Internet shoppers have embraced new technology to keep Christmas costs down, says ParcelHero
Savvy internet shoppers have enthusiastically adopted new technology to keep their spending down and ensure their payments are secure this Christmas, says web-guru Roger Sumner-Rivers: founder of pioneering online international couriers ParcelHero.com.
Roger says: ‘Consumers have recognised the fact that buyers have more rights when ordering online, and are also using the latest digital technologies to ensure they keep a close reign on their budget, and make their purchases as secure as possible.’
A pre-Christmas poll revealed that 40 per cent of UK consumers planned to set a strict budget and stick to it. The majority of UK shoppers (59%) believed a prepaid card with a set limit to spend on it, would minimise the risk of overspending. They were also considering new payment technologies to help them stick to their budgets. Nearly one in ten are now using digital wallets to buy gifts and, this year, more than one in three were looking to use NFC payment methods, revealed the poll by Onepoll for digital payment experts Skrill.
In the US Roger says Apple Pay, which generates dynamic security codes for each transaction, rather than reveal bank card numbers, proved popular in those stores, such as Macys and Bloomingdales, which have welcomed the new system. Google Wallet, which uses secure transaction tokens, was also popular amongst security conscious buyers.
In the UK retailers are closely watching mobile software such as EE’s Cash on Tapp App to see how NFC (near Field Communiucations) will take off when used with a mobile device, although so far it’s limited to transactions under £20. A number of personal finance Apps have been very popular this Christmas in the UK. Money Dashboard enabled consumers to see how their finances were doing across accounts, while software such as Money Lover uses the Cloud to run apps across multiple platforms to monitor outgoings, and Spending Tracker enabled consumers to keep an eye on all their expenses, from gifts to coffees!
Says Roger: ‘We’ve seen the widespread adoption of technology to keep costs down and transactions secure when sending parcels. ParcelHero’s Paypal transactions have rocketed recently as customers have taken advantage of its added security when sending their Christmas gifts.’
Roger has one piece of final advice for last-minute shoppers still looking to buy online gifts for Christmas. ‘Customers know that they can send back goods if they are late – it’s a consumer right that gives online shopping a real advantage. However, if people buying now expect to get their items in time for Christmas, here’s a word of warning: they are unlikely to have a case for returning goods that don’t arrive before the 25th as late, as the delivery has to be ‘within reasonable time’ - generally considered to be 30 days. It’s only if the item is now being advertised as “In time for Christmas” that they will be entitled to reject late purchases. If you still need to have a gift for the big day, ensure the retailer is clearly saying this is deliverable’.
For more information see www.parcelhero.com
For more information please contact David Jinks, Head of PR, on david@parcelhero.com or by phone on 0208 7584962 (07772 055748 out of office hours)
Leading international online courier ParcelHero® strategically partners with the world's leading, logistics companies, including DHL, UPS and DPD to provide a flexible, cost-effective range of parcel delivery services to over 220 countries worldwide. Huge bulk purchasing power allows ParcelHero® to offer highly competitive pricing with no compromise in service quality.
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