Free shipping thresholds: when to add to your cart and when not to
CouponChops · · 1 min read
A $50 minimum is only a deal if you wanted $50 of things.
- free shipping
- basics
Free shipping is the most common offer online, and the most misunderstood. A threshold is designed to make you spend a little more. Sometimes that is fine. Sometimes it costs you.
Do the simple math first
Compare two numbers: the shipping fee, and the cost of whatever you would add to reach the minimum. If shipping is $7 and you would add a $15 item you did not plan to buy, you are $8 worse off.
Ways to get free shipping without overspending
- Join the free membership. Several stores drop or lower the minimum for members. Sephora ships free to Beauty Insider members with no minimum, and Nike lowers its threshold to $50 for members.
- Choose store pickup. Big retailers such as Target and Best Buy let you collect an order for free.
- Combine orders. If you buy from the same store regularly, one larger order beats two small ones.
When adding an item makes sense
- It is something you buy anyway, such as socks, a refill or pet food
- It keeps, so buying it early costs you nothing
- It can be returned for free if you change your mind
Watch out for paid programs
Paid delivery memberships only pay off if you order often. Count how many orders you placed last year before you subscribe.
See current offers
Check home and lifestyle offers or all coupons for stores with free shipping right now.
