For Many, Online Order Snafus Forces Last-Minute Shopping At Stores
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There is two days left until Christmas and if you're waiting on last-minute online orders to arrive, you may be disappointed, CBS 2's Rhiannon Ally reports.
Shopping online can save you time and often money, but a variety online issues could leave you with nothing to give and put a damper on the holiday.
Shoppers decked the store halls Thursday night when their gifts failed to be delivered in time.
"I ordered these tasting wine kits I was going to give to my sister and my aunt and they're not here. that's why I'm here shopping last-minute," said White Plains resident Tiffany Eletto.
She's not the only one. Online orders due to arrive days ago have left people scrambling.
With internet sales up 15 percent this year, the sheer volume appears to be straining the system. Best Buy has been forced to cancel some of its online orders, due to overwhelming demand, leaving many to wonder what they're going to put under the Christmas tree.
"There are no guarantees you're going to get it on the day you're going to get it," said Donna Nichol of White Plains, who says she learned that the hard way.
Amazon says they had to cancel her order because of a "processing error."
"I don't have a gift. I have to figure out what do I do," she said.
Last-minute deals kept her from ordering early, but waiting until the last minute hasn't really paid off.
"I have to figure out what's worth it, getting a good price on the product or having last-minute issues," said Nichol.
Some people seem to be taking it in stride, refusing to let gift giving stress send them into a shopping frenzy.
"It's almost here, what can I do? It's already paid for, have to go with the flow," said one shopper.
Online revenue already accounts for roughly 12 percent of retail sales nationwide.
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