In today's e-commerce landscape, "free shipping" has become the norm. Customers expect it, and retailers feel pressure to offer it in order to remain competitive. But is this trend truly sustainable for businesses? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of offering free shipping.
On the surface, free shipping seems like a win-win for both retailers and customers. Retailers can increase sales by offering a perceived value-add, while customers get to have their purchases delivered to their doorstep at no extra cost. However, the reality is that shipping is never truly "free" for retailers. They must absorb the cost of shipping into the price of their products or offset it through other means such as upselling or cross-selling.
This can be especially challenging for small businesses that may not have the same economies of scale as larger companies. They may find it difficult to offer free shipping and still turn a profit. Additionally, offering free shipping can also lead to higher returns, as customers may be more likely to make impulse purchases or order multiple sizes with the intention of returning the ones that don't fit. This can be a costly process for retailers to handle.
On the customer side, free shipping can also lead to a false sense of savings. Customers may feel that they are getting a good deal when they see "free shipping," but the reality is that the cost of shipping has already been baked into the price of the product. In some cases, customers may actually be paying more for a product with "free shipping" than they would if they paid for shipping separately.
So, is free shipping worth it for retailers? It really depends on the business. For some, offering free shipping may be a necessary evil in order to remain competitive. But it's important for retailers to carefully consider the costs and potential risks before committing to offering it.
"Free shipping" may seem like a no-brainer for both retailers and customers, but it's important to look beyond the surface and understand the hidden costs and potential risks involved. Retailers must carefully consider their business model and whether offering free shipping is truly sustainable, while customers should be aware of the potential for inflated prices and increased returns.
As they say - Buyer Beware.
-Shaun, DrawDadDraw