As an online business owner or decision-maker, you know that offering inexpensive or free shipping is a must-have in today’s digital world. It is an effective method of enticing your customers to buy products from your eCommerce business.
True, it can be hard to justify free shipping if you are a smaller business. If an order does not reach a certain minimum, it just might not seem doable. However, there are a few ways to offer free shipping, even if you are a small business. The Holiday season, in particular, is the perfect time to implement this effective practice.
Here are three reasons why you should offer free holiday shipping and some tips on how to keep it affordable.
It Increases Sales and Revenue
Thanks to Amazon Prime, many shoppers dislike paying for shipping, and they will even refuse to buy an item if shipping fees are applied. That extra amount, on top of what they are already paying, seems like too much.
Offering free shipping will entice a customer to pull the trigger on a purchase. Not only this, but it will convince them to make larger purchases. Customers feel more justified in purchasing more items if they do not see an extra fee during checkout.
Studies show that 77% of shoppers consider free shipping to be the most important factor in the checkout process. Free shipping will also convince new shoppers to make a purchase from your eCommerce business and even urge customers to pull the trigger on purchases faster.
It Pleases Loyal Customers
If a customer is pleased with your customer service—namely your shipping options—they are more likely to purchase from you again. Offering free shipping is an excellent way to create loyal, happy customers who return to your shop often.
Obviously, customer loyalty is appreciated at all times, but it is especially helpful during the holiday season. While everyone is in a shopping frenzy, your loving customers will turn immediately to you.
It Gives an Advantage Over the Competition
As effective as it is, some retailers are still charging for shipping. If you implement free shipping, you will have an advantage over the competition. If shoppers are trying to decide whether to buy an item from your shop or someone else’s, free shipping could be just what you need to edge out the competition.
How Do I Make Free Holiday Shipping Affordable?
Undoubtedly, the Holidays will be a busy time for you and your business. Shipping rates will be up, and though it is the most important time to offer free shipping, it can seem too expensive. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help.
1. Offer Free Shipping Campaigns Early
If you spread out your free shipping offer over a more extended period of time, you won’t have as big of an influx of orders right at the end of the year, allowing your budget more breathing room. In order to do this, start offering free shipping around Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
2. Offer Select Item Free Shipping
Offering free shipping for everything in your store might be out of the question. But if you cannot swing free shipping for smaller purchases, consider offering it for larger purchases. This can entice customers to buy from you and may convince them to choose your eCommerce shop over another retailer for certain products.
3. Offer Free Shipping with Subscriptions
If you are using a subscription-based model, consider offering free holiday shipping to subscribers. This will also encourage customers to subscribe to an annual subscription.
4. Offer Free Shipping to First-Time Customers
This method will optimize how you save money and encourage new customers to purchase your products. If a customer buys from you once and is happy, they are more likely to become loyal to your brand.
Holiday Shipping Solution
With all of those Holiday orders flooding in, you will need quick and affordable fulfillment and shipping.
Thankfully, Smart Parcel 24/7 offers just that!
We utilize hundreds of shipping carriers across the world, enabling us to ship your products from point A to point B as quickly and affordably as possible. Our network of carriers allows us to find you the very best rates. Our expert warehousing system fulfills your orders efficiently and to your exact specifications. When paired together, our fulfillment and shipping services will ease the Holiday rush and let you enjoy the season stress-free.