Should I Offer My Customers Free Shipping?

If you run a business that frequently relies on fast shipping across Toronto, Milton, Oakville or Burlington, you’ve probably wondered if you should offer free delivery on your goods.

On the one hand, you would obviously lose money on your own shipping costs not being covered. However, the phrase “free shipping” is sure to attract enough new customers to offset that loss. Or is it?

Online consumers increasingly want and expect their shipping to be offered for free. According to Shopify’s research, 59% of consumers say that free delivery improves their online shopping experience—while 67% of those in the United States say that it’s “crucial” to their online shopping experience.

One strategy is try out free shipping on some orders, that might include:

• Orders of a dollar amount or higher (Free shipping on $50.00 or more)
• Orders to a first-time customer (Your first shipment is on us)
• Orders to a repeat customer (Our new loyalty program)
• Orders during a seasonal promotion (Free shipping on Black Sunday)

Experiment. See what works for your company.

There is no blanket answer that says free shipping is a guaranteed way to entice customers, or it will flush money down the toilet.

If you have any questions about fast shipping around the GTA, Toronto, Milton, Oakville or Burlington, please contact us anytime.