Tips for Using Shipping Promo Codes

Almost everyone over the age of twenty remembers Grandma clipping coupons from the Sunday newspaper. Our generation, however, gets the latest information the minute it happens from our laptops or smart phones. The same is true for sales and promotions from a favorite online retailer thanks to SoNotRetail.com. Whether Grandma likes it or not, online shopping is here to stay and we’re here to provide up-to-date and relevant coupon codes that work. So tell Grandma you learned from her savvy ways, but improved upon them, by searching for promo codes and coupons at SoNotRetail.com. She may even learn from you when she sees the same thing from the mall is cheaper online, even where shipping is concerned.

Shipping Codes–Not All Codes are Created Equal

Flat Rate Shipping: This isn’t exactly free shipping, but it does make buying merchandise online more affordable. Sites like Overstock and Gap offer flat rate shipping for any size order over a certain dollar amount. Macys.com now offers free shipping on most purchases of $99 or more and $8 flat-fee shipping for most orders of less than $99. No promotional codes or coupons are required.

Free Shipping on Any Product: High volume retailers like Zappos.com offer free shipping on any order and even offer free returns. At Barnes and Noble if you place at least $25 of one eligible item in your cart and follow their guidelines you will get free shipping. Check other major retailers for similar promotions, but be sure to read the fine print to see if your order qualifies.

Free Shipping Day–Once a Year Event: This event began in 2007. It’s an event to encourage last minute shoppers to shop online for the holiday season. In 2011 the event is December 16. This is a one-day-only deal where thousands of online retailers offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. If you are one of the multitude of gift-giving procrastinators, check your favorite online site to see if they participate in this event.

Ship to Store or Free In-Store Pickup: Retailers like Wal-Mart, Fry’s, and Lowe’s offer free in-store pick up if you order online and pick up your merchandise within a specified time frame, usually 24 hours. Wal-Mart sends a text message or e-mail alerting you when your order is ready, which usually takes about four hours. Sears, Nordstrom, and Best Buy all offer both store pickup and “ship to store,” where items are shipped free to a local store. If you live near any store that offers this deal, it’s a good way to save time and money.

Free Shipping on Select Items: Many online sites that sell different sized items use this offer. It’s a good way for retailers to promote easy to ship items when they can’t afford to offer free shipping on heavy items. Pottery Barn and Best Buy are two sites that have this offer. Make sure you check your shopping cart for items that will qualify.

Free Shipping with Minimum Purchase: Some online sites offer free shipping if you spend a specified dollar amount. This encourages you to spend up to that amount to qualify, so be sure you can afford to spend that amount. If you do then this is a good offer for you. If not, then are you really saving money?

With all of the options available to avoid paying full retail for shipping, there’s no excuse for not shopping online. You’ll learn to love shopping from home when you see how much you can save. It’s enough to make Grandma proud.