How to avoid Amazon shipping charges?
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Avoiding Amazon shipping charges can be done in several ways, whether you're a Prime member or a non-Prime member. Here are some tips to help you get free shipping or minimize shipping costs:
1. Become an Amazon Prime Member
- Free Two-Day Shipping: As a Prime member, you get free two-day shipping on eligible items with no minimum order requirement.
- Same-Day and One-Day Shipping: In select areas, Prime members can get same-day or one-day delivery for eligible items.
- Free Release-Date Delivery: For certain pre-order items (like books, games, and other products), you can receive free delivery on the release date if you’re a Prime member.
- Free No-Rush Shipping: Choose No-Rush shipping for slower delivery and earn rewards like credits toward future purchases. This can help avoid shipping costs while saving money in the long run.
Amazon Prime Cost:
- $14.99/month or $139/year (you can also opt for the discounted rate of $5.99/month for seniors, if eligible).
2. Take Advantage of Amazon's Free Shipping Options (Non-Prime)
If you are not a Prime member, you can still get free shipping on orders with the following conditions:
A. Orders Over $25
- Free Standard Shipping: Amazon offers free standard shipping for non-Prime members on orders over $25 of eligible items. These items include books, household goods, and other products sold by Amazon directly.
- Combine Orders: If your order is under $25, you can combine orders to reach the minimum and qualify for free shipping. You can add inexpensive items to meet the threshold.
B. Free Shipping on Eligible Items
- Look for items marked with free shipping offers or those sold directly by Amazon.
C. Amazon Day Delivery
- Amazon’s Amazon Day Delivery program allows non-Prime members to select a day of the week for free delivery on orders over $25. This service is available for eligible products.
3. Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save Program
- Subscribe & Save: This program allows you to subscribe to regular deliveries of certain products, like toiletries, health items, and grocery essentials. By subscribing, you can get free shipping even for smaller orders, and you may also receive discounts on those items.
- Flexible Delivery Schedule: You can choose to have items delivered every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 months, which can be convenient for frequent purchases.
4. Amazon Student Membership
- If you're a college student, you can sign up for Amazon Student, which offers a 6-month free trial of Amazon Prime, including free two-day shipping on eligible items. After the trial, you can continue the membership at a discounted rate of $7.49/month (half the cost of regular Prime membership).
5. Use Amazon Gift Cards to Meet the Minimum Order
- Gift Cards: Amazon often offers free shipping on Amazon gift cards, which don’t require a minimum purchase amount. You can buy gift cards for yourself or others and use them for future purchases to get free shipping.
6. Take Advantage of Free Trial for Amazon Prime
- Free 30-Day Trial: Amazon offers a 30-day free trial of Prime for new users. During this period, you can enjoy free two-day shipping and other benefits like streaming, Prime Video, and Amazon Music. You can take advantage of this trial if you plan to make large or frequent purchases.
7. Amazon's Free Shipping Promotions
- Special Promotions: Occasionally, Amazon runs free shipping promotions where they offer free shipping on select products or during major sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday. These promotions are often extended to non-Prime members as well.
8. Use Amazon's "No-Rush Shipping" for Rewards
- With No-Rush Shipping, you can opt for a slower delivery option in exchange for earning rewards such as credits toward future Amazon purchases. These credits can help offset the shipping cost for future purchases.
9. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Offers During Holidays
- During certain holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year, Amazon may offer special free shipping deals on select products, even for non-Prime members. Keep an eye on these holiday promotions for a chance to save on shipping costs.
10. Amazon Locker and Pickup Points
- Amazon Locker: If you don’t need items to be delivered to your home, you can have them shipped to an Amazon Locker or a pickup point (many retail stores, convenience stores, and locations like Whole Foods). This service is typically free for Prime and non-Prime members, saving you shipping costs.
Conclusion
To avoid Amazon shipping charges:
- Join Amazon Prime for free shipping on almost all orders and additional benefits.
- Take advantage of free shipping on orders over $25 for non-Prime members.
- Use Subscribe & Save, Amazon Day Delivery, or take advantage of free trials to enjoy free shipping.
- Watch out for free shipping promotions during holidays or special sales events.
By choosing the best option based on your shopping habits and needs, you can easily avoid shipping fees or minimize them on Amazon.