How to Get Free Shipping on Last Minute Orders
If you're beginning to panic because the holidays are quickly approaching and you haven't finished shopping, don't let a time crunch send you into a tailspin that involves going way over budget. Take a deep breath, check your list and do some quick research to see what you can afford.
Lucky for you, today many stores are celebrating Free Shipping Day and waiving the cost of delivery for shoppers as an incentive to place online orders in time for Christmas. If you still have items to check off your shopping list, today is the perfect time to take advantage of free shipping and last minute sales.
There are so many different ways to get free shipping on your online purchases today that if one method doesn't work, you should try others. Here are a number of ways to find free delivery on your online shopping orders -- and many of these strategies will help you out any day of the year.
Special offers: Many stores will offer free shipping today with no requirements or purchase minimums as a special incentive to place your order before their delivery deadline. Do a quick search before your shopping today for a list of stores that are participating.
Stores that always ship for free: Some stores always ship for free, like L.L. Bean, Nordstrom and Piperlime. This year, Target guarantees free shipping throughout the entire holiday season.
Memberships: Free shipping might be a benefit when you join a store's membership program, like Amazon Prime, among other perks. Amazon offers free two-day shipping when you sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
Joining newsletters: Stores also may unlock free shipping deals when you sign up for an email newsletter.
Coupon codes: Always search your favorite coupon website for a free shipping code, as well as other sales and discounts to save money.
Order minimums: Many stores allow free shipping once you place an online order of a certain minimum amount. If you need to do a lot of shopping from one store, this can be a great way to cut down on shipping costs -- just make sure you're not spending frivolously in order to get free shipping.
Ship to the store: For those stores who sell online as well as in a brick-and-mortar location, place your order online and then pick it up in the store at your convenience and with no cost for shipping.
If you're worried about shipping deals or getting your gifts on time, just check a retailer's policy and their deadline for a guaranteed delivery.
Even if the shipping is free, it might not arrive as quickly as you need it -- especially if you're attending any parties this weekend. These ideas are perfect for the last minute shopper:
Flowers or a gift basket: Many services offer same-day or next-day delivery, and flowers, a gift basket or a special arrangement can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. These are especially good ideas for those hosting a lot of parties.
Gift voucher: Check online at a daily deal site such as Groupon or Living Social; you're bound to find tickets to local events, discounted memberships to gyms or spas and other great ideas. Just buy, print (or email) your voucher and you're ready to go.
Make a dinner reservation: Call ahead and reserve a date to take them out to dinner after the hectic holiday season is over. It will give you something to look forward to, and a reservation will ensure you don't put it off or forget.
Bake: If you have a few hours, head to the grocery store and pick up ingredients for holiday cookies or dessert. Find some festive containers or gift bags, and bake as much as you need for any remaining recipients on your list.
Gift cards: A tried-and-true solution, gift cards remain one of the most popular gifts during the holidays. What you may not know is that you can buy gift cards at a discount online, and even earn cash back during your purchase. Check out a coupon and cash back website for a list of websites to buy gift cards, and even trade in any you get this year for a different gift card -- or cash.
Good luck finishing your shopping list and hunting for the last great deals of the year!
Jon Lal is the founder and CEO of coupons and cash back website BeFrugal.com, which saves shoppers an average of $27 per order thanks to coupons plus an average of 7 percent cash back at more than 4,000 stores.
