[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]
Let’s cut right to it: No. “Free Shipping!” is an attractive offer to most of us, but unfortunately, shipping is never free. If anything, free shipping is getting more expensive every year.
The history of free shipping.
In the early days of online retailing, many suppliers, manufacturers, vendors and distributors offered free shipping without evaluating if it made economic sense. These wild-west days of the internet economy have since passed as profit-conscious online retailers are fully aware of the true cost of transporting goods.
The dirty little secret.
Have you noticed that many online sellers require you to “qualify” for free shipping via a “minimum purchase” when ordering your product? If you look even closer, many products that offer free shipping are more expensive than the exact same products from a different supplier that doesn’t offer free shipping.
This is what suppliers and manufacturers don’t want you to know. The cost of free shipping is ALWAYS passed on in other ways. Sometimes it’s masked by slightly higher prices, a lack of quality customer service, or strict purchase/return conditions. When is the last time you walked into the Post Office, FedEx, or UPS and were greeted with this exciting news: it’s FREE shipping day!
Never. That has never happened because shipping is a basic cost of running an online business and the money has to come from somewhere.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta admin_label=”Call To Action” button_url=”https://privatelabeluniversity.com/fast-track-bootcamp-to-private-labeling-the-perfect-product/” url_new_window=”off” button_text=”Give Me Access!” use_background_color=”on” background_color=”#4f2363″ background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ saved_tabs=”all”]
If you like what you are reading you would love our
FREE 5 day bootcamp to private labeling!
[/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]
Where does the shipping money come from?
Some companies reabsorb the costs associated with free shipping by not having a Customer Service department. We’ve unfortunately heard many online entrepreneur’s swap horror stories of customer service phones that just ring and ring, disconnect over a period of hold time, or messages that go unanswered.
As we mentioned, some companies require a minimum purchase in exchange for free shipping. Processing larger orders costs companies less than filling a multitude of smaller purchases. Consumers, attracted by the offer of free shipping, purchase more, which reduces overhead costs and allows the seller to handle the shipping costs. The customers who don’t purchase enough to waive the shipping can end up paying a slightly inflated shipping fee to make up the difference.
How can I avoid a fictitious Free Shipping scheme?
Free shipping is a phenomenon entirely unique to North America. Let’s face it, we love free things. But next time you’re buying your perfect product, stay ahead of the “free shipping” facade with these 3 tips:
- Look at the numbers. Make sure you’re paying ONLY for the product, and not falling prey to a “free shipping” offer that is really costing you more.
- Browse more. If a supplier is offering free shipping, look for more production options from other suppliers, companies or distributors. They may not offer free shipping, but the total price of the product plus shipping could STILL be lower than the total cost of the product with free shipping.
- Arrange your own shipping account. DHL, UPS and Fedex might quote you low costs for shipping. Add that to the cost of the product and it may be cheaper all around!
- Read reviews. If a company has a shady customer service department, previous buyers will typically write reviews about it. Before you buy anything, make sure you know who you’re dealing with!
Keep it simple. Read the fine print, be aware of any strings attached, and read customer service reviews before you take advantage of a seemingly sweet deal on shipping. For more information on the myth of Free Shipping, check out this video.
Do you have more questions about buying, marketing, and selling products online? Jump start your online business today with the Training Programs offered at Private Label University!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
