Free Shipping

Most companies have a chart that estimates the shipping fee. The costs are frequently based on the amount of money you spend. As the amount you spend rises, so do the shipping costs. Others based it on the weight of the package you are purchasing. Whatever the way shipping is figured, it is always best to see if you can find it for free through different websites, coupon codes, or special offers.

Free Shipping at Select Merchants

Certain companies offer free shipping on many of their items. Sometimes you may have to sign up or become a member of the website for a small fee. But if you order often, the savings will quickly add up. Restrictions often apply, like spending a certain amount of money before qualifying, or only buying certain items.

Amazon is one company that has free shipping as a benefit of becoming a member. Sign up for the Amazon Prime membership. Fees are only $79, and not only do you get all standard shipping for free, but you have the option to upgrade to two-day service for free as well. Additionally, Amazon offers shipping for free if you spend over $25 in select merchandise.

Other companies that offer free shipping include:

• Barnes & Noble—Spend $25 on select merchandise.
• Zappos—Free standard shipping for all orders.
• Wal-Mart—Shipping to select stores (on select merchandise) in Texas, NW Arkansas, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Northern California.
• O’Reilly—Free standard shipping on orders over $29.95 to one address.
• Blue Nile—Free for all orders, no minimum purchase needed.
• Sephora—Spend $75 and standard shipping is free.

Shipping Codes

Entire websites are devoted to giving you deals, coupons, rebates, and sale information. Use these websites to find codes to get shipping for free.

Websites to visit include:

• Just Free Shipping
• Free Shipping
• Shopping-Bargains
• Coupon Craze

You may have to register to receive the information, but if you shop online a lot, it's worth it. Most sites require the codes to be entered at the checkout of the online retailer; other times, you link through the shipping website.

Read through the rules and regulations of each website to be sure you understand the procedure and restrictions.

Special Offers

Special offers are often available to good customers. In fact, holidays create a lot of deals on shipping that are not normally available. Catalog shoppers usually have to look a little harder to find those deals, but they are often available.

Online Holiday Shipping

Online merchants often have free shipping offers around the holidays. Some retailers that do include:

• Crate&Barrel—Collection of items that qualify for free standard shipping for the holidays.
• Best Buy—Offers holiday shipping for free.
• Victoria’s Secret—Free express delivery on orders over $100 for the holidays.

Check back often to your favorite shopping websites to see if they offer occasional shipping deals. If you sign up for their e-newsletters, you may be privy to special codes that others do not receive.

Catalog Shipping Deals

If you receive catalogs in the mail, check for inserts. One example of such promotion is the 2006 JCPenny winter catalog, featuring shipping for free on orders over $49. You simply have to mention the code at the bottom of the insert when you call in the order.

Check all your catalogs to see if they have a free shipping policy. Asking never hurts, either. When you call to place the order, ask the customer service representative if they have any deals going on where you can get free shipping. If you have to spend $5 or $10 dollars more to save $15 or $20 in shipping, it's worth it.