Almost two-thirds (63%) of Brits say the credit crunch will impact their Christmas budgeting this year, with half (48%) planning to spend less on presents, and a quarter (27%) intending to buy gifts for fewer people than last year.
eBay’s latest research reveals 27% of people intend to cull their Christmas list with the biggest losers being:
* Work colleagues (16%)
* Friends’ children (14%)
* Neighbours (12%)
* Postmen and milkmen (11%)
* In-laws (8%)
It’s not all bad news though – shopping online can help stretch the budget. Frontier Economics found that eBay UK is on average 25% cheaper than the high street on brand new, like for like items.
If you’re stuck choosing a present for someone eBay have a Gift Finder to give you some ideas. Mind you… when I told Sue it suggested some garden furniture and a Danielle Steel book to read while sitting on it her response was unprintable 😀
Checking out what people might buy me offered up a pool table (I have one) and a laptop (I have half a dozen). Still, I guess if someone wants to buy me a brand new replacement I can always flog the old one on eBay.
11 Responses
Well, I asked it what to get you, and it suggested a box of golf balls or a large wine chiller cabinet. I think I’ll go for the latter 😀
Re. the survey: the loss of all that horrible ‘buying gifts for people in the office’ stuff can only be a good thing as far as I am concerned. Secret Santa, ugh.
Well half the trouble is people talking themselves into it, I’m not saying some people aren’t struggling but alot are just being careful what they spend and I don’t blame them with all the usual christmas tat about.
Companies are going to have get clever to sell more, not just stick a bow on a can of deoderant for christmas present for men!!!
Internet companies that are niche business can win this christmas, if you go for it with marketing and promotions.
My family have decided not to buy presents for christmas this year, instead we are all off to london on boxing day for the sales!!! lol me thinks there will be plenty of bargins this year!
Stu
Unfortunately the doubling of ebay fees in the past year make it nearly impossible to offer products at competitive prices.
Of course then you have buy.com who comes in and undercuts everybody with free shipping, but that’s another argument.
Just seen a thermostatically controlled electric butter dish on QVC………. Yeah I know don’t ask. 😆
If it means not getting that sort of rubbish, then that’s good news.
ohhh I have always wanted one of thouse 😀
I bought a thermostatically controlled electric butter dish last month and my ebay sales have gone through the roof!
#3 my ebay fees are far less than they were last year, more sales this year too.
I dont give a sod about ebay fees its gross profit that matters
People buy their postman Xmas presents?
we just bung ours a tenner in a card!
PS I agree with Norf, ebay can charge what they like as long as I make money.
must admit its really hard work these days making money
on ebay
its not the cash cow it used to be
I tried the Gift Finder out and had no luck. It suggested a Tricycle for my 13 year old boy. Sort of insulting don’t you think 🙂