Easy Ways to Avoid Shipping Fees

Sign Up for Rewards Programs Many retailers like J.Crew, Madewell, adidas and Sephora offer free shipping to their loyalty program members. These programs are usually free and come with perks like birthday gifts, special coupons, and points on purchases. What’s not to love?

Opt for Store Pickup: Choosing in-store or curbside pickup can save you on shipping fees. Many stores have items ready for pickup within hours, and some, like ULTA Beauty and Kohl’s, offer extra savings and rewards for pickup orders. Alternatively, choose free ship-to-store options when available for smaller purchases of $10-$25+ at places like Walgreens or JCPenney.

Learn Sales Routines: Knowing your favorite stores’ sales patterns can save you on shipping. Some sites waive shipping fees during specific holidays or days of the week. LOFT, HSN, and QVC are known for having flash sales with free shipping on a regular basis, so you may want to hold off on a smaller purchase if you know these stores are due for a sale.

Check Related Sites: If you find a specific deal you like at Old Navy, GAP, Banana Republic, or Athleta, check the other sites, too. Since they are all owned by GAP, Inc., items are collectively processed at checkout. If one store offers free shipping, you can add items from another store to your cart and get them shipped for free, as well.

Rethink eBay: Beyond buying and selling old treasures, several retailers have official eBay stores that offer free shipping on all orders. For instance, Target‘s deals require a $35+ order for free shipping, but the same items often ship for free from their eBay outlet store, Bullseye Deals.

Shop During the Holidays: The holiday season is prime time for free shipping deals. Most stores offer free shipping between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, making it a great time to buy stocking stuffers. Look for holiday-themed and seasonal free shipping offers throughout the year.

Stack Coupon Codes: Before placing your order with a free shipping code, check if you can stack multiple coupon codes at checkout. This can lead to even more savings to ensure you’re getting the very best deal.

Consider Paid Subscriptions: If you frequently shop at a particular store, a paid subscription for free shipping may be worth it. Many stores offer free trials (like Amazon Prime and Walmart+), while others reimburse subscription costs for new members via gift cards and rewards (such as Sam’s Club).

Bring the Outlet Mall to You: Shop Premium Outlets has all your favorite outlet stores in one place — and they offer free shipping with every purchase! They also typically run the same sales and promotions you’ll find on these retailers’ sites, which means you get the best of both worlds.

Open a Store Credit Card: Opening a store credit card can be a quick way to get free shipping and earn rewards faster. Macy’s, Target, and Walmart offer store credit cards that include free shipping and other perks.

Meet the Minimum Free Shipping Threshold

The classic method for free shipping is to meet the minimum purchase amount, typically between $25 and $100+. While not always ideal for frugal shoppers, it can be beneficial to stock up when prices are right. Check return policies if you plan on sending anything back. Some stores, like Gap Factory, calculate free shipping thresholds based on the subtotal before discounts. For instance, free shipping on orders of $50+ could mean free shipping on $20+ after applying available coupons.

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