by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: September 26, 2007   Last Updated: November 26, 2008

Let's look at the five ways to get your package shipped for free!

1. Buy in bulk.

Shipping and handling charges are waived on almost every viable web store front when you purchase a requisite amount of merchandise. This will vary from site to site. Comparison shop before you buy, and save purchases that can be grouped together. You can take advantage of this form of free shipping.

Be wary. Sometimes it is cheaper to pay for shipping. Add the price plus the shipping when comparing sites. Sometimes the price of the product shipped for free is higher than the item with reasonable shipping.

2. Join the club.

Many online retailers have seen the value of the return customer in generating business for themselves and for building ad revenue. These sites will offer a "club". The advantages include such perks as remembering your information, discounts for purchases, newsletters which reveal sales promotions, free gifts with your purchase and free shipping, periodic or permanent.

3. Free for the finding.

Searching through an engine for free shipping on your item will produce results of retailers that may not have been on your first choice list. Revealing free shipping is something that you can mine for and reap the rewards. Simply type in the name of your item and "free shipping" to search.

4. Free everyday.

Retailers, who offer no shipping and handling charges ever, are out there. Beware that you may pay for the shipping in the price of the item you purchase. These sites may require mandatory insurance at your cost to defray the cost of their handling and shipping costs. Always read the fine print before you commit to your purchase.

5. Split the difference.

This is the bonanza! When you find a retailer whose price plus shipping and handling is lower than the price of the retailer with the free shipping and handling, you win. Shop carefully. Retailers with reasonable regular prices, will offer free shipping as a gimmick to increase traffic and sales. Retailers with actual shipping and handling, that has not been inflated to show profit, will be providing the better price.

In most states, shipping and handling is not taxable. This is how web sites make money with tax obligation. Always know the price for the item you want to buy before you choose a web site and before you click "Add to Cart". You will be able to make the shipping and handling free even if it is not!

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