MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has revealed the full list of shop last order dates to ensure gifts arrive for Christmas Day.
The cash saving website warned shoppers to act now for the best chance of their orders arriving in time.
Stores have their own cut-off dates and unfortunately for many, that has now passed.
But not to fear – there are some shops that are still offering delivery in time for Christmas.
Plus, there are alternatives such as click & collect and express delivery (though you will have to pay extra).
It’s worth checking directly with the store you’re hoping to buy from and that it is still offering Christmas delivery, as there can be changes to dates.
Here’s the full list of shop’s last order dates:
Amazon
If you have Amazon Prime, which offers free next day delivery, then you can still place orders and get them in time for Christmas Day.
It isn’t clear if the cut off date is December 22 or 23 – so it’s probably best to order any presents by tomorrow just in case.
Prime subscriptions cost from £7.99 a month – you can sign up via the Amazon website.
However, some items have individual delivery dates so make sure you’ve checked your order first before paying.
Asos
The cut off date for standard delivery has now passed.
Those with Asos premier delivery can place orders up until today (December 21) – so you need to be quick.
Premier delivery costs £11.95 for the year.
Alternatively you could pay for a one-off next day delivery or for click & collect express deliver for £5.95 each.
Currys
Customers have until today (December 21) to place orders on items to get them in time for Christmas.
These are for large items only and the minimum spend is £20 to qualify for free delivery.
You won’t be able to get free delivery on smaller items now if you want them in time for December 25.
For express delivery, you’ve got until 9pm Thursday (December 22) – delivery costs £5.
But for larger items (over £20), you’ve got until 7pm tonight (December 21).
It isn’t clear what the final day for click & collect so do check with your local store.
Halfords
Shoppers have until December 22 to place an order online for standard delivery at £3.99, or free when you spend more than £20.
You have until 8pm.
There’s no express delivery option and for any bulky items, unfortunately the delivery cut off date has now passed.
But for click & collect, you have until midday on Christmas Eve to make any orders.
You should be able to collect your item within one hour after placing the order.
Harvey Nichols
Customers can pay £8 for express delivery at Harvey Nichols to get there order by Christmas Day.
You’ll need to have ordered by 3pm Thursday.
The last orders date for standard delivery has now passed.
John Lewis
Shoppers can place orders online until 4pm tomorrow (December 22).
But you’ll need to pay for express delivery and that costs £7.50.
For click and collect, you have until 12pm on Friday December 23.
You’ll need to pay £2.50 for collection delivery, or it’s free for orders over £30.
Marks and Spencer
The cut-off date for standard deliveries has now passed.
Although shoppers can pay £4.99 for express delivery.
You’ll need to have placed your order by 6pm on December 23.
Office
Shoppers can now only pay for express delivery if they want their items to arrive in time for the big day.
You have until 4pm on December 23 and delivery costs £5.99.
The Body Shop
Shoppers have until 11:59pm tonight (December 21) to get their orders in time for Christmas Day.
This is via express delivery which costs £4.99.
You can collect in store, which is free though.
You’ll need to have placed your order by midday on December 23.
Waterstones
The cut off date for standard and express delivery has now passed.
However, shoppers have until Christmas Eve to place an order for click & collect.
You’ll be able to pick up your order within two hours and there’s no extra cost.
Bear in mind that your local Waterstones may not have the book you want in stock so you may have to travel to a different one.
Your orders aren’t guaranteed to arrive on time
Even though many shops are still offering delivery options for before Christmas Day, this doesn’t mean that your orders will arrive on time.
Royal Mail strikes have caused a huge delay in postal deliveries and that has had a domino effect on other delivery services such as DPD.
While much of the snow has now melted, cold weather has also had an effect on transport and delivery drivers getting items delivered on time.
Furious shoppers complained on social media about courier service Evri, formerly Hermes, with some waiting just under three weeks for their orders.
If you’re able to click & collect, that might be your best option for peace of mind, though that’s still not guaranteed.
What are my rights?
Millions of shoppers will be relying on delivery firms to ensure presents they have bought online arrive in time for Christmas.
We’ve outlined your rights if a package you ordered gets lost or arrives late.
Claim against the retailer
If your parcel does not arrive by the date agreed, you can make a claim against the retailer.
And if you didn’t select a particular delivery date or window at checkout, you are entitled to a refund if the item doesn’t show up within 30 days.
When buying online, if there isn’t an option to select a specific delivery date, try to add a note stating “time is of the essence” and that you need it before December 25.
Follow this up with an email asking the company to commit to this timeframe.
It will give you extra refund rights if something goes wrong.
Cancel and rebuy
With anything you buy online or over the phone – apart from items that have been personalised such as with your initials – you have the right to a refund within a 14-day window.
This cooling-off period applies even if there is nothing wrong with your purchase. The clock starts the day after you receive delivery. The only other exception is for electronic items where the seal on the box has been broken.
This can be a useful tool if you know that a delivery is running late and you want to go out and buy a replacement before Christmas Day.
But when refunding you for the item, companies only need to reimburse the cost of the cheapest delivery option. So if you paid for a premium “next day” or “named day” service, you may not get all of your money back.
Seek damages
If your purchase is damaged when it arrives, it is the retailer’s responsibility to then refund you.
Sometimes if you or the courier are in a rush, you might not have time to properly remove the item from its packaging and inspect it before signing.
Most of the time you are just signing to accept delivery rather than confirm the condition of your purchase – but to cover yourself, add “not examined” when you sign.
Pay by credit card
Using a credit card gives you an extra layer of protection, as you can seek a refund from the card company if items are faulty or not delivered as promised.
This is useful, as sometimes when buying online you might end up dealing with a scam company that has no interest in your refund rights.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
