Why All Online Retailers Should Consider Free Shipping Offers

The number of shoppers turning to the internet for their shopping has been going up year after year. At the same time, online retailers have been working hard to come up with ways to turn those browsers into buyers. One tactic that both retailers and consumers seem to like is free shipping offers. There are several types of these offers to choose from, and once a retailer decides to try one of them, they need to promote that shipping offer to their customers. The purpose of this article is to inform online retailers about the potential benefits of including free shipping as part of their online marketing strategy.

It has been shown with website statistics and opinion polls that more than half of all consumers are more likely to shop online with a retailer that offers free shipping than one that doesn't. There used to be a time when online shoppers didn't really factor in the price of shipping into their purchasing decisions. With the recent rise in shipping cost, and more experienced online shoppers, the cost of shipping now plays a major role in consumers deciding which website to shop at, and whether to shop online at all. It is now common to see online retailers who aren't even charging for shipping on large items like big screen TVs. As a retailer, when you don't charge your customers for shipping, there is a downside, you are stuck picking up the bill. This is what led internet retailers to develop several different types of free shipping offer.

There seems to be three different types of free shipping offers that are popular with online retailers. A small amount of retailers offer free shipping on everything in their store. This definitely encourages people to buy, but for this to make sense they need to be selling items where the profit margin far exceeds the price of shipping. The second and most popular type of offer involves a set minimum purchase amount. This ensures that the retailer's shipping costs are covered, encourages shoppers to spend more, and the shopper is happy because they are still getting a deal. The third way retailers can offer free shipping is to only offer it only on certain items. This can be effective for retailers who want to encourage shoppers to buy specific items that will still be profitable even when the cost of shipping is factored in.

After a retailer has chosen what type of free shipping offer they want to use, they have to let their customers know about it. There are several ways to promote your shipping offer. The single most effective way to do this is to advertise it on your home page. I recommend going further than this and making a place on every page of your website to promote your offer, this way it will act as a reminder throughout a visitors entire shopping experience. Many retailers are also promoting their shipping offers outside the confines of their own website with banner ads, Adword campaigns, and third party websites. Promotion is important, because a free shipping offer that very few people know about isn't going to help much.

The benefit of including free shipping as part of an online marketing campaign is an almost guaranteed increase in sales. The challenge for internet retailers is to choose the right type of free shipping coupons that encourages sales, but does not eat into a companies profits. Proper promotion of a shipping offer will also play a major role in its success. I recommend that every internet retailer should consider testing out free shipping offers.

About the Author

Nial McFadyen is an internet marketer who helps online retailers reach new customers and increase sales.
Here is a free shipping list showing hundreds of online retailers who are already using free shipping coupons to increase sales http://www.couponsforeveryone.com/free-shipping.

AquaBella Loofah Facial Wash Pad (3pk) (FREE Super Saver Shipping) Sale Price: $4.59   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description AquaBella Loofah Facial Wash Pad is great with any face wash or soap.It has a elastic holding band and terry cloth.Natural exfoliating loofah softens when wet.

Sterling Silver Box Style Necklace 20 inches Length Free Shipping List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $5.99 You save: $54.00 (90%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description A must have accessory this Classic Box Style Chain will fit most pendants. It can also be worn by itself. The chain is made out of Sterling Silver and then polished to give it a bright shiny appearance...

Pink Flower Design Purse Hanger - Purse Caddy (Free Shipping When You Buy 5 or More) List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $5.99 You save: $19.00 (76%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our collection of intricately designed and lightweight purse hangers act as an essential accessory for purses, handbags, etc for keeping them off the floor and in your sight at restaurants and other places...

AquaBella Classic Soft Bath Sponge (2pk) (FREE Super Saver Shipping) Sale Price: $4.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description AquaBella Classic Soft Bath Sponge one of the best and caring ways to cleanse, massage and exfoliate your skin. The sponge is highly absorbent, create a luxurious lather, and are softly textured.

Flower Heart Purse Hanger - Purse Caddy (Free Shipping When You Buy 5 or More) List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $5.99 You save: $19.00 (76%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our collection of intricately designed and lightweight purse hangers act as an essential accessory for purses, handbags, etc for keeping them off the floor and in your sight at restaurants and other places...

Beveled Edge Center Brushed Finish 8mm Comfort Fit Mens Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band Ring Size 9.5 Free Shipping List Price: $119.99 Sale Price: $29.99 You save: $90.00 (75%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Style: beveled edged with center brush finish, Width: 8mm, Ring Size 8 to 13 MSRP: $149.99 Imagine wearing a ring that never needs polishing, a ring that is virtually scratch proof. Tungsten carbide rings are the future...

BOXIE Bright Silver Camera Case for Canon PowerShot, Sony CyberShot, Nikon Coolpix, Pentax Optio, Casio Exilim, Olympus Stylus and Panasonic Lumix - Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping List Price: $15.00 Sale Price: $11.99 You save: $3.01 (20%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description - Case is covered in durable nylon webbing around a strong, water-proof plastic core. - Interior is lined with soft felt to protect your digital camera from minor scratches and scrapes. - Quality craftsmanship to protect your digital camera from the bumps and bruises of travel and everyday use with this tough, hard-shell case...

M5 Magnum 5 blade razor with trimmer, in travel case by Personna - Free Prime shipping List Price: $8.99 Sale Price: $7.33 You save: $1.66 (18%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description A great razor that shaves close each time. replacement blades are easily available when the original blades no longer are sharp enough for you. Two cartridges included.

Home For The Holidays: Christmas Gift Basket with Cheese & Sausage - FREE SHIPPING List Price: $105.80 Sale Price: $88.20 You save: $17.60 (17%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Who would not love this wonderful holiday gift that is filled with an all-time favorite holiday combination, Wisconsin cheeses, sausage, crackers, nuts and more!

Timeless Confidence: Unisex Stainless Steel Modern Cross Pendant Necklace Free Shipping List Price: $79.96 Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $59.97 (75%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description A solo tribute to any occasion, this architecturally perfected modern cross is crafted from high quality polished finish 316L Surgical Stainless Steel. This iconic piece has timeless appeal and is suited for both men and women...