every available retailer is charging.

“There are a number of other sites that can help you bag a bargain online. CamelCamelCamel shows you how the price of products on Amazon have changed over time, while PriceRunner allows users to compare costs on a range of products. Tools like this will help you buy your item from the right retailer at the right time.

“Remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best option. Some retailers will offer extras such as warranties, insurance, or repair and replace services on goods. In some cases, paying that little bit extra could save you cash in the long run.

“Another way to get ahead is by taking advantage of loyalty schemes. They allow you to collect points, which you can then redeem for discounts on shopping and other benefits to help you save on your shopping. Dozens of popular high street stores including Boots, Waterstones and Superdrug all offer schemes like this.

“Savvy shoppers should also take advantage of discount codes and vouchers offered up by many high street retailers. Some major stores will offer you a 5-15% discount on your first purchase if you sign up to their email newsletter, which you can always unsubscribe from at a later date. Meanwhile sites will often advertise voucher codes that you can redeem at checkout to bag a discount.

“Another simple tip is to take advantage of sales wherever possible. This month, lots of retailers are offering stock leftover from Christmas at a cut price in order to make way for 2022 lines, giving you a great opportunity for you to land a deal. Meanwhile, the spring sales usually begin in March, so if you’re not desperate to buy an item now, you can bide your time until the next sales period begins. .

“Finally, you need to know your rights if you have purchased online and your order is delayed or hasn’t arrived. The first thing to remember is that it’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure you get your purchase. If there’s a problem, then notify them - not the delivery firm - immediately. They should be the ones to chase the courier for answers, not you.

“If the seller says they have delivered your item or that they don’t know where it is, then it is your right to ask for a redelivery. If you have lost faith and no longer want to do business with the seller, then you might be able to ask for a refund. Read the terms and conditions to find out your options.

“You are legally entitled to cancel your order and ask for your money back if you have waited more than 30 days for an item to arrive, whether it has been purchased in store or online. Meanwhile, if you ordered something like an event ticket that needed to arrive on time but didn’t, you’re within your rights to ask for a refund."

For more information about your refund rights, see money.co.uk’s guide here: https://www.money.co.uk/guides/your-refund-rights-explained.htm