In the current economic conditions, saving money is no longer just a hobby; for a lot of people, it has actually become a way of life. Money-savvy shoppers are looking out for bargains online, with Internet giants like eBay becoming even more popular than before.

Given that it’s possible to get an “eBay budget buy” for less than a fiver at times, it is possible to get bargains by using the site. However, if you’re a seller, you might find yourself being fleeced on the delivery costs for your items, so when it comes to parcel delivery services, it’s important to shop around to find the best price. Here are 8 tips to find the cheapest courier in the UK:

1: Free door to door delivery. Unless you like driving to the post office to send OR pick up parcels, choose a courier offering services that include door to door delivery.

2: Free FAQ sections and interactive help systems. Reputable couriers should offer an FAQ section, where you can find out their policies on sending fragile items, how to pay, getting discounts, etc. – all at no charge!

3: Free quick quote calculators. This is an indispensable tool, and one any worthy courier should offer. Simply enter the collection and delivery postcode, number of parcels, their weight, compensation level and tick the ‘signature upon delivery’ box (where applicable) to get a clear idea of how much your parcel will cost.

4: Free online volume checkers. Again, a great tool and one you should keep an eye out for. You enter the height, length and width of the parcel and the size is calculated for you, to help gauge the cost of shipping.

5: Free packaging guidelines. Helpful packaging advice is available from the couriers out there who are eager to share their knowledge with customers.

6: Free eBay upload videos. Very handy – if you’re a big eBay seller, further instruction on sending multiple packages is always helpful!

7: Free online tracking. Always good, and especially when it comes to big events like birthdays or Easter holidays. As all sellers know, it’s all about managing buyer expectations, which you can manage online at no extra cost.

8: Excellent customer reviews. Good couriers willingly publish customer reviews and ratings based on the quality of their website, delivery services, value for money and overall experience. Be sure to look out for these when choosing your courier.

Online shopping offers countless possibilities for bargain hunting that isn’t just wise household