IF you’re planning to buy your Christmas gifts online this year, you’ll need to make sure you order on time to avoid any festive issues.
Christmas is still about a month away, but stretched delivery networks are already under pressure due to the coronavirus crisis.
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Store closures and staff shortages have created the perfect shopping storm for the Christmas season, while the second lockdown in England has pushed more Brits to shop online too.
As a result, some retailers have pulled back their order deadlines for guaranteed Christmas delivery from last year.
It comes as experts have predicted that shoppers who want items by Christmas will have to order up to ten days in advance – up from the usual delivery time of five days.
In September, shoppers were also being warned to order Christmas presents early or face delivery chaos.
Can I return a Christmas order that arrives late?
IT can be really frustrating if you order a Christmas present and it doesn’t arrive on time.
If you want to return your gift, for example, because you had to buy something else, we explain your rights.
For presents ordered by the store’s last delivery date – the one it advertises online – you will be entitled to your money back if you no longer want the item.
You’ll need to have proof of when you placed your order, such as an email confirmation.
The retailer will also expect you to return the item. According to Resolver, the store you purchased the product from will usually be responsible for covering return costs, but this does depend on its terms and conditions, so read carefully.
If you want to keep the gift, you may be able to claim back some cash from the delivery costs. Contact the retailer to see what it can offer you.
If you paid extra for specific-day delivery, and it arrived after this date, the retailer should off you money back on the delivery cost.
Or at the very least, you’ll get the difference in price between its standard delivery and premium delivery.
Below we round up the big dates you need to know about if you want to make sure your Christmas present orders arrive before the big day.
Just keep in mind that placing orders at the last minute is risky, as stock may run out, and deliveries could get lost or delayed.
If you don’t want to risk it, it could be worth checking the click and collect options for your retailer.
All Saints
All Saints shoppers will have to make their Christmas orders by December 15 the latest to be able to get the cheapest delivery option of £3.95.
Alternatively, the absolute final order date is at 1pm on December 18, but it’ll set you back a pricier £4.95.
If you spend more than £150, you can get both standard UK delivery and next-day delivery for free.
Last year, the last order date for Christmas deliveries was on December 18.
Amazon
The e-commerce giant hasn’t yet confirmed its order deadline for this Christmas, but least year it was on December 22 for standard delivery.
Amazon orders of £20 or more qualify for free delivery on certain items, which are flagged up when you purchase.
While those subscribing to Amazon Prime can receive all orders the next day free of charge.
Some retailers also offer free delivery, so it’s worth checking before you order.
If your order doesn’t qualify for free delivery, fees range from 99p to £4.49 depending on the items in your basket.
Argos
Argos hasn’t yet confirmed its deadline for Christmas orders, so we’ll update this article once we hear back.
Last year, customers were able to make orders up to noon on Christmas Eve to receive delivery before 6pm, which cost £3.95.
Asos
The online fashion retailer has set a last-order date for standard delivery on December 20, which will set you back £4.
Alternatively, if you spend more than £35, you’ll get it delivered for free.
If you’re doing some last-minute shopping, you can order items on December 23 and still get them on time, but it costs £5.95.
For £9.95 a year, regular Asos shoppers can get Premier Delivery, which gives you free unlimited deliveries with no minimum order value.
Boohoo
The last order date for Boohoo shoppers looking for the cheapest delivery option is on December 22, with standard delivery costing you £3.99.
The absolute last order date for Christmas is at 11pm on December 23, but you’ll have to pay £5.99 for the trouble.
Carphone Warehouse and Currys PC World
The two retailers, owned by Dixons Carphone, haven’t yet confirmed the cut-off date for guaranteed Christmas delivery.
In the meantime you’ll be pleased to know that standard delivery is free, or you can get next-day delivery for £5.
Debenhams
The cheapest delivery option for Christmas orders at Debenhams costs £1.99, and you’ll have to order by December 21 to get it on time.
If you spend more than £50, you’ll get the order delivered for free.
Alternatively, last-minute shoppers can make Christmas orders by midday on December 22 and still get it delivered on time, but it costs a pricier £3.99.
Disney
Disney hasn’t yet confirmed its last order dates for this year, so we’ll update this article once we get a response.
Standard delivery typically takes five working days and sets you back £3.95.
Or you can get express delivery, meaning your items will arrive the next working day as long as you make your order before 2pm, for £5.95.
Ernest Jones
Gold, silver and all that jazz can cost you nothing to have ferried to your door if you spend more than £100.
If you spend less, you’ll get standard delivery by Ernest Jones for £3.
Last year, the jewellery retailer had its cut-off date for Christmas orders with standard delivery on December 20.
It’s yet to confirm what the deadline is this year, so we’ll update this article once we hear back.
If you opt for next-day delivery, you’ll have to pay £5 for the trouble.
