December 14th is National Free Shipping Day and online shoppers get to avoid shipping costs with delivery by Christmas. You need to have your inventory management in check to handle the sales surge as we approach Christmas Eve. This post covers the benefits for shoppers, how businesses use it to drive sales and tips to make the most of this day to save and profit.
Quick Hits
December 14th means no-minimum free delivery for online shoppers, big sales for retailers.
Solid email marketing strategies, clear messaging, personalization and free delivery promo are key to customer engagement and conversions during this event.
Run limited time offers and product bundling to increase average order value and get customers to buy.
What is Free Shipping Day and Why Does It Matter?
An illustration showing the concept of National Free Shipping Day and its significance for online shoppers.
Celebrated on December 14th, this event was created to address common shopping concerns. Such as late deliveries and high shipping fees before Christmas. On this day, online buyers receive free shipping on their purchases, with no minimum order required and guaranteed delivery by Christmas. This event has become incredibly popular among online buyers! It eliminates the dreaded shipping fee that often deters people from completing their purchases, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Additionally, businesses often send free delivery emails to remind customers of this special offer.
For online businesses this event is a niche holiday where you can attract more customers and sales. Free shipping helps you stand out, attract price conscious shoppers and increase conversions. It amplifies your store’s reach by bringing in customers looking for value and convenience.
History of This Special Day
This event was created in 2008 by Luke and Maisie Knowles as an answer to the growing need for easy online shopping. The first event had a few hundred merchants, and it took off. By 2010 there were over 1,700 retailers participating and it was a big deal. In 2013 the format was refined to only include retailers with free delivery with no minimums and it got even better.
Media coverage from big outlets like NBC and CNN helped spread the word and the event has grown into a global phenomenon with retailers all over the world participating and offering free delivery to get customers and drive sales during the holiday season.
Free Shipping Day Benefits
A chart illustrating the key benefits of this special day for online businesses and shoppers.
One of the biggest benefits of this day is removing a common obstacle to online buying: shipping. Brands that offer free shipping see a big increase in conversions, some up to 30%. Showcasing free delivery on your site increases sales as consumers are more likely to complete a purchase without delivery fees.
Free delivery encourages impulse buys and increases average order value. Consumers buy more and buy bundles when they don’t have to worry about extra shipping. This drives sales and customer satisfaction and loyalty.
And 90% of online shoppers say free delivery is their number one reason to buy. The psychology of “free” is powerful so this event is a must for online businesses who want to attract budget conscious shoppers and get ahead of the competition.
Why Free Shipping is a Game Changer
Free delivery is a big deal for online retailers. It increases customer satisfaction, conversion rates, average order value and attracts new customers.
Conversion Rates
Free delivery can boost conversion rates by removing the extra cost of delivery which is a major barrier for online shoppers. 68% of consumers will spend more than they intended to get free delivery. By offering free delivery online retailers can reduce cart abandonment and increase sales. It makes the shopping experience more appealing and encourages customers to buy without hesitation.
Average Order Value (AOV)
Free delivery can also increase average order value (AOV) as customers add more items to their cart to get free delivery. This means more revenue for online retailers. In fact the average consumer will spend over $21 more because of free delivery. By setting a minimum purchase threshold for free delivery retailers can encourage customers to buy more and increase overall sales and profitability.
New Customers
With more and more people shopping online, customers are looking for retailers that offer easy and affordable shipping. By offering free delivery online, retailers can increase their online visibility and attract new customers. This will not only get new customers but also brand loyalty as customers will come back to a store that offers free delivery.
Get Your Store Ready
Getting your store ready requires some preparation and cost effective strategies to make the most of this national shopping day. Ground work is key to a smooth holiday, from stock management to website optimisation and marketing campaigns. Let your customers know you’re participating in this event well in advance to build up the hype and engagement.
To make the most of this day focus on three main areas: stock management, website optimisation and marketing campaigns. These will ensure your store can handle the increased traffic and demand for free delivery.
Stock Management
Good stock management prevents out of stock situations. Bad stock management can lead to inventory issues that reduce your sales on high demand days. Merchants should check with their suppliers for product availability, stock levels and shipping times well in advance to be fully prepared.
Working with suppliers ensures you have enough stock to meet the increased demand for this event. This is crucial to avoid disappointing customers and missing out on sales due to stock shortages.
Website Optimization
A smooth online shopping experience is key. A site audit will ensure smooth navigation and error free checkout. Adding promotional banners, countdown timers, landing pages and pop ups will make the website more appealing and engage customers.
Mobile optimisation is also important as consumer preference is shifting to mobile shopping. Letting customers know about this day weeks in advance will raise awareness and drive engagement and get them ready to shop on the day.
