Brits are being hit with a £163 million 'summer tax' as heatwaves, holidays and entertaining spark a rush of last-minute purchases, forcing shoppers to fork out premium rates for express delivery.
Research involving 2,000 adults found 31% have spent an average £9.82 to have essentials like fans, sun cream and swimwear delivered quickly. This amounts to millions being splashed out across the country to ensure their summer must-haves arrive before the good weather vanishes. And that's on top of an extra £25.16 blown on the spontaneous warm weather buys themselves.
More than half (51%) splash out more than expected during the summer months, while 53% have witnessed 'heatwave hikes', where costs for in-demand items rocket when temperatures climb. When conditions turn scorching, 40% have shopped online or rushed out to stock up during warm snaps, only to find prices climbing too, particularly for sun cream, chilled drinks, and fans.
Forgotten Essentials Add to Costs
The study, commissioned by Joybuy, also revealed how 'forgotten essentials' hit summer budgets. More than half (51%) spend more than expected during warmer months, particularly when leaving behind crucial items before a summer getaway or day out. Sun cream, toiletries, and sunglasses rank among the most frequently overlooked items. Others confessed to forgetting phone chargers, travel adapters and headphones.
Consequently, 56% ended up purchasing items while already on their travels, with 32% grabbing them at the airport, while 17% resorted to paying for express delivery at the last minute – often adding to the overall cost.
Summer Spending Pressures
The sunnier months are also heaping pressure on people's finances more generally, with 23% saying they struggle to stick to a budget during summer. With summer spending pressures mounting, 41% of Britons wish there was a Black Friday in summer to help make bigger purchases and seasonal essentials more affordable.
This follows nearly a quarter (24%) believing better stock availability on seasonal essentials would help avoid last-minute summer spending. While 22% say being able to buy everything in one place would make last-minute splurges easier to manage.
Financial coach Clare Seal added: 'Summer is often when even the most carefully planned budgets come under pressure. Holidays, heatwaves and last-minute social plans can all trigger unexpected spending, and because many of these purchases are urgent, consumers often end up paying a premium through higher prices or costly delivery fees.'
'Whether it's buying a fan during a heatwave or replacing a forgotten holiday essential, these hidden costs can quickly add up. The good news is that there are ways to claw back this 'Summer Tax'. Planning ahead where possible, comparing prices and choosing the right retailers, such as Joybuy, which offers good value and free delivery on items even if you want something that very same day - that can make a real difference. When the average premium delivery fee is approaching £10, those savings can quickly add up over the course of the summer.'
