When shopping online, expect to pay delivery costs. If an online store includes delivery in their prices, expect the prices of your purchase to be higher than buying it at the local shopping centre.

Many online stores base their delivery costs on rates at Australia Post and so the costs will vary depending on where you are in relation to the location of the online store. For example, if the store you are ordering from is located in Sydney and you are in Perth, you can expect postage to be higher than for someone who is in Melbourne.

Some online stores have fixed rate postage, so no matter where you are, or what you buy, postage will be the same. Sometimes the fixed rate may be based on the number of items you buy. At some stores, the fixed rate will be slightly higher than if it was based on Australia Posts rates, however it may work out cheaper if you are further away from the main location of the online store.

Online stores should have their postage details outlined on their site in a place you can easily see it.  This may be listed on a separate page or in a FAQ section. It is well worth checking this out before you buy so you know how much you are likely to pay at check out.

Filed under: Shopping Online