The Istobe eCommerce Analytics Blog

For the first time since we started tracking free shipping a few weeks ago there has been a net decline in free shipping offers among retailers. This, of course, is news of the “Well, duh” variety. It is interesting to note, however, that despite the pull back more than half of merchants are still offering free shipping.

Take a look at the full free shipping list breakdown at http://istobe.com/free-shipping.html.

Ad Age reports on a Shop.org study that shows 45% of online retailers are significantly increasing their budget for free shipping this holiday season.  It appears that, this holiday season, everyone is a defector in the prisoner’s dilemma that is free shipping.  

We’ve always advocated holding firm on shipping charges but the tide is simply too strong to resist this holiday season.  Instead, consider a way to minimize the damage.

Read 45% of Online Retailers Increasing Free Shipping Budget for Holidays »

With the holiday season upon us, and with the specter of economic downturn no longer looming but now in full unfurling, the hue and cry for free shipping to draw customers has never been greater. Almost everyone insists that drastic price cuts and coupon-like free shipping are necessary evils to keep your customers from the competition. But I would urge smaller retailers to resist giving up margin and making deal-seekers of their entire housefile. Instead they should get more personal.

Read Retail Marketing Strategy Should Rely More on Personalization, Less on Free Shipping »