Free Shipping Day

Today is Free Shipping Day. Many on line retailers participate in this event. Lists of participating vendors are available on line. Many of the bigger names have embraced this day as well, including the biggest on line retailer, Amazon. Of course, check to make sure that the vendor you are contemplating ordering from takes part in free shipping day. If not, consider looking elsewhere.

Some vendors participate more than others, with various ordering levels required before the free shipping kicks in. Not everyone participates, especially smaller vendors that do not have big contracts with UPS and others. Free shipping does not generally include premium shipping, though if you are placing a large enough order, you may be able to negotiate on the shipping charges.

Who initiated Free Shipping Day is not clear. It probably would not be a surprise to most if the big shipping companies initiated this. The charges for free shipping day are absorbed by the retailer, not the shipper. If the shipping companies are responsible for free shipping day, that might explain why the groups responsible for this day do not readily take credit for it. Shippers' customers might not be too happy about feeling compelled to provide free shipping.

In the end, though, Free Shipping Day should prove beneficial to on-line retailers. There are still many people unfamiliar with on line shopping, and shipping charges are one thing that can easily dissuade a potential customer from purchasing from a web site. A widely publicized day where shipping charges are generally waived by the on-line merchants could significantly boost overall exposure and sales for e-tailers.
So, if you are one of those who have not ventured into the realm of the on line markets, today is just about the best day to do so. Avoid lines, parking hassles and unruly crowds at the malls. Quietly browse the world for that perfect gift from the warmth of your home. Have your purchase shipped directly to the intended recipient without ever having to set foot in the post office. If the intended recipient is yourself, anticipate the package showing up at your door, like a gift to yourself.