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How to avoid paying for postage and packaging

One of the most infuriating parts of online shopping is having to pay for delivery, and most of us are no strangers to shopping elsewhere if delivery is an additional cost.

But before you close that tab, give some of these tips a go to get a discount on your delivery fees.

Some articles on the site contain affiliate links, which provide a small commission to help fund our work. However, they won’t affect the price you pay or our editorial independence. Read more here.

Top up your order with everyday essentials

Some shops only offer free delivery if you spend above a threshold. This is often really annoying, especially when you’re just a few quid out.

Try to avoid websites which help you find random cheap items such as washers that you don’t need – you’re still paying extra when you do this and these items are likely to just end up in the bin.

Instead, keep a list of those everyday essentials you know you’ll need at some point, like stamps, batteries or hand soap – all of which can be bought at Amazon, Tesco, Ocado, and other major supermarket websites. When you’re falling short, just add some of these in.

Top up your order with returnable items

An alternative is to add items you know you don’t want with the intention of returning them. Andy’s done this with John Lewis to get to the £50 threshold before.

Since anything you buy online can be returned within 14 days of you receiving the goods, the shops have to refund you. The only exception is anything that has been customised or is perishable.

Sign up for a delivery pass free trial

A few stores will offer a free trial of a delivery pass, usually giving unlimited deliveries or at least some money off. 

However, be careful that this trial doesn’t become one you pay for afterwards if you don’t think it offers value. And even then, the idea behind this type of membership is to encourage you to keep shopping with them, as opposed to shopping around, which might work out cheaper even if you have to pay for delivery.

Collect in-store or at a locker

Another option to reduce delivery fees is to order online and then collect in-store or at a locker, with this often done for free. Yes, this does mean you have to go to the shops, but at least you know what you are buying will be there when you arrive, and you’re much less likely to throw extra impulse items in the basket.

Plus, you can check your purchase at the shop. So if you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit you can usually return it there and then, saving an extra trip. 

Rather cheekily, some retailers still charge for click-and-collect, but it’s worth a go.

Get a free delivery code

This can be a bit more work, but some retailers often have a free delivery code. The best bet is to have a little Google and see what comes up. If you’re signed up to their mailing list, check if you have an email offering free delivery.

Be careful if you are using a cashback site, as you might find the cashback claim is rejected for combining offers. Be sure to check the terms and conditions.

There are also some browser extensions available that will notify you if they find a deal – Zoe in the team has had some good luck with PayPal’s Honey in the past.

You could also try asking for a free delivery code on live chat via the website and see if they can do something for you. 

Or, put the items you want to buy in your basket, leave it a little while, and see if the retailer pops you an email to ask if you’ve forgotten to check out — there’s sometimes a discount code or free delivery code to give you that extra push.

Check other retailers

It’s also worth checking that the item isn’t for sale at another shop with free or cheaper delivery. Even if the item itself costs more, the total amount including delivery could well be less.

Price matching can be a great way to pick up free delivery at the same low price you spot elsewhere.

It pays to get the lowest price, even after you’d bought something.

Shopping around is key to getting a decent price. You can do this by using comparison sites such as PriceSpy or Idealo. Now, you’d think the next step would be to buy the items at the cheapest shop.

But actually it can be advantageous to actually buy it elsewhere if that shop has a price matching policy. And you can even sometimes price match after purchase if prices dop again.

Here’s more about how price matching works, and where you can take advantage.

Some articles on the site contain affiliate links, which provide a small commission to help fund our work. However, they won’t affect the price you pay or our editorial independence. Read more here.

What is price matching

Price matching is exactly as it sounds. A retailer will sell you an item at a lower price if it’s sold for less elsewhere.

This isn’t just about the listed selling price. You can also often price match voucher codes and sale prices.

John Lewis is probably the most famous shop to offer a price promise, with its “Never Knowingly Undersold” slogan a key part of branding. Though it was closed a few years ago, the department store brought it back in the summer. And it’s not alone – you can also take advantage at shops including AO, eBay and Curry’s.

I’ve done price matching a number of times, from smaller items such as Diptyque candles through to a new TV and sound system. When we did our kitchen a couple of years ago I got our oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and flooring for hundreds of pounds less – all thanks to price matching.

And it’s not just “things” you buy that can be price matched. It’s possible to save money on hotels, holidays and other services if you look around. You can even find supermarkets matching the prices on some items sold by competitors.

