Archive for March, 2012

Shipping & Returns for Online Canadian Shoppers – What You Need to Know

Did you know that Canadians are amoung the most active in the world on social networks, yet are still hesitant to shop online? The issue of shipping and returns still makes people wary, so we’ve compiled a helpful, easy guide to answer all your questions and quell all your worries.

Once you’re motivated to start shopping, be sure to check out our list of merchants that ship to Canada!

Shipping

In Canada

Shipping methods from Canadian stores and merchants are the easiest to understand. Once you’ve added your desired products to your online shopping cart and move ahead to Checkout, you’ll be presented with a list of shopping options.

Within these options, you can choose between different postal operators (Canada Post, UPS, etc.) and delivery times (Express, Overnight, Standard, etc). The more quickly you’d like your package to arrive, the more expensive shipping will be.

Sometimes merchants will include Standard delivery as a free option, while others may pay shipping fees for you under certain conditions such as a minimum dollar amount on your order.  Merchants on our site that currently offer free shipping include:

• AbeBooks
• BBC Canada Shop
• Guthy-Renker
• Sephora
• Sony

If you want to check out other merchants who offer free shipping, just browse our list here!

U.S. / International

Many businesses from the United States and beyond ship to Canada, so if that item you really want isn’t available in a Canadian store, it’s not the end of the world. Duty fees may apply, however,  so be sure to read a store website’s FAQ section thoroughly or contact their customer service to clarify.

Returns

Any seasoned online shopper will tell you that the most important information on a store’s website is always in their Return Policy page. For your own convenience, print out a copy and make note of all the important bits. You should be able to find the answers to the following questions:

• Is your desired product eligible for a return, exchange or refund?
• Does this online store offer a warranty & how long does it last?
• Is store credit available?
• Are shopping costs covered if  you need to exchange something?

If you can’t find the answer to one or any or these questions, be sure to email their customer service address. It might be quicker to get answers by phone, but emails or written correspondences are invaluable because you now have their policy explained to you in writing.

Do you have any questions about online shopping, shipping or returns? Leave us a comment and we’ll be glad to help you!

Top Money Saving Apps for Canadians

If you’ve been mainly using your smartphone to upload pictures of squirrels to Facebook, you’ve been doing it all wrong! Your iPhone, Blackberry or Android device can actually be used to help you save money, one frugal app at a time.

We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best mobile apps that help you keep your wallet full in the most modern way possible. And worry not, these apps are all free to download!

Mint

Platforms: iOS Devices, Android

It wouldn’t be a list of money-saving apps without Mint, would it? Simply put, Mint helps you keep your finances on track by categorizing your budget information and giving you a clear yet detailed picture of your spending habits. Super easy, super helpful, super free.

GroceryIQ

Platforms: iOS Devices, Android

This is perhaps the be-all, end-all of frugal grocery apps. You compile a list to curb impulse buys and GroceryIQ organizes it by aisle, brand and even coupons available. You can also scan barcodes of your favourite items for future use and synch your shared list with multiple users (like your family members) to avoid multiple purchases. Whew!

Gas Buddy

Platforms: iPhone, Android, Blackberry & Windows Phone

This simple app is popular with drivers and it’s easy to see why. Gas Buddy is a community-powered app that compiles local gas prices, saving you money (and frustration) at your local gas station. Considering how steadily prices have been rising lately, you owe it to your car and wallet to give this one a download.

Skype

Platform: iOS Devices, Android

Steep international phone charges? A thing of the past with Skype’s uber-useful mobile app. Skype lets you make free calls over WiFi or 3G from device to device. If you’re calling a landline, the charges are pretty reasonable. A must for any international blabber.

Clip Mobile Coupons

Platform: iPhone, Android & Blackberry

Devoted strictly to Canadian couponers, this handy app allows you to search for vouchers by store, product, brand or restaurant. The best part is, there’s no printing necessary! Coupons can be redeemed by simply by having the cashier scan your smartphone screen.

What iPhone, Android or Blackberry app do you use to help you save money?