Marketing Campaigns
Multi-channel marketing gets you the most visibility. Email, social media and digital ads build up to the event and drive traffic to your store. Teasing free delivery offers before hand can build excitement and keep the event top of mind for customers.
Targeted email campaigns by behavior, interests or purchase history make marketing efforts more effective. Countdown timers and highlighted limited time offers create urgency and get customers to act fast.
Why Email is Key to Free Shipping Promotion
An example of a well-designed email marketing campaign promoting Free Shipping with a call to action.
Email marketing is a cost effective and direct channel to customers so it’s key to this day. With higher ROI than other marketing methods email can be used to build up, drive traffic and convert. Writing great free delivery emails effectively communicates your offer and gets customers to buy.
Stats show email is super effective for sales events with high open and click through rates. By using email you can get your promotions in front of a big audience and drive big sales. And if you’re a high volume sender, email marketing can be even more cost-effective for you with Octeth! Want to learn more? Check out our cost comparison page here.
Free Shipping Emails
To make the most of your free shipping emails you need to do it right. Here are the key elements to include in free delivery emails: minimum order thresholds and regions that qualify for free delivery. Highlighting the value of the products by offering free delivery makes the buying decision easier and encourages immediate buys.
Free Shipping emails need strong subject lines, clear messaging and personalized content to engage and drive sales. Follow the best practices and use successful email templates to create free shipping emails that work for your audience.
Subject Lines
The email subject line is the first thing a customer sees in their inbox and can make or break if they open the email. Mention the free shipping in the email subject line and you’ll capture their attention. For example an email subject line for new customers could be “Get Free Shipping on Your First Order”.
Combining offers like “free shipping and 10% off” in the email subject line creates a stronger incentive. To improve open rates, consider including urgency phrases like “Limited Time Only” and using emojis to make the subject line stand out.If you feel like you could use some help with your subject lines, make sure to try our new AI-powered email subject line generator here.
Clear Messaging
Free shipping emails should state the conditions clearly so there’s no confusion. Clear terms and conditions in free shipping emails make the offer more appealing. Front-load free shipping offers in the email so customers see it first and can’t miss it.
Put free delivery messaging above the fold in the email to reach more readers. Promo codes make free delivery emails more appealing.
Personalization and Segmentation
Personalized free delivery offers can drive more engagement and retention. Include the customer’s name, location and previous purchases in free delivery emails to make it more personal. Here’s how you can personalize your emails with Octeth.
Segment your list and you’ll get more targeted promotions and better results. You can learn how to master email list segmentation here.
Also, let’s not forget the A/B testing. This method can help you determine what subject lines or content works best for your subscribers. You can learn how to do it here.
Creative Free Shipping Promotions
Illustration of December 14th.
Free shipping is a big driver of sales in online shopping. Consumers rank free delivery as one of their top considerations when shopping and are 2x more likely to respond to free delivery offers than price discounts. Creative promotions get customers’ attention and maximize the results.
Different types of promotions can be super effective – limited time offers, bundling products, seasonal themes. Each of these can help you drive sales and create a memorable experience for your customer.
Limited-Time Offers
Creating urgency with limited time free delivery promotions gets customers to buy faster. A deadline for free shipping offers makes a big impact on customer behavior. For example, subject lines like “Last Chance for Free Shipping” can create urgency and get customers to act now. If you’d like to master last-chance emails, continue reading here.
Limited time free delivery is a big sales driver during peak shopping days. Proper implementation of these offers drives immediate sales and overall customer satisfaction.
Bundling Products
Product bundling is a sales tactic used on this day to increase average order value. Bundling products together gets customers to spend more to qualify for free delivery and drives sales. For example, setting a $50 order threshold for free delivery gets customers to add more to their cart.
This increases average order value and also enhances the shopping experience by giving customers more value for their money.
Seasonal Themes
Free shipping promotions aligned with seasonal themes are more relevant and compelling. Aligned with consumer needs and motivations during specific times of the year (e.g. holiday season). Seasonal tips or themed content in free delivery promotions gets customers engaged and valued.
Using holiday-themed design elements and subject lines makes your free delivery emails stand out in customers’ inboxes.
