Canadians love online shopping but the Brits may love it even more.

In response to overwhelming interest in online shopping, we're launching FreeDelivery.org, the United Kingdom version of FreeShipping.ca.

It turns out online shoppers in the U.K. account for almost one-third of all European Sales and 10 percent of total retail sales in the U.K.

FreeDelivery.org will provide online U.K. shoppers with free delivery codes from more than 650 merchants offering a wide variety of products and services. As of today's launch, participants already include such major U.K. merchants as Harrods, Amazon UK, Apple, Woolworth's, Marks & Spencer and the BBC Store -- with many more to come.

CEO Luke Knowles said the increased interest in online shopping in the U.K. made the new site a no-brainer.

"It seemed a natural fit, particularly since online shoppers from the U.K. spend an average of $1,723 each per year. Providing easy access to free delivery codes will only help increase those figures as it reduces the cost of online shopping."

As in the U.S., the e-commerce company will sponsor a Free Delivery Day in the U.K. Free Delivery Day is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 20. Online merchants participating in the one-day online shopping event provide free delivery to customers with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.

If you're shopping a U.S. web site, there are things you should know before plugging in your credit card number. Unless the merchant or its shipping center are based in Canada, you may need to figure in shipping, exchange rates, customs, taxes and custom brokerage fees.

Here are seven factors you should consider before finalizing that purchase at a U.S. website. Keep them in mind for a happy and safe online-shopping venture.

1. Shipping to Canada Availability: Before you even begin to shop, you'll want to check whether the site offers shipping to Canada. It's incredibly irritating to reach the last page of your purchase and find you'll have to make a trip south of the border if you want to pick up that purchase.

2. Shipping Charges: Valid sites list their international shipping policies and procedures up front, usually on the Q&A, Customer Service or Help pages. Some sites charge a flat fee for purchases under a set amount and offer free shipping for purchases above that figure. Others determine shipping charges by weight, size, distance and speed of delivery. Read the details carefully.

3. Exchange Rate: Remember to factor in the exchange rate as well as the cost of the merchandise. Yahoo offers an easy-to-use currency converter. Your credit card company may also add a charge for currency conversion.