The season of free shipping and other goodies

Just like the rest of us, retailers are reeling from the depressed economy, and they’re worried that once consumers empty their pockets to heat their homes and put food on the table, there won’t be anything left for holiday gifts.

So to sweeten the pot and bring in the fence-sitters, many stores are dangling discounts extra early this season. Since late September, my inbox has been flooded daily with promotions. Frankly, the incentives are so generous that I’ve drawn a line in the sand and refuse to buy from any store or e-tailer that doesn’t toss me a bone.

Most of the offers involve free shipping, but there plenty of other come-ons. And when one promotion ends, another begins. So don’t feel that you’ve missed the boat. Here are a few of the recent goodies ...

• Toys R Us  – Free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

• Sears – 10 to 15 percent off entire inventory.

• Wal-Mart – Free shipping for online orders picked up in stores.

• Kohl’s – 15 percent off entire stock of kitchen appliances. Free shipping on orders of at least $25.

• King Arthur Baking –  20-percent off signature flours.

• Land’s End -- Free shipping, no minimum order.

• American Eagle Outfitters  –$20 off any order of $50 or more.

• Brooks Brothers – 15 percent off entire stock.

• L.L. Bean – $10 gift card with order of $50 or more.

• Gap – Buy one pair of pants, get second pair for 50 percent off.

There’s one caveat to all of the above, which is to check the company’s website to make sure the deal is still on. Venders introduce and then whisk away these offers like a magician popping cards out of his sleeve!

IMPORTANT: But if you do get to the store and they claim the deal has changed or ended, try asking them to honor it anyway. I’ve had great success lately just asking for discounts when -- in theory at least -- there was no special reason for the retailer or service company to offer one. And they have nearly always come through.

Are you seeing more wheeling and dealing than usual? If so, pass them along and we'll make sure others get the word. You can post a comment here or write to me at tightwad at cro dot consumer dot org.

Comments

[Cody]

Kohl's site reports $75 minimum for free shipping.

TOD SAYS: We'll check with them too. Thanks!

[Roxanne]

I checked Land's End, and they are not offering the free shipping at this time. I took your advice and held off placing my order, and asked them to consider offering the extra again.

TOD SAYS: Thanks Roxanne. I'll check with them again and see what they say ...

[Erin @ CouponCravings.com]

Earlier this week Target.com announced free shipping on 25,000+ items through tomorrow (11/8). Kmart.com is also doing nearly site-wide free shipping (excluding furniture, TVs & computers) through 11/8. As far as I can tell, neither have minimum purchase requirements. And you're right, once one promotion ends, another one will come along!