Templates That Sell: Free Shipping Email Examples
Using templates streamlines email marketing efforts and ensures messages are effective and engaging. Here are some types of free shipping email templates that have proven successful for your inspiration:
Email TypeSubject LineBodyAnnouncement Email🎉 Get Ready for Free Shipping Day! 🎉Hi [Customer’s Name], Exciting news! We’re thrilled to announce our participation in Free Shipping Day on December 14th. Get ready to shop with no shipping fees and guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Stay tuned for more details! Best, [Your Brand]Countdown Reminder Email⏰ Countdown to Free Shipping Day: [X] Days Left!Hey [Customer’s Name], The countdown is on! Only [X] days left until Free Shipping Day. Mark your calendar and get ready to shop without shipping fees. Don’t miss out! Cheers, [Your Brand]Last-Chance Email⌛ Last Chance for Free Shipping!Hi [Customer’s Name], It’s the final hours of Free Shipping Day! Make sure to complete your purchase before midnight to enjoy free shipping on all orders. Hurry, time is running out! Happy Shopping, [Your Brand]Exclusive VIP Offer Email🎁 Exclusive VIP Access: Free Shipping Just for You!Hello [Customer’s Name], As a valued VIP member, we’re giving you early access to our Free Shipping Day deals! Enjoy free shipping on your purchases starting now. Thank you for being a loyal customer! Best Regards, [Your Brand]Abandoned Cart Reminder Email🛒 Don’t Forget Your Cart: Free Shipping Awaits!Hi [Customer’s Name], We noticed you left some items in your cart. Complete your purchase now and enjoy free shipping on your order. Don’t let these deals slip away! Cheers, [Your Brand]Product Spotlight Email🌟 Spotlight on Free Shipping: [Product Name]Hello [Customer’s Name], Check out our featured product: [Product Name], now available with free shipping! Don’t miss the chance to get this amazing item delivered to your door at no extra cost. Happy Shopping, [Your Brand]Thank You Email🙏 Thank You for Your Purchase!Hi [Customer’s Name], Thank you for shopping with us on Free Shipping Day! We hope you enjoy your purchase. Stay tuned for more exciting deals and offers coming your way.Best Wishes, [Your Brand]
Examples of Successful Free Shipping Campaigns
The campaigns in the photos below are successful Free Shipping email examples. These free shipping email examples work because of design, urgency and customer centric free delivery offers.
Tattly’s campaign stands out with its holiday design, which not only captures the holiday spirit but also creates urgency by highlighting the time sensitive nature of the offer. This gets the recipient to take action now.
Tattly’s email marketing campaign: 💌 Free Shipping Day! (Source: reallygoodemails.com)
Harry’s campaign has a great design and a countdown timer, which is a powerful tool for creating urgency when they mention free delivery. By visually showing the time left for free delivery it forces the customer to take action so they don’t miss out. Another great free shipping example showing how to drive conversions.
Harry’s email marketing campaign: Free holiday shipping ends in two days (Source: reallygoodemails.com)
MeUndies addresses a common holiday season customer pain point—last minute shopping. By offering two day shipping they are providing a solution for those who are not ready for Christmas. This relieves stress for the customer and positions MeUndies as a brand that gets customer needs and looks after them, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Such free shipping email examples show how to get customer needs and solve their problems.
MeUndies email marketing campaign: Free Two-Day Shipping on Orders Over $125 (Source: reallygoodemails.com)
Free Shipping Offers for Mobile
Free shipping emails need to be optimized for mobile. This means a clear subject line, simple design and CTA button. And your website needs to be mobile friendly and easy to navigate so customers can checkout.
By optimising free shipping emails for mobile you can increase conversions, sales and customer satisfaction. With mobile shopping on the rise you need to prioritise mobile optimisation to stay ahead of the game. Having your emails and website mobile friendly will not only improve the shopping experience but drive more conversions and sales.
Summary
Free Shipping Day is a powerful event that can significantly boost your online sales and attract new customers. By preparing your store thoroughly, optimizing your website, and implementing effective email marketing strategies, you can make the most of this opportunity.
Don’t forget to use great subject lines, clear messaging and personalisation in your emails. Creative promotions like limited time offers, product bundling and seasonal themes will also drive sales and make it a memorable shopping experience. Now you’re ready to make the most of this special day and take your online business to the next level.
Find more email marketing tips and tricks to improve your campaigns, check out our other articles on this topic by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Free Shipping Day? This day means you can shop without shipping fees or minimum order requirements, ensuring your gifts arrive by Christmas. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to score great deals! Why is December 14th important for online businesses? This day is crucial for online businesses as it draws in more customers and enhances sales by removing shipping costs, making it easier for shoppers to complete their purchases. Embrace this opportunity to maximize your profits and customer satisfaction! How can I prepare my store? To successfully prepare your store, ensure your inventory is well-stocked, optimize your website for a seamless shopping experience, and launch targeted marketing campaigns to inform and attract customers. With these steps, you’re setting yourself up for a successful event! What are some effective email strategies for this event? To maximize effectiveness on this day, craft compelling subject lines and emphasize your free shipping offer clearly in the email. Create urgency with limited-time promotions to drive action! Can you provide examples of successful free shipping campaigns? Successful free shipping campaigns have been executed by retailers like Sunday Somewhere, Petco, and Boohoo, often using strategies like free shipping thresholds and discounts. Implementing these methods can significantly boost your sales and customer satisfaction!