Why do we pretend that shipping can be free?

[cluxie]

A philosophy question more than anything.  We all know it's not free.

But why not "shipping included" or "no shipping charges" instead of "free"?

I think it goes back to the FVF history and shipping charges, but feel "free" to discuss among yourselves.

[lamber9347]

Because it is free to the buyer, and that is the target market. It's the same as writing $14.99 instead of $15.00. It is an illusion to the buyer only. Best of luck to you....

[dirk12955]

Human nature.   Everybody wants something for nothing.    Good marketing.

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

Because free means free.  Many, not all here create the illusion you speak of.  However, if I go buy a Printer at Staples or buy it online with free shipping the price is the same.  That's free shipping.

[monroe67]

"Why do we pretend that shipping can be free?"

"A philosophy question more than anything.  We all know it's not free."

Not all people know that shipping is not free.   In fact, a great many people believe that if an eBay listing or a TV-shopping show or a mail-order catalog says "Shipping is FREE" that it really is.  Unfortunately, every once in a while there is still a question posted from a new eBay seller asking why they had to pay postage; after all, they listed their item with FREE shipping.  

As for philosophical questions on these eBay community forums, those are mostly reserved for questions about eBay's fees.  

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

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@monroe67 wrote:

"Why do we pretend that shipping can be free?"

"A philosophy question more than anything.  We all know it's not free."

Not all people know that shipping is not free.   In fact, a great many people believe that if an eBay listing or a TV-shopping show or a mail-order catalog says "Shipping is FREE" that it really is.  Unfortunately, every once in a while there is still a question posted from a new eBay seller asking why they had to pay postage; after all, they listed their item with FREE shipping.  

As for philosophical questions on these eBay community forums, those are mostly reserved for questions about eBay's fees.  

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No.... QVC free shipping is free.  If I buy a chair at Staples the price instore is the same online, in fact, might even be on sale "Online Only" yet they have them in the store as well.  Whether I buy in store or online where shipping is free it is free.  Staples doesn't add a shipping cost atop the item which has same price as in store.  Because its cost of doing business and thus write off.  Free means free.  If Staples were to add to the cost of the item at checkout or even browsing yet say "Free Shipping" it would be a matter for State Attorney Generals as its consumer fraud.

Sellers might say free shipping here and add the shipping amount to cost, pretty hard to go after.  All they are doing is a manipulation that in reality is defrauding the consumer but proving that is another matter.

Free means free, definition, aka: Not add expense or additional expense.  Those who do are essentially engage in a lie to the consumer.  If this item is $50 and $10 ship and that's how I'd it listed then turn around and do $60 + Free Shipping I've defrauded that consumer.  If Staples did this Attorney Generals would eat them alive as the definition of FREE means NO ADDITIONAL EXPENSE to the recipient.

[cluxie]

You don't add shipping into the cost of items you list?

Doesn't seem like that sustainable of a business model, but to each their own.

[richard1rst]

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@cluxie wrote:

A philosophy question more than anything.  We all know it's not free.

But why not "shipping included" or "no shipping charges" instead of "free"?

I think it goes back to the FVF history and shipping charges, but feel "free" to discuss among yourselves.

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"Shipping included" would be an accurate statement. "No shipping charges" is not since every seller worth their salt includes the cost of the shipping rolled into the price of the product so even though you don't see the shipping charge it is still there.

"Free Shipping" is an advertising gimmick. It is like any ad  that says something on the order of "Our product is the best......". There is a particular news program that comes on and every show is preceeded with "Welcome to a very special edition of....." Well EVERY program can't be special. But they do it anyways.

It is all explainable by a quote from that great newsman H. L. Mencken - "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people". How else would you explain Pet Rocks, mood rings, beanie babies, the belief that politicians are telling us the truth?

To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln

You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time - and usually that is sufficient.

[cluxie]

How did the printer get to your local staples?

[cluxie]

A friend of mine was telling me when his wife buys clothing on another large online sales site she will purchase 2 or 3 sizes of the same piece of clothing from sellers that offer "free" returns, try them on, keep the best fitting one and return the others because, after all, it's "free".

Seems to create or at least cultivate some habits hurt us all, to my way of thinking.

[cluxie]

Is it actually good marketing to cultivate false perceptions in your customers?

[tsme35]

Free shipping would cut my sales way down.  I sell fishing lures and do alot of combine shipping so if I do free shipping and add the cost of shipping into the total price, then every time someone buys a few lures, their paying shipping on each one.

[inhawaii]

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@cluxie wrote:

A philosophy question more than anything.  We all know it's not free.

But why not "shipping included" or "no shipping charges" instead of "free"?

I think it goes back to the FVF history and shipping charges, but feel "free" to discuss among yourselves.

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I agree with you.

That's why I don't offer free shipping.

I realize that it might cost me sales as some customers search using free shipping.

But I'm hoping my customers are smart enough to look at the total price and make their decision.

[cluxie]

Very good point, I run into this problem as a buyer myself, and I can tell you it has been the dealbreaker on whether an ebay seller makes a sale to me or I go to another source. 

[buyselljack2016]

Back in the day, when I had listings that eBay would show the buyer that shipping was "free", my descriptions had :

Your purchase includes the cost of shipping by USPS with tracking.