On December 14, 2024, online shoppers will have an added incentive to tick off items from their holiday lists without the added cost of shipping.
The day provides mutual benefits for shoppers and consumers. Businesses benefit from boosted sales and customer loyalty, while consumers save on online purchasing costs.
The history of Free Shipping Day
National Free Shipping Day was established in 2008 to extend the holiday shopping season. The founders of FreeShipping.org and Coupon Sherpa created the event to promote customer-centric e-commerce practices.
At the time, shoppers worried that gifts ordered after December 10 would not arrive by Christmas. Offering free shipping would extend e-commerce orders, while making sure everybody got their parcels under the Christmas tree in time.
The goal of this initiative is for shoppers to save on shipping costs while also helping businesses align with consumer expectations around shipping.
Shipping expectations over the years
The allure of free shipping continues to hold significant sway over shopper behavior. According to a recent survey/research, free shipping is about more than just saving money.
It’s about building trust and loyalty. Customers tend to return to platforms that save them that extra bit of cash on delivery.
Moreover, a whopping 75% of consumers say they are willing to wait longer for their deliveries if it means saving on shipping costs.
But how is this still relevant in 2024, when consumers know they can order a parcel at any time and have it, in most cases, delivered in 24 hours or less?
Free shipping in the fast delivery era
According to a recent FedEx report, 81% of shoppers are likely to add more items to their carts to meet free shipping thresholds.
So, while fast shipping is the norm, the allure of free shipping still plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions – even in 2024.
This day capitalizes on the final stretch of time before the holiday season, making it a lifesaver for last-minute shoppers.
Despite their love for savings, consumers still have a robust appetite for quick delivery — especially when it’s free!
The FedEx study also sheds light on this trend:
- Expedited Shipping Desires: When free shipping isn’t on the table, 55% of consumers are willing to pay for faster delivery, indicating a critical balance that retailers need to manage between speed and cost.
- Retailer Adaptations: In response to these preferences, more merchants are experimenting with shipping policies that offer both free and expedited shipping options, striving to meet customer expectations without undermining their operational efficiency.
Thus, Free Shipping Day not only alleviates the financial burden but also serves as a crucial cutoff for guaranteed holiday deliveries.
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About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