H. Samuel
Sister brand to Ernest Jones, H. Samuel hasn’t confirmed its cut-off dates for Christmas presents either.
Standard delivery, which takes between three and five days to arrive, costs £1.99.
Alternatively, you can get free next-day delivery if you order by 7pm for £4.95.
Harvey Nichols
The posh retailer has set its last order date for the cheapest delivery at 3pm on December 21, with standard delivery setting you back £5.
While last-minute shoppers will have to order by 3pm on December 23 for express delivery, which costs £8.
If you’re ordering a hamper, keep in mind you’d need to make your order by 3pm on December 21, but you don’t have to pay extra for delivery.
House of Fraser
The retailer hasn’t yet confirmed it’s delivery order dates for 2020, but last year it was on December 19 for standard delivery, which costs £4.99.
Shoppers who wanted next day deliveries could pay £6.99 for a speedier service on orders booked by 5pm on Monday to Friday.
John Lewis
John Lewis hasn’t yet confirmed its last order dates for this year, but the deadlines for last year will give you an idea on what to expect.
The last order date for standard delivery was on December 19, setting you back £3.50 on orders under £50 (free if you spent more).
Next day deliveries on John Lewis goods cost £6.95, and any Christmas purchases had to be ordered by 8pm on December 22 to get delivered on time.
Matalan
Matalan hasn’t yet confirmed its last order dates for this year, so we’ll update this article once we get a response.
Standard home delivery costs £3.95 and should take between seven and ten days to arrive.
If you spend more than £50, you’ll get the items delivered for free.
Next
The last Christmas order date for home deliveries by Next is typically at 10pm on December 22, which costs £3.99.
However, if you’re ordering furniture, keep in mind you’ll need to place your order by December 16 if you’re based in England, Scotland or Wales.
While Next shoppers in Northern Ireland will need to place their orders by December 9.
Home delivery of furniture costs £8 at the retailer.
Office
The cheapest delivery option to get the Office order on time for Christmas costs £3.50, and you’ll need to make your order by 8.30pm on December 17.
Shoppers can also get next-day delivery for £5, which means you’ll have to buy your items by December 22 at 8.30pm the latest.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind paying £7.95 just for delivery, you can make your order at 1pm on December 23 and still get it in time for Christmas.
Marks & Spencer
The last order dates at M&S to get it in time for Christmas depend on what you’re planning to buy.
If you’re ordering a hamper for standard delivery, you’ll have to make your order by 5pm on December 17.
This costs £3.50, or you can get it delivered for free if you spend more than £50.
Alternatively, you can get next-day delivery for £4.99, if you order by 12pm on December 22.
M&S also offers free next-day delivery on flowers, but you’ll need to make your order by 12pm on December 23 to get them on time.
The Sun has asked the retailer about the last order dates for clothing and homeware, and we’ll update this article once we hear back.
Last year, shoppers had to order by 6pm on December 18 for standard delivery, while the cut-off date for next-day deliveries was at 6pm on December 23.
New Look
New Look hasn’t yet confirmed its Christmas order cut-off date for this year, but last year it was at 8pm on December 23.
If you didn’t need the next-day service for £5.99, the standard delivery deadline was three days earlier on December 20, which cost £3.99.
Currently, New Look charges £2.99 for standard delivery and £4.99 for the next-day option.
Smyths Toys
Smyths Toys hasn’t yet confirmed the order deadline for guaranteed Christmas delivery, so we’ll update this article once we hear back.
Standard shipping costs £4.99 for orders under £10 and £2.99 for orders between £10 and £19.
If you spend more than £19, you’ll get it delivered for free.
Sports Direct
Sports Direct hasn’t yet confirmed the cut-off date for guaranteed Christmas delivery either.
The retailer offers free standard delivery, which takes between three to seven days, for £4.99.
Alternatively, you can get next-day delivery for £7.99 if you place your order before 6pm.
The Entertainer
Toy shop The Entertainer told The Sun its last order dates for Christmas will be December 20 for standard delivery and December 22 for express delivery.
Standard delivery costs £3.99 for orders under £39.99, or you’ll get it delivered for free if you spend more than this.
While express delivery sets you back £5.99, but you’ll have to make your order by 6pm.
Topshop
The fashion retailer hasn’t yet confirmed its last order dates for 2020, but the deadlines for last year could give you a rough idea in the meantime.
In 2019, the last order date for standard deliveries was on 20 December, setting you back £3.
Orders could then be made up to 3pm on 23 December, with express delivery setting you back £6.
Delivery is free for Topshop Premier customers, which costs £9.95 per year.
Waterstones
Book retailer Waterstones told The Sun it’s last order date for the cheapest possible delivery is on December 18, setting you back £2.99.
If you’re spending more than £25 in one go, you’ll get it delivered for free.
If you don’t get your order through on time, Waterstones also offers a faster delivery that costs £3.99 – and the last order date for this is on December 21.
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