The Dark Side of Free Shipping: The Truth About Hidden Costs

Beware of the Shell Game: The Deceptive Nature of Free Shipping

Free shipping is a popular promotional offer that many retailers use to entice customers to make a purchase. However, the reality of "free shipping" is often more complex than it appears. In fact, many retailers use a tactic called the "shell game" to make up for the costs of free shipping. Here's what you need to know.

What is the Shell Game?

The shell game is a tactic that some retailers use to make up for the costs of offering free shipping. Essentially, they'll increase the prices of their products to offset the costs of shipping. This means that while the shipping may be "free," the customer is actually paying for it in the form of higher prices.

For example, let's say a retailer offers a product for $50 with free shipping. In reality, the retailer may have originally priced the product at $40 with an additional $10 for shipping. By offering "free shipping," the retailer can increase the price of the product to $50 and still make up for the cost of shipping.

Another tactic that some retailers use is to set a minimum purchase amount for free shipping. For example, a retailer may offer free shipping on orders over $100. This encourages customers to spend more money in order to get the "free" shipping, which can ultimately increase the retailer's profits.

Why the Shell Game Can Be Deceptive

The problem with the shell game is that it can be deceptive for customers. They may think they're getting a good deal with "free shipping," when in reality, they're paying more for the product to make up for the cost of shipping. This can also make it difficult for customers to compare prices between retailers, since one retailer may offer "free shipping" while another may offer lower prices but charge for shipping.

Examples of the Shell Game

One example of the shell game in action is Amazon's Prime membership program. While the program offers "free" two-day shipping on eligible items, it comes with an annual fee of $119. This means that customers are essentially paying for the cost of shipping through the membership fee.

Another example is clothing retailer, which offers free shipping on orders over $150. However, the retailer has been criticized for increasing the prices of its products to offset the cost of shipping. This means that customers may not be getting a good deal, even with "free" shipping.

How to Avoid Falling for the Shell Game

To avoid falling for the shell game, it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Compare prices between retailers and look for hidden costs, such as minimum purchase amounts for free shipping. You should also read reviews and do your research to make sure you're getting a good deal overall, not just on shipping.

In conclusion, while "free shipping" can be a great promotional offer, it's important to be aware of the shell game. Some retailers may increase their prices or set minimum purchase amounts to make up for the cost of shipping, which can ultimately make customers pay more. By doing your research and comparing prices, you can avoid falling for this tactic and make informed purchasing decisions.

Coupon codes are a popular promotional tactic used by retailers to encourage customers to make a purchase. However, in some cases, retailers engage in a practice known as "bait and switch" with coupon codes. Here's what you need to know about this deceptive tactic.

What is Bait and Switch?

Bait and switch is a tactic that some retailers use to lure customers in with an appealing offer, only to change the terms of the offer once the customer has committed to making a purchase. In the context of coupon codes, bait and switch can take several forms.

One common form of bait and switch with coupon codes is to advertise a discount code that appears to offer a significant discount on a product, only to apply the discount to a different (often lower-priced) product at checkout. This can leave customers feeling frustrated and deceived, since the discount code did not apply to the product they actually wanted to purchase.

Another form of bait and switch with coupon codes is to set unrealistic or unclear terms for the discount. For example, a retailer may advertise a coupon code for "50% off your purchase," but in the fine print, it may specify that the discount only applies to certain products or that there is a minimum purchase amount required to qualify for the discount. This can be frustrating for customers who feel like they've been misled by the advertising.

Why Bait and Switch Can Be Deceptive

The problem with bait and switch is that it can be deceptive for customers. They may be enticed by an appealing offer, only to find that the terms of the offer have changed once they've committed to making a purchase. This can leave customers feeling frustrated and misled, and can ultimately damage the retailer's reputation.

Examples of Bait and Switch

One example of bait and switch with coupon codes is a retailer that advertised a "50% off" discount code for a specific product, but at checkout, the discount was only applied to a different (and lower-priced) product. This left customers feeling frustrated and misled by the advertising.

Another example is a retailer that advertised a discount code for "20% off your entire purchase," but in the fine print, specified that the discount only applied to certain products. This left customers feeling misled and frustrated, since they thought they were getting a discount on their entire purchase.

How to Avoid Falling for Bait and Switch

To avoid falling for bait and switch with coupon codes, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully before making a purchase. Look for any fine print or exclusions that may apply to the discount code, and make sure you understand exactly what products or purchases are eligible for the discount.

You should also be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true, and be skeptical of retailers that engage in deceptive advertising practices. By doing your research and being aware of the potential for bait and switch, you can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid falling for deceptive promotional tactics.

While coupon codes can be a great way to save money on your purchases, it's important to be aware of the potential for bait and switch. By reading the terms and conditions carefully and being skeptical of overly appealing offers, you can avoid falling for this deceptive tactic and make informed purchasing decisions.


At PrintSignsQuick.com we STRIVE to offer a QUALITY product at the BEST possible price! No gimmicks! No sales pitch! No bait and switch!

Read more about why Print Signs Quick does not compromise when it come to the shipping and on time delivery of your products:


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Cleaver marketing or misleading advertising?

It's Sunday night and I was online browsing through Google searches for Vinyl Banners. My eye caught a banner that said '$1.46 Banners', so of course I wanted to see what the 'catch' was. The first catch was the size: 1' x 2', not a practical size for a banner. Only a tiny percentage of people might order a 1'x2', but the price got me to click on it so I guess that kind of advertising worked.

The next page asked me to select a vinyl material. Of course the 1'x2' $1.46 banner is made of the cheapest vinyl material and includes no hems or grommets. Adding those hems and grommets brings that price up to $6.68 for that 1'x2'. Also, upgrading to a 'better' vinyl will cost you a lot more. Since the 'better' vinyl doesn't come in a 1'x2', the minimum price for the smallest size (2'x2') is $10.38 (about $2.59 a sq ft), but hems and grommets are still extra, bringing the price of a 2'x2' to $15.60 ($3.90 a sq ft). Isn't that funny how quickly the price keeps adding up! $15.60 for a 2'x2' banner!

At Print Signs Quick, we always include hems and grommets. And we always advertise a vinyl banner that is durable and long lasting, no upgrade necessary!
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