Title: Market Savings: A Guide to Free and Affordable Shipping for Australian Online Shoppers
Description: Learn how to save money on shipping costs when shopping online in Australia. Find out which sites offer free shipping, promo codes, and other tips to get the best deals.
Keyword: free shipping Australia
# Market Savings: A Guide to Free and Affordable Shipping for Australian Online Shoppers
Online shopping is a convenient and fun way to buy the products you want without leaving your home. But sometimes, the shipping costs can be a deal-breaker. No one likes to pay extra fees for delivery, especially when they are higher than the price of the item itself.
Fortunately, there are ways to save money on shipping costs when shopping online in Australia. In this guide, we will share some tips and tricks to help you get free or affordable shipping on your online purchases. We will also recommend some of the best online shopping sites that offer free shipping, promo codes, and other benefits for Australian customers.
## Why is shipping so expensive in Australia?
Shipping costs depend on many factors, such as the size, weight, and destination of the package, the carrier, the service level, and the customs duties and taxes. Australia is a large and isolated country, which means that it can be more expensive and time-consuming to ship goods from overseas or even within the country.
According to a report by Australia Post, the average cost of sending a 500g parcel within Australia was $8.95 in 2020, while the average cost of sending a 500g parcel from China to Australia was $18.90. The report also found that Australia ranked 10th out of 12 countries in terms of domestic parcel prices, and 9th out of 12 countries in terms of international parcel prices.
Some of the reasons why shipping is so expensive in Australia are:
– The lack of competition among carriers. Australia Post is the dominant player in the domestic market, while DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT are the main international carriers. These companies have high operating costs and profit margins, which are passed on to consumers.
– The low population density and large distances between cities. Australia has a population of about 25 million people spread over an area of 7.7 million square kilometres. This means that there are fewer customers and more kilometres to cover for each delivery, which increases the fuel and labour costs for carriers.
– The complex customs and quarantine regulations. Australia has strict rules for importing goods from overseas, especially for food, plants, animals, and other biosecurity risks. These rules require additional paperwork, inspections, fees, and delays for shippers and customers.
– The exchange rate fluctuations and inflation. The Australian dollar can vary significantly against other currencies, which affects the cost of importing goods from overseas. Inflation can also increase the cost of living and doing business in Australia, which affects the prices of goods and services.
Source: IAB Australia
## Online Shoppers: How to save money on shipping costs when shopping online in Australia
Despite the high shipping costs in Australia, there are ways to reduce or avoid them when shopping online. Here are some of the most effective methods:
– Look for free shipping offers.
Many online shopping sites offer free shipping on eligible orders over a certain amount or with a membership program. For example, Amazon offers free delivery on millions of eligible items with an Amazon Prime membership, while THE ICONIC offers free shipping on orders over $50. You can also use Finder’s free shipping guide to find out which sites offer free shipping to Australia for online shopping.
– Use promo codes and coupons.
Promo codes and coupons are another way to get free or discounted shipping on your online orders. You can find them on sites like Finder, OzBargain, or RetailMeNot, or by subscribing to newsletters or following social media accounts of your favourite online stores. Some promo codes and coupons may have expiry dates or minimum spend requirements, so make sure to read the terms and conditions before using them.
– Compare prices and shipping options.
Before you buy anything online, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and shipping options from different sites. You may find that some sites offer lower prices or faster delivery than others, or that some sites include shipping costs in their prices while others charge them separately. You can use tools like Google Shopping, Shopbot, or Price Hipster to compare prices and deals from various online stores.
– Shop locally or regionally.
Shopping from local or regional online stores can help you save money on shipping costs because they have shorter delivery distances and lower customs fees than international stores. You can also support local businesses and reduce your environmental impact by shopping locally or regionally.
Source: Australia Post
Some of the best local or regional online shopping sites in Australia are:
- Kogan: Kogan is a leading online retailer that sells electronics, appliances, furniture, fashion, and more at competitive prices. Kogan offers free shipping on eligible items with a Kogan First membership, fast dispatch on most products, and Afterpay and Zip as payment options.
- Etsy: Etsy is a global marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Etsy offers free shipping on some items, and you can filter your search by location to find Australian sellers.
- SHEIN: SHEIN is a global fashion site that offers trendy and affordable clothing, shoes, accessories, and more for women, men, and kids. SHEIN offers free shipping on orders over $59, free returns and exchanges within 60 days, and Afterpay as a payment option.
- Myer: Myer is Australia’s largest department store chain that sells a wide range of products from fashion, beauty, homewares, toys, and more. Myer offers free shipping on orders over $49, free returns within 30 days, and Afterpay and Zip as payment options.
– Shop in bulk or bundle your orders.
Shopping in bulk or bundling your orders can help you save money on shipping costs by reaching the minimum spend threshold for free shipping or by reducing the number of parcels you need to pay for. You can also split the shipping costs with your friends or family by ordering together and sharing the items. However, be careful not to overbuy or buy unnecessary items just to get free shipping, as this may end up costing you more in the long run.
– Choose a slower or cheaper delivery option.
If you’re not in a hurry to receive your order, you can choose a slower or cheaper delivery option to save money on shipping costs. Some online shopping sites offer standard, express, or priority delivery options with different prices and delivery times. You can also choose to pick up your order from a nearby store or locker if the site offers this option. However, make sure to check the tracking information and delivery confirmation of your order to avoid losing or missing it.
## Quick takeaways
Shipping costs can be a major factor in online shopping decisions for Australian customers. However, there are ways to save money on shipping costs by looking for free shipping offers, using promo codes and coupons, comparing prices and shipping options, shopping locally or regionally, shopping in bulk or bundling your orders, and choosing a slower or cheaper delivery option.
By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy online shopping without breaking the bank on shipping costs. You can also find some of the best online shopping sites that offer free shipping, promo codes, and other benefits for Australian customers in this guide.
Happy shopping!