It’s not just about getting a lower price

Since the price you pay will end up the same you might be thinking surely it’s easier to just buy it at the cheaper shop in the first place and avoid all the hassle.

Well, price matching to a different store might give you additional benefits. These include extended warranties, free delivery or longer return rights.

You might even be able to stack on extra savings on top, such as using a cut-price gift card or cashback. All of these can be worth a little extra, whether financially or just in terms of peace of mind.

Some retailers will beat the lower prices

Also, you might find a retailer will give you extra money off the lower price you find at a competitor.

It’s also worth checking if a high street shop will match its own website if there’s a difference in price (this does happen!).

Price matching after purchase

Best of all, some shops that price match also allow you to price match if prices drop elsewhere after you have bought the item. This is a great trick to use during big sale periods such as Black Friday.

I’ve actually done this a few times – even after I’d already price matched to get a lower price. When the price dropped again I was able to put in another claim and get the additional discount refunded.

So it can sometimes pay to choose a shop that offers this over another even if they are the same price – just in case there’s a significant drop later on.

How to price match

First look for a cheaper price. I tend to use sites such as PriceSpy or Idealo to compare. Or just a quick Google search can do the job.

Every retailer has a different policy, but in general you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve seen the item on sale elsewhere for less. This could be a webpage for an online retailer, or the price matching shop might want to phone up a physical shop.

You’ll also need to check that the shop does price match the place you’ve found the cheaper option. They might only price match certain competitors.

Some retailers will have a phone number you can call to put in your price match claim. Others have a form you fill in.

You generally have to wait for confirmation that your item is price matched before you can buy it, though some let you do it retrospectively. In this instance, you’ll also need to provide proof of purchase.

Once you’ve bought something it’s worth keeping an eye on prices for as long as the price promise lasts. To help you can set price alerts on both Price Spy and Idealo which will email you if the price does drop.

What can stop price matching

However, not all shops have a price matching policy, and they won’t always match every price you find.

The key one to watch out for is retailers that only match certain other shops. Many also exclude online-only retailers (i.e. they don’t want to price match Amazon!). Even some sellers which have a showroom or two can be excluded – often the case for the low prices found online for appliances.

The items will usually have to be the exact same model, colour, size and so on. This can prove frustrating if there’s a slight difference, and many retailers will only sell a version that’s exclusive to them that can be hardly noticeable.

The price must also be available to everyone – which means you wouldn’t be able to match a member or staff discount. Others might not match clearance sale prices, or some voucher code uses.

Items also usually have to be in stock at the cheaper retailer and available for delivery. Or if they’re in smaller local retailers you might find you have to live within a certain number of miles.

You might also find it’s rejected if there’s a difference in extras such as the type of delivery or the length of warranty on offer. For instance, if the cheaper model has one year but the price matching retailer offers two years then the latter can claim it’s not the same package.

Where you can price match in the UK

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but I’ve highlighted some of the big retailers across a range of products and services that are worth looking into.

Just because somewhere isn’t on the list doesn’t mean it won’t price match. It’s always well worth asking if a shop has a price promise – even an unofficial one.

If you know of any more retailers that offer this service, then please do let me know via the comments.

All Beauty price matching

You can price match in advance at All Beauty if you find the product for less at selected retailers including Boots, LookFantastic, House of Fraser and The Perfume Shop.

As well as price matching before buying, there’s the option to request a price match seven days after purchase, although this is “at their discretion”.

AO price matching

To price match at AO you need to call their team with the product code of the item you want to buy and the link for where you’ve seen it for less. You can price match up to seven days of buying an item – great if the price drops again.

Retailers price matched:

• UK retailers and websites selling UK products

Beaverbrooks price matching

Beaverbrooks will price match up to seven days after purchase if you find the items advertised cheaper by an authorised stockist with a physical store. Discount and voucher codes will also be matched if they can be verified at the time of reviewing the price promise request

Curry’s price matching

Call up Currys price matching team before you buy and share where you’ve found it for less. Currys will match both high street and online prices, including the use of voucher codes and offers, but not member exclusive discounts.

Normally, you can make a claim up to seven days after purchase, but in 2024 this was extended to cover all of November – so look out for that again this year. If you bought in-store you’ll need to go back there. If it was online you can use a webchat.

