What to do when online Christmas shopping is delayed?

When Christmas is upon us, traditional gifts are part of family spending, especially if there are children. This year the forecast indicates a decrease in spending on gifts. At the same time, an increase in online shopping is expected for Christmas.

But what to do if the Christmas presents don’t arrive on time? It’s something you have to consider.

How to make a complaint about a purchase online

First of all, it is important that you know yours rights, as a consumer, when making purchases online.

What is the maximum delivery time for a purchase? online?

All purchases online They have a maximum delivery time of 30 daysunless you have agreed with the seller or the platform online, a different date. Furthermore, if the purchased product becomes unavailable, the seller is obliged to inform you and issue a refund.

Did you know that the Home insurance AND General Peace of mind can be of great help if your purchases online go wrong? In case of fraudulent use of payment methods, legal costs are covered. In case of orders onlineif the product that arrives at home does not correspond to what was purchased, or is defective, the assistance service will replace it or refund the amount paid, as long as it exceeds 30 euros.

How to get money back from a purchase online?

Sometimes the store where you made your purchases online may not contact you to refund your money. Remember, however, that you have the right to ask for the money you spent back!

These are the steps you need to follow:

1. Collect all the documentation that proves that you actually made an online purchase. THE e-mail with order confirmation, invoice, print screens of the purchase process or account statement. All supporting documents are useful;
2. Submit a written complaint to the store contact onlineattaching the documentation. We recommend providing some personal information, such as your full name or order number online. With this data it will be easier and faster to locate your order;
3. As a general rule, these types of complaints have a response time of 7 days. If the seller refuses to refund your money, be sure to save the response;
4. If the seller does not contact you, or is not satisfied with the response, you can ask for damages;
5. If after all these steps your case is not resolved, it is advisable to report the situation to higher authorities. Or the European online dispute resolution platform (RLL), or to a Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution.

👉 You may be interested in: look at this video from the General Directorate of Consumers on rights in online purchases

You have made the purchase onlinebut it hasn’t arrived yet? Don’t delete it yet!

Although it may seem contradictory, it is not always advisable to cancel the purchase immediately online. At least until you have an alternative Christmas present. If you already have a replacement gift and receive the purchase in the meantime onlineDon’t worry. You have 14 days to return it without having to provide any justification.

Alternative Christmas gifts

The seller confirmed that your order will not arrive on time and you can’t find this gift in other stores, online or physical? In that case, give free rein to your originality!

Here are 5 alternative ideas for last minute Christmas gifts.

1. Purchase a subscription to a digital service

In recent years the offer of various digital services has multiplied. From annual subscriptions ideal for cinephiles, such as HBO, Netflix, Disney+, SkyShowtime, of the film OR Amazon Prime Videountil access to all songs for 1 year, with the Spotify your Apple Music.

Do your children like video games? Choose to purchase a subscription to major console platforms, such as PlayStation NowA Xbox Game Pass your Nintendo Switch online. If you don’t have the video game you want, offer a menu of hundreds of games at no additional cost.

You can instead choose alternative and more cultural Christmas gifts. For example, a subscription Turn on OR Audibleto have unlimited access to e-books and audiobooks.

2. Have you ever thought about offering unforgettable experiences?

It is said that experiences are the gifts that age best over time. Why not choose to give a souvenir that will last a lifetime? A romantic weekend in the middle of the forest, that much-desired trip, or a week at Disneyland with the little ones at home.

✅ Since we’re talking about travel, this article may interest you: Did you know that traveling is good for your mental health?

3. Create a personalized gift basket

The best gifts are those that demonstrate how well we know the recipient.

How can you prove it? It’s very simple! Through a personalized basket! Take a box and fill it with small details that reveal the personality of the person who will receive it: yours hobby favorites, memories, memories, etc.

Will you give a gift to a Harry Potter fan? Includes a Gryffindor wand or scarf. If this person loves relaxing baths at home, create a self-care basket with a shower gel, body oil and massage roller.

The best thing about personalized baskets is that they serve any purpose! Of course, it may take some time to think about the elements that make this Christmas gift unique. But this is also a way to show affection and attention. Plus, with this type of original Christmas gifts, it’s hard to fail.

4. Opt for useful Christmas gifts

In the absence of a gift online that won’t arrive in time, the best solution is a little pragmatism. Think of a surprise that will be useful to you. This way it will definitely not fail and whoever receives it will be happy! For example, if the person you’re giving the gift to has just adopted a hybrid work model, buy something to help them organize their home office.

5. Prepare to voucher for purchase online that I would have loved to give

Even if the ideal is to give the gift at the right time, a “voucher for” is a good alternative, especially if the gift online What was late is exactly what I wanted to give. Choose (or make) a beautiful card and write a message explaining what the gift represents. Give the paper a cute twist (like sticking a chocolate candy on it) and you’ll see this voucher it will be very well received.