Before You Add to Cart for Free Shipping, Ask Yourself This One Question
We’ve all been there: You’re checking out online when you notice that you’re just a few dollars away from free shipping. Suddenly, you’re browsing everything from candles to snacks to phone chargers in order to push your cart over the minimum.
Spending a little more to avoid a shipping fee can feel like a smart move at the time, but it can also push you to buy things you really don’t need. Before you add another item to your cart, ask yourself this one question: “Would I still buy this if shipping were already free?”
Good To Know: 7 Costco Buys That Make the Executive Membership Worth the Upgrade
Explore More: 14 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money — That You Should Do, Too
Your answer can help you discern the difference between a purchase that makes sense and one that’s simply driven by clever marketing. Free shipping can absolutely save you money, but retailers also use spending thresholds to encourage shoppers to buy more than they originally planned.
Why Free Shipping Thresholds Work for Retailers
Free shipping is often one of the biggest factors influencing online shopping decisions. According to a 2024 consumer survey conducted by FedEx, 81% of shoppers said that they are willing to spend more in order to qualify for free shipping, while 75% said the value free shipping even more than faster delivery. What’s more, retailers know this.
Instead of offering free shipping on every order, many retailers set minimum purchase amounts to encourage customers to increase the size of their cards.
Remember: If you’re already planning to buy those extra items, combining purchases can be a smart way to save. But buying something solely to reach the threshold? That’s a different story.
Always Look at the Total Cost
Imagine that your cart totals $44, and free shipping starts at $50. Shipping would cost $5.99, so you add a $9 item you weren’t planning to buy.
It may feel like you saved on shipping, but you actually spend more money overall. Instead of paying $49.99 for the items you intended to purchase, you’ve spent $53 because of an unnecessary addition.
The same logic applies to promotions like “Spend $75 and get a $10 gift card.” If you spend an extra $20 just to earn a future reward, you may end up spending more than the promotion is even worth. The key here is to compare your total spending, not just the shipping fee you’re avoiding.
Remember To Always Ask Yourself the Question
Remember to always ask yourself the big question: “Would I still buy this if shipping were already free?”
If the answer is yes because it’s something you already needed (like paper towels, or pet food or toothpaste), adding it now may help you consolidate purchases and avoid future shipping costs.
If the answer is no, then paying for shipping could actually be your cheaper option.
The Bottom Line
Free shipping isn’t automatically a bad deal or a trick, but it isn’t always the cheapest option, either.
The next time you’re just a few dollars away from a shipping threshold, don’t let the promo make the decision for you. Always ask yourself whether you’d buy the item if shipping were already free. Sometimes the smartest shopping strategy isn’t qualifying for free shipping but rather sticking to your original spending plan.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: