Can A VPN Help You Get Better Shopping Deals Online?

According to a recent report by Global Data, the online shopping industry in the UK is rapidly expanding and reshaping the retail sector of the country. Over the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in e-commerce activity in the UK, with online sales accounting for more than 30% of the total retail sales for the first time, as per the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This growth in online shopping is driven by factors such as changing consumer behaviour, the rise of e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay, and technological advancements like AI and augmented reality. Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift towards online shopping has accelerated as consumers look for safe alternatives.

Continued growth of the online shopping industry is expected, which would require e-commerce retailers to innovate in logistics, fulfilment, and customer experience to remain competitive. The rise of online shopping has not only transformed the retail sector  but also promises to have a long-lasting impact on the UK economy and society as a whole.

Interestingly, VPNs can potentially help online shoppers find better deals by masking their location – especially for travel, streaming services, and digital goods – as prices can vary depending on the location you connect from.

UK Online Shopping Statistics

The UK boasts a thriving online shopping scene. Statista reports that over 80% of the population, or roughly four in five Brits, are digital buyers. This dominance is reflected in the online retail sector, which makes up a quarter of all retail sales. The pandemic accelerated this trend, with online sales spiking by nearly half in 2020.

While growth has settled somewhat, Britons are still comfortable shopping online, with nearly 90% making online purchases in the last year according to Micro Biz Mag.

Can A VPN Help Secure Great Deals?

Have you ever wondered whether using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) could reduce your online costs? VPNs work by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. But is it really a cost-saving solution? Let’s explore.

Shopping

Online retailers may adjust their prices based on your location. By using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country where the item you want may be available at a lower price. This is particularly useful for digital goods or services that have variable pricing.

Travel

Travel sites and airlines may also adjust their prices based on your browsing history and location. By using a VPN to connect from a different location, you may be able to find cheaper fares and hotel rates. However, keep in mind that some travel companies have become aware of this practice.

Subscriptions

Streaming services and other subscriptions may have different pricing based on your location. By using a VPN to connect to a country with lower rates, you may be able to save money on your subscription. However, be cautious as some services do not approve of VPN use for this purpose.

While VPNs can help save some money, they are not a guaranteed solution. Prices may not vary significantly across regions, and some companies may block VPN usage. Using a VPN can also complicate the payment process, and you may encounter issues in certain countries.

While VPNs can potentially help reduce your online costs, it’s important to compare prices across different sites and platforms, regardless of whether you use a VPN. Keep in mind that some services do not allow VPN users to get around regional pricing.

How Does A VPN Cut Online Shopping Costs?

Normally, when you visit websites, your device establishes a direct connection, revealing your location. However, a VPN encrypts your data and sends it through a server located in another country. This server acts as a disguise for your online presence, showing websites a different location than your actual one.

This technique can be useful for saving money. Some online stores and travel companies adjust their prices based on the market demand. By connecting to a VPN server in a country with lower perceived demand, you might see lower prices for flights, hotels, or even digital goods.

For example, if you want to book a flight from London to New York, you may find cheaper prices if you connect to a VPN server in India instead of the UK.

However, it’s important to note that this may not always work. Some companies are aware of VPN usage and prices may not always differ significantly between regions. Also, some services have policies against using VPNs to access regional pricing. Therefore, although you may find some bargains, it’s not a guaranteed money-saving strategy.

Can VPNs Further Improve The Shopping Experience?

When you shop online, especially on public Wi-Fi networks like those in coffee shops or airports, your data travels unencrypted. This means that anyone lurking on the network could potentially intercept your information, including your credit card details, login credentials, and even shipping information.

Encryption

A VPN enhances security by encrypting your internet traffic, which acts like a secure tunnel for your data. It scrambles your data into a code that only the VPN server can understand, making it virtually impossible for anyone snooping on the network to decipher your sensitive information.

Hidden IP Address

A VPN also masks your IP address, which is like a digital fingerprint that reveals your general location and potentially your internet service provider (ISP). By using a VPN, your real IP address is hidden by the VPN server’s address, making it more difficult for websites or hackers to track your online activity or to target you with scams or personalised attacks.

Safer Logins

Lastly, a VPN provides an extra layer of protection during sensitive logins. This is because it encrypts your data during the checkout process, reducing the risk of hackers intercepting your information and using it for fraudulent purposes.

As highlighted by Global Data’s recent report, the UK’s online shopping industry is undergoing rapid expansion, reshaping the nation’s retail sector. With over 80% of the population engaging in digital purchases, and online retail comprising a quarter of all sales, the digital marketplace continues to thrive. As the online shopping sector evolves, leveraging VPNs intelligently can enhance security and potentially lead to cost savings, but shoppers should be vigilant and compare prices across platforms to ensure they land the best deals.