Free shipping - but watch out for handling charges
I couldn't resist the Black Friday sale at Target online, which included free shipping for many items. What I didn't expect was to get slammed for handling charges. Since when is handling charged separately than shipping?
My guess is since retailers started feeling pressure to offer free shipping to compete. So to make money they separate out the handling charge. They can still advertise free shipping, but it is not as big of a discount as it used to be.
In my case, handling was about equal to shipping, so I ended up getting about 50% off "shipping and handling" costs. I am happy I got a discount, but am irked by being charged for something that used to be included in "free shipping." Additionally, handling is one more cost I will have to track and compare when I buy online.
I wonder if eventually pressure to offer free handling will become so great that that will be offered as well. Even so, retailers have to cover costs and will strive to make a profit somehow.
Perhaps it will pay even more to be a savvy spender in the future. We'll get the deals and coupons, while the rest of the country pays for shipping AND handling.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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"Handling" — you've got to be kidding me. If you're buying stuff at retail, those "charges" are supposed to be included in the price.
That is extremely weak. Sorry, Target. I'll come to the store and handle my own merchandise ...