The UK companies with the most expensive delivery costs have been revealed through research by VoucherCodes.co.uk.
They examined all delivery and returns costs for the top 100 retailers in the UK, revealing that the average delivery fee costs consumers an extra £5.01 per order, and £1.18 per return, on top of the cost of the items purchased.
Mostly undeterred by skint January, the average person placed six online orders in one month alone and returned a third (33%) of the items they purchased - meaning that the average person has spent £32.42 on delivery and returns.
However, customers could be facing much higher added costs depending on where they choose to shop online. Out of the UK’s top 100 retailers, Topps Tiles customers pay the highest delivery fees at a hefty £12 for standard delivery.
In context though this is unsurprising given the weight and size of the products they sell. Following closely behind in second place is online fashion retailer Farfetch, which charges £10 per delivery, significantly higher than many of its competitors.
Anita Naik, Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk commented: “This year, consumers have already been able to take advantage of some great discounts offered by UK retailers. Thanks in part to the pandemic, the past couple of years have seen a huge rise in consumers relying on online shopping which shows little sign of waning.
"As a result, Brits are likely to be spending more than ever on receiving and returning their parcels and, as this research proves, this could result in everyone wasting more money too.
“With many feeling the pinch due to soaring inflation rates and the rising cost of living, there’s an abundance of people keen to cut costs wherever they can.
"With the average consumer spending £32.42 on delivery and returns fees in the past month alone, it’s no surprise that many shoppers are paying more attention to delivery costs and even shunning retailers who don’t offer free delivery."
UK companies with the most expensive delivery costs
1. Topps Tiles - £12 (cost of standard delivery)
2. Farfetch - £10
3. Nisbets - £6
4. Wickes/Wilko/Selfridges/Tool Station - £5
5. Evans Cycles/GAME/Bensons for Beds/House of Fraser/Jack Wills/Karen Millen - £4.99
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