Free shipping
What is free shipping?
Free shipping is a marketing and sales tactic commonly used by online retailers to encourage customers to complete purchases. By removing delivery fees on eligible orders, retailers can make their products more appealing. Free shipping is often offered alongside other promotions like free returns, voucher codes, and discounts. Some merchants require customers to spend a minimum amount for example £50 to qualify for free delivery, which can help increase average order value. Others may offer free shipping on all orders, regardless of total spend, to improve the customer experience and encourage repeat business.
Reduced shipping costs and memberships
Free or discounted delivery is also a popular perk included in subscription or membership models. Customers who pay a subscription fee gain exclusive access to benefits such as faster or unlimited free shipping, exclusive discounts, or members-only sales. Amazon Prime is a prominent example members in the UK enjoy perks like free next-day delivery and free returns on most items. By tying free shipping to a membership programme, brands can boost retention and grow customer lifetime value over time.