Retailers price matched:

• Any UK retail store or website

eBay price matching

You can even price match at eBay! It’s only for new items sold on the Amazon, Currys, Argos, Asda, John Lewis and Tesco websites. You apply online and if successful will be sent a voucher to use on your purchase within 24 hours.

You can only ask for one price match per day per eBay user and it’s only in advance of purchases – not after.

Retailers price matched:

• Amazon.co.uk
• Currys.co.uk
• Argos.co.uk
• Asda.com
• JohnLewis.com
• Tesco.com

Euronics price matching

Euronics offer an in-store only price match guarantee and may include discount codes advertised by competitors. The price match policy is only available prior to order completion and can not be claimed back after the purchase.

Goldsmiths price matching

Goldsmiths jewellers offer a price match promise, in-store and online. For in-store price matches, the competitor must be within 15 miles of the store the price match is requested in. For online price matches, the competitor must be a national authorised stockist.

Go Outdoors price matching

You’ll get 10% back on top of the difference. However you do need to have a Go Outdoors Discount Card which costs £5 a year.

Halfords price matching

With Halfords it’s just the published selling price that is price matched – so you can’t use any additional vouchers or offers on top, such as buy one get one free or clearance. You’ve seven days after purchase to make the claim.

You can also price match instore if the items is sold for less on the Halfords website.

Retailers price matched:

• UK based
• Within 10 miles if price matching a service

H.Samuel price matching

H.Samuel is another jeweller that offers a price match promise online where they will price match jewellery or watches if you find them at a lower advertised price. 

There is an easy online form to submit before purchase, but for in-store purchases I can only find information about price matching watches which they will do in over 300 stores nationwide

Hughes Electrical price matching

You can phone Hughes Electrical or use a live chat or webform to request a price match before or up to seven days after purchase.

They’ll match:

• AO
• Appliances Direct
• Argos
• Currys
• Marks Electrical
• Richer Sounds

Jessops price matching

Jessops only price matches against prices at authorised retailers for the brands they stock. It won’t match clearance prices.

Retailers price matched:

• Argos
• Currys PC World
• Park Cameras
• WEX

They also run a Black Friday price promise where they’ll refund the difference if your purchase with made between 1 and 28 November 2024 with is reduced during those dates.

John Lewis price match

The John Lewis Price Promise that returned in September 2024 was different to the one we were all used to pre-2022. For a start it’s limited to seven rather than 35 days after purchase to make a claim.

And the other change is only 25 retailers will now be accepted – though that does include Amazon now. We’ve gone into more detail how John Lewis price matching works in a separate article.

Richer Sounds price matching

If you buy with Richer Sounds and find it cheaper you’ll get an extra discount on top of the difference up to 14 days after purchase. You can also price match in advance.

The beat the difference promise ranges from £5 extra on products up to £300, through to £100 on anything over £4001.

Price promises

In addition, some retailers will refund the difference if they drop their own prices after you’ve made your purchase. This is usually just over a sale period, such as Black Friday and Prime Day.

Argos price guarantee – Black Friday

If prices drop before Christmas at Argos you’ll get a voucher for the price difference.

The things you should do BEFORE the Black Friday sales begin.

Black Friday is nearly here. Almost. Even though it won’t take place this year until Friday 28 November, the emails are already beginning to filter through and some early sales have begun. This will really ramp up later in the month.

That’s going to bring in a huge temptation to spend money, but also the potential to save money on things you actually need.

If you follow my three steps below, you’ll not only be fighting fit to get the best deals, you’ll also be able to avoid spending money you really shouldn’t.

And when the sales do start we’ll be updating our epic Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales page so keep an eye out!

Some articles on the site contain affiliate links, which provide a small commission to help fund our work. However, they won’t affect the price you pay or our editorial independence. Read more here.

Get your money in shape

This first part is ensuring you are properly prepared financially for the sales.

Check what you’ve got

Obviously you don’t want to spend more than you’ve got. If you have savings you don’t need elsewhere then that’s your fund. But make sure you keep enough back to cater for emergencies.

Consider a cashback payment card

If you are confident you’ll only spend what you can afford, then it’s worth considering a cashback card. You’ll earn a little bit back each time you spend, including some new member bonuses on some cards.

If you don’t have one you still have time to get one. The Trading 212 debit card gives you an instant digital debit card. This offers 1.5% cashback until the end of November (capped at £15 a month) if you opt to auto-invest your cashback

The new Lloyds Ultra credit card offers 1% back for a year, with no cap and the addition of section 75 consumer protection.

