Silly Season is upon us and what better opportunity to put your savvy shopping skills to the test.  Finding that right gift for all of your loved ones can be fun and it also takes a little planning to ensure it arrives.

I am guilty for loving to shop online and treasure hunt down the most amazing goodies but this time of year you need to accommodate how busy the post office and couriers are and allow a little extra time to make sure your gift haul makes it on time.

Australia Post tells us that one in five shoppers don’t plan their gift purchasing until December and that adds the risk of late deliveries disappointment or the expense of paying huge express postage fees.

What are the cut off dates for Australia Post items to be delivered by Christmas?

International Express Post – Tuesday December 17

Standard Christmas delivery – Wednesday December 18

Express post Monday December 23

However, if you want to send goodies to remote areas the rule of thumb is to allow six business days so hop to it.

Most Couriers have similar cut off dates.  Domestic cut-offs in the metropolitan areas of Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane are between December 18-19and for Western Australia it’s December 12-13.

Be safe, they are so busy do allow extra time.  I sent a parcel earlier this week and it took the courier two days to pick it up.

To avoid delivery delays

• Nominate a safe place to leave a parcel to avoid re-delivery (ask anyone you are sending presents to if they have a place your items can be left) mark that instruction on the label.
• If you recycle your postage materials take off all old postage information and barcodes to avoid confusion
• Ensure your label is clearly visible with return address and phone number

Remember, you can always do you shopping online and opt for click and collect.  Then pop into the department store customer service area and pick up your items.  No wandering around trying to find items in store, no trying to find someone to help you with sizes just pick up your goodies at the customer service area and head off. 

Tis the season to be Jolly!

I can stand a busy shopping complex for about the time it takes to click and collect.  Any longer than that and I am grumpy so with a little planning your can avoid the stress this Christmas.

Happy holidays Savvy shoppers.