If you're ordering any gifts online in the coming days...You probably expect shipping to be free these days. But not always!
Consumer reporter John Matrese shows us who offers true free shipping, and who doesn't, so you don't waste your money.
The shipping wars are now underway! And with Amazon offering everyone free shipping until Christmas, you don't have to wait until December 14th this year. The annual free shipping day.
Lauren Doyle loves shopping online.
"Last year I did almost all my shopping online, and I expect to do the same this year."
But Laurens says if a web retailer doesn't offer her free shipping, she'll think twice about buying it.
Other shoppers in recent surveys agree.
"The National Retail Federation estimates that 50% of online shoppers will back out of a purchase if the shipping isn't free."
And that may be why Amazon has just announced it is dropping its 25 dollar minimum purchase for free shipping this holiday season.
Everyone, not just prime members, now qualifies from not till Christmas.
Amazon is following the lead of Target, which announced free shipping for everyone last week.
"What Amazon's announcement means is that you will find more and more stores offering free shipping this holiday season. That's because now if they don't offer it, they will have a tougher time landing customers."
Best Buy and Walmart still require a 35 dollar order for free shipping, but that could change anytime.
And remember, there is always free shipping day in mid December, when almost all major stores offer it.
Lauren says with so much competition, many holiday shoppers will drop their order i there is a shipping fee.
"When we are confronted by pay for shipping, that’s a turn off. We don't want to buy from that store."
The next week, culminitating in free shipping day, is the best time to order. AFter that, you'll probably need to pay to get it in time, so you don't waste your money. I'm John Matarese FOX 47 News.
