Christmas shoppers are being urged to rethink the lure of cheap online Christmas buys this year, as record-breaking e-commerce spending collides with growing concerns about the safety, quality and long-term impact of imported bargain buys.
Australia Post’s latest Quarterly eCommerce Report revealed that Australians spent a staggering $20.7 billion online between July and September, the highest first-quarter spend ever recorded. More than 8.1 million households made online purchases, and half of all shoppers also took part in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, meaning the trend is not slowing.
But alongside the convenience, industry leaders and safety authorities are sounding the alarm about the hidden risks of foreign e-commerce giants such as Temu, Shein and Amazon. Australia Post CEO Paul Graham warned that these platforms could control up to 50 per cent of the Australian online shopping market by 2030, a shift he believes could damage local businesses and jeopardise Australia Post’s long-term financial viability. “The rise of international e-commerce giants threatens the financial sustainability of Australian businesses,” he said, urging shoppers to consider where their money goes and the broader consequences of their purchases.
Consumer safety concerns are also mounting. Standards Australia Chief Rod Balding said many cheap imported electronics, toys and clothing items simply do not meet Australia’s strict safety requirements. “They may appear to be an absolute bargain,” he said, “but we’re just encouraging people to do a little bit more due diligence and research before they hit that ‘buy now’ button.”
Products built for foreign power systems, poorly made baby toys, untested fabrics and button-battery-powered items are among the most concerning. Several high-profile recalls in recent years, including a glow-in-the-dark jumper that caught fire near a heat source and toys that failed basic safety tests, have reinforced fears about unregulated imports.
“Our testing found 17 of 24 children’s toys purchased from Shein, AliExpress, eBay and Amazon had serious safety failures when tested against Australia’s mandatory button battery standards,” CHOICE Director of Campaigns, Rosie Thomas, said. “Button batteries can cause catastrophic injuries within hours if swallowed, so it is highly concerning to see products like this continue to be sold.
“The safety failures across the 17 products included batteries that were able to be accessed without the use of a tool, absence of safety alerts or warning statements, and screws which did not remain with the battery compartment cover when the compartment was opened,” she added.
All of this is prompting a renewed push to shop local, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
Alison Hadfield, president of the Pomona Arts Inc said that the community benefits are substantial when people shop local. “There are huge benefits as local businesses are supported, residents are employed, and it means keeping our money in our town,” she said. “ … Temu and all the other chain internet shops are a force to be reckoned with. You never really know where the product came from and who made it and how it was made. If it’s Australian made, or [locally made] at least you can be assured that it is made to ethical standards.”
At the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, Kerry Norman, a volunteer at the centre, said customers consistently share positive feedback about supporting locally-made items. “They love to support the local artists, and the quality and uniqueness of their purchase,” she said.
Buying from local artisans also has a direct economic impact. “Markets are a good opportunity to purchase directly from the artisan, [shoppers] know they are getting quality and originality,” Kerry said. “People don’t mind spending a bit more, especially as they know for some, it’s their livelihood. Most artisans are dependent on these sales and for others it’s that little bit extra to help out.”
Kerry also said locally made baby clothes, toys and homewares remain popular because customers recognise the care and skill behind each item. “Items are all handmade and not mass produced.”
Buying from markets, local shops and artisans reduces waste, ensures products meet Australian standards, and keeps money circulating within the community. While imported bargain buys may be tempting, the message from safety experts, local makers and regional businesses is unanimous: take a moment to think before you click. This Christmas, investing in locally made, high-quality gifts not only supports the people who shape our towns but also ensures safer, longer-lasting presents under the tree.