Consumers urged to prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday with key online shopping tips

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday falling on 28 November and 1 December this year, shoppers across Northern Ireland are gearing up for some of the biggest online retail events of 2025.

Many retailers have already launched early discounts, but the Consumer Council is warning that delivery delays, lost parcels and damaged goods remain common issues for online shoppers.

Fra Maguire, Head of Postal Services at the Consumer Council, highlighted the scale of online shopping in Northern Ireland. He said:

“We know consumers across Northern Ireland do a lot of online shopping. Research commissioned by the Consumer Council in January 2025, found that 98% of consumers have received at least one parcel at their home address in the last 12 months for goods they ordered online.”

However, a high volume of online purchases also brings a high volume of problems.

“Our research also found that 90% of participants had experienced a parcel delivery issue for goods ordered online over the last 12 months. Therefore, the importance of knowing your rights about delivery costs, delivery problems and returns is increasingly important.

“We have compiled some top tips on some of the most common issues we hear about from consumers surrounding online shopping, from delivery to returning goods.”

Top Tips for a Smooth Online Shopping Experience

To help consumers avoid disappointment during the peak shopping period, the Consumer Council has released a series of practical recommendations:

• Check delivery terms before buying – Review delivery conditions, policies, and costs before committing to an order.

• Do not assume returns are free – Always verify whether you will be charged for returns, as many retailers no longer offer free return services.

• Make sure the item will arrive on time – If you need something by a specific date, consider whether next-day or express delivery is available to Northern Ireland. Goods must be delivered within the agreed timeframe.

• Plan ahead for delivery – If you won’t be home, consider an alternative address. Be cautious when designating a neighbour or safe place; if something goes wrong, you may still be considered to have received the delivery.

• Contact the retailer if your parcel is late or damaged – Retailers, not couriers, are responsible for goods until delivery. Check items promptly and report issues as soon as possible.

• Always get proof of posting when returning goods – If problems arise after returning an item, the retailer must resolve them with their chosen delivery provider.

• Include your address on return parcels – This helps prevent issues if the parcel cannot be delivered.

• Be alert to sophisticated scam texts and emails – Fraudulent messages imitating delivery firms are common. Never click on suspicious links or provide bank details; legitimate delivery companies will never ask for payment details to release a parcel.

The Consumer Council also reminds shoppers that certain items may not be eligible for return, including unsealed DVDs, music and software; perishable goods; and personalised items.

Fra Maguire added:

“There are different processes in place for dealing with postal issues, depending on the circumstances. Our website provides information about your postal rights, and whether you are entitled to compensation. Visit our website or call us on Freephone 0800 121 6022 to find out more.”