Is Free Shipping THAT Important?

[Geddie_feed]

Hi all,
I haven't posted here in awhile and was interested in hearing your opinions and ideas on the free shipping topic.

I opened my site back mid-feb of this year but had been selling online since april of last year. I sell breyer model horses. I recently sent a survey to the 320 folks on my email list asking for their input on the current state of our newsletter we send out. Things like, when would you like to receive it, do you like the articles, etc. It had about 10 questions and the subject that kept coming up was "I would be more inclined to purchase if you offered free shipping" or "How about offering a free shipping day" ok the survey was about the newsletter, but folks kept going back to the free shipping.

Here's my problem. I have worked hard to set my business apart from the competition.

1)I currently have the lowest price of any of my competition
- they all offer free shipping but have higher prices as the price is built into the product

2) I give away freebies in every single order
- I personally know a few others don't

3) I have a cool newsletter with pics, content & always a coupon code for a % off any amount order
- a few have newsletters that are plain old text typed in their email provider

4)I have a special model of the month, deal of the day and other monthly specials so folks can save money
- my competition doesn't offer any specials at all

I also do many more 'special' things but does it really not matter how different my business is from the competition? Is the only thing that matters is if they get free shipping?

Sorry if this sounds kinda like a rant, I am just kinda shocked that I work so hard to bring the lowest price and best shopping experience possible to my customers and everyone still wants free shipping LOL

Any suggestions or is this just the norm? I have been selling via my site since mid-Feb and my business has grown every month so I know I'm doing something right but this is so frustrating LOL
Thanks
Tommy G

[GrimmSpeed]

I always thought free shipping is a waste of potential profit. Everyone assumes when you buy something online you will be paying shipping. People do not get pissed when they have to pay shipping.

[Gate2Shop]

Sometimes the "Free Shipping" is a good hook to many buyers, because of the bottom line that is visable.

[Logan]

Yes, it can be. But it depends on the product/market and competition. For example, I worked with a client website that dealt with furniture. Free shipping if you are doing a furniture site is essential. Sure cost is rolled in. But if you try to do a furniture site without free shipping you are going to have difficulty with my experiences ... because the competition's positioning with this.

My advice, go with free shipping and using it as an advantage within your marketing materials. For example, in your ppc ads communicate that you provide free shipping.

My experience also is that with seo, some do search free shipping keywords when purchasing products. It is relevant. If you are still not sure, test it to find out first hand.

1)I currently have the lowest price of any of my competition
- they all offer free shipping but have higher prices as the price is built into the product

You are making it difficult for your customer to determine that. Offer free shipping and the lowest cost and you will have the highest rate of conversions based on my experiences.

[funkynassau]

I did an informal poll on a forum asking what people preferred, free shipping or a coupon for $5. off on a product that was $45 - $50 in cost. The vast majority wanted free shipping! So you build the cost of shipping into the cost of the item...

[michalina]

Its not necessary that all online stores provide free shipping.

[sedonatours]

yes.. Free shipping it is Important Considerations for customer service but then it depends with the product sale, the important is you have also a profit what you sell.

[Pclaptech]

Free shipping attracts more Business sale in Ebay.

[Devon]

Think about when you buy online....you search for a good reliable company....you search for a good price....then they nail you with inflated shipping...IMO people want free shipping....they will buy now with free shipping being offered!...I just did this 20 minutes ago buying shoes for my son....

I searched!...passed two sites with the same offer....bought at the 3rd with free shipping. I dont mind paying shipping but dont want to over pay...or get raped on ebay!

Devon

[Dov Gordon]

Tommy,

Most marketing questions are best answered by testing. Run a test where you charge a bit more so you can offer "free" shipping and see how people respond.

Dov Gordon