Online shopping tips for this holiday season
A lot of shopping has shifted online this past year due to the safety concerns and store capacity limits that resulted from the COVID-19 Pandemic. While it is still an option to mask up, grab a bottle of hand sanitizer, and head out to your favorite stores, shopping online is a quick and easy option to get everything you need from the comfort of your couch. Here are some of our favorite tips to make your online shopping experience as seamless as possible.
Start shopping early
Many more people are choosing to shop online this year, which means both stores and the mail services are going to be far more busy and you may see shipping and handling delays. Get your orders in as soon as possible to make sure your purchases arrive on time and that your items aren’t backordered.
Navigate your options
Just because you’re shopping online doesn’t mean you have to shop at the same predictable big box stores–many unique small businesses have built out their online shops to offer customers a safe and easy alternative to in-person shopping during the pandemic. Take a minute to Google your favorite spots and see what online options are available.
Opt for curbside pick-up
Many of your favorite local shops may offer a contact-free or curbside pick-up option where you can simply pull up to the store and an associate brings your online purchases to your car at no extra cost. If you don’t want to wait for your package to arrive in the mail or want to avoid a shipping and handling fee, look for a curbside pick-up option when you’re paying for your online order.
Ship directly to your recipient
If you’re worried whether a gift you ordered will arrive on time, you can have it sent directly to the recipient. This option makes gift shopping a cinch–many stores give you the option to have your present wrapped before it is sent and include a gift receipt for easy returns.
Sign up for the newsletter
Many websites offer a small discount if you sign up for their newsletter or send out coupon codes through emails. It can be worth it to sign up and see what the special offers are available–you can always unsubscribe later.
Shop online at the mercantile
The Mercantile is your local Rock Hill, SC gift store. Give the perfect present this year by shopping with us. We have tons of products that would make the perfect gifts for your friends and family!