A bigger rate could come from American Express welcome bonuses, and you should have time to apply and get your card in time. But to make these worthwhile you have to be able to repay the full amount of spending every month.

Find extra cash

If you think you’ll be short of the funds you need then you’ve still got time to cut back on spending elsewhere or even look to earn a little more. There might also be some cash sitting in forgotten online accounts you can use.

Do your prep

Once you know what you can afford, it’ll help you work out what you are going to buy. This second step is making sure you don’t overpay in the Black Friday sales. Plus how to avoid getting carried away and buying things you don’t need.

Work out what you need

Avoid getting dazzled by a discount – it might not be something you are going to use. That’s a waste of money, no matter how much you use it.

Write a list of what you need and what you’re looking for. This’ll help you avoid endless scrolling through pages and pages of offers.

Think about why you are shopping

A study by the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute found that 54% of those with a recent mental health problem had shopped online to make themselves feel better.

If you find yourself putting something in the basket you hadn’t planned on buying then pause. If you can leave it a few hours, perhaps even a day, you’ve time to think about whether you really want to buy it.

Research what a good price actually is

Often the advertised discounts aren’t the real saving. Just because it says it “was £390, now £199”, it doesn’t mean it really is. This isn’t a random example.

A few years ago Argos had a Dyson vacuum cleaner as one of its headline offers with these exact prices advertised. £190 off sounds great, doesn’t it? In reality, you could have picked it up for £250 just before the sales. So yes, it’s still a good £50 off, but it’s not £190 off. So you need to be wary.

It’s easy to research the items on your list. A simple Google search will give you an idea, or if you want to take it a bit further you can look at the price history. This way you’ll know the real selling price in recent months.

Stop spending money now

If there are things you want to buy, then try to hold off until Black Friday itself. That’s when most retailers save their best discounts. Amazon is a great example, and its Echo, Fire TV and Kindle devices are likely to be heavily discounted – that’s how they get you on the site.

If you really need something now, or there’s a good deal, then, of course, go ahead and buy it. You might be able to claim a refund if the price drops later (more on this later).

Check returns policies

Make sure anything you get early can be returned. If you spot any bigger discounts during the Black Friday weekend you can always get it again at the lower price, and take back your original purchases for a refund.

Make your savings even bigger

Fast forward a few weeks and the sales are finally here. You’ve got your list of what you need to buy and know your budget so you can be more focused on your shopping.

This last part is full of the tricks to make sure you’re getting even more savings when you shop in the sales.

Use cashback sites

Quidco and Topcashback give you a little more when you shop. If you’ve not signed up I’ve deals that’ll get you a combined £40 bonus the first time you use each one.

Don’t forget your cashback card

And if it’s a credit card make sure you pay it off in full when the bill comes. 

Use a discounted gift card

A hack that’s been around for years but has recently got easier, is to buy a gift card at a discount and then use that gift card to pay. Here’s more about the pros and cons of paying this way.

Don’t get carried away

These sales might often have low prices but if you can’t afford it now, wait. You can still get a decent price at other times of the year, possibly even better if you time it right.

Shop with intent

That list you made of things to buy? Stick to that by only searching for those items. Be wary of just browsing.

Try to price match

The John Lewis & Partners’ “Never Knowingly Undersold” price promise is back, and there are other retailers who offer something similar. This can help you bring prices down more – sometimes even after buying.

And there are some shops, including John Lewis, where if you bought from them and the price subsequently drops, you can get the difference refunded.

Avoid Buy Now Pay Later services

I’m really not a fan of services like Klarna. They encourage people to buy more than they can afford, which can cause financial problems down the line.

The only reason they might be handy is if you are getting more than one size of an item and know you absolutely will return the ones that don’t fit. In that case you might be able to avoid paying for those extra sizes at all – though some refunds are taking a while to come through from shops, so don’t bank on this.

Sign up to our newsletter

Our weekly newsletter is worth signing up for anyway, but on the Thursday before Black Friday I’ll share the essentials you need, and hopefully some exclusive discounts.

Check out our ultimate list of Black Friday shops and deals

Our Black Friday deals page doesn’t have anything yet, but it will be updated with early deals when they start to appear. And then as more information is released, a huge list of who is doing what, and some of the top deals. So book mark it now and come back later in the month.