Yes, you can get free shipping on Amazon without having an Amazon Prime membership. Here are a few ways to do it:
Ways to Get Free Shipping on Amazon
Look for items offering free shipping
Amazon and many third-party sellers offer free shipping on certain items. Search specifically for items that say “FREE Shipping” on the product detail page. These items are often fulfilled and shipped directly by Amazon.
Meet the minimum order threshold
Amazon offers free shipping on orders of $25 or more that contain eligible items. Add at least $25 worth of eligible products to your cart to qualify. You can see if items are eligible by checking for the “FREE Shipping” message on their product page.
Choose slower shipping options
Sometimes, you can get free shipping with slower shipping speeds. During checkout, look for the free shipping option, even if it means waiting a few extra days for delivery.
Take advantage of special promotions
Amazon occasionally runs special promotions that offer free shipping on all orders or certain categories of items. Keep an eye on Amazon’s website and email communications for these deals.
Important things to remember
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Order eligibility | Not all items qualify for free shipping. Items sold by third-party sellers may have separate shipping fees. |
| Handling fees | Even if you qualify for free shipping, some orders may still have special handling fees. |
| Gift cards | Gift card purchases don’t contribute to the $25 threshold. However, they receive free one-day shipping. |
While Amazon Prime members get unlimited free two-day shipping, there are still ways to take advantage of free shipping on Amazon without signing up for Prime.
Understanding Amazon’s Shipping Options
Amazon offers various shipping alternatives, including ways to get items shipped free even without a Prime membership. Let’s take a closer look at the specifics.
Amazon Free Shipping Explained
Amazon provides free shipping on eligible orders over $25. This offer applies to millions of items and doesn’t require a Prime membership. Once your cart contains $25 worth of qualifying goods, the free shipping option automatically becomes available at checkout.
Alternatives to Prime for Free Shipping
If you’re not a Prime member, there are still several ways to avoid shipping costs on Amazon. You can bundle smaller orders together to reach the $25 threshold. Also, some independent sellers on the platform offer free shipping without a minimum purchase requirement, so keep an eye out for those deals.
Comparing Amazon with Other Retailers
Competing retailers like Walmart and Target also offer free shipping, with Walmart’s threshold at $35 and Target providing free shipping to RedCard holders or on orders of $35 or more. When shopping online, it’s worthwhile to compare these options, as each retailer has its own set of benefits and restrictions.
Leveraging Deals and Discounts
With the right approach, you can score free shipping on Amazon, even without a Prime membership. This section explains how to take advantage of deals and discounts to maximize your savings when shopping on Amazon.
Shopping Without a Prime Membership
Amazon provides free shipping for all customers on eligible orders totaling $25 or more. You don’t need to hold a Prime membership to benefit from this deal. During checkout, keep an eye on the subtotal to ensure it meets the minimum threshold for free shipping. It’s a simple way to dodge shipping fees without an annual subscription.
Maximizing Savings on Amazon
Black Friday and Holiday Deals: These are prime times to watch for deep discounts. Not only do you save money on purchases, but many items will also qualify for free shipping due to the lowered prices that help you cross the free shipping threshold.
-
Subscribe & Save: This program offers a recurring delivery option on items you use regularly, like toiletries or snacks. You save up to 15% and get free shipping.
-
Amazon Coupons: Always check for digital coupons on Amazon which provide instant discounts on your purchases.
-
Gift Deals: Holidays often come with gift deal promotions. Look out for these, as they often combine savings with free shipping options.
By staying alert to these opportunities, you ensure you don’t miss out on ways to reduce costs on your Amazon orders. Remember, a bit of research can lead to substantial savings.
Amazon Services Beyond Shipping
Amazon offers a wide range of services that go far beyond the convenience of shipping. These include options for entertainment and reading as well as benefits for grocery shopping, which extend the value of Amazon beyond the delivery of packages.
Entertainment and Reading Benefits
Amazon houses a variety of entertainment services, most notably Prime Video, its widely-used streaming service. Subscribers have access to a plethora of movies and TV shows, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. For those who prefer reading, Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited offer a treasure trove of ebooks, including bestsellers, classics, and more. Notably, the Prime membership offers a rotating selection of books and magazines at no extra cost, presenting a substantial perk for avid readers.
Whole Foods and Grocery Advantages
Those who take their grocery shopping seriously will find Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods to be a significant benefit. Prime members enjoy special discounts at Whole Foods stores and can choose from thousands of items for quick delivery, often on the same day. Amazon also extends convenience to local grocery offerings, with a wide selection of fresh produce and pantry staples available for delivery. The company’s foray into the grocery store and pharmacy sectors signifies a deeper push to offer comprehensive, time-saving solutions for everyday necessities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping on Amazon without a Prime membership doesn’t mean you have to pay for shipping. There are ways to skip the fees and still enjoy the convenience of online orders.
How can I obtain free shipping on Amazon if I am not a Prime member?
Non-Prime members can get free shipping on Amazon by making sure their purchases meet the minimum order threshold. Often, this involves combining smaller items into a single order to reach the required total.
What is the minimum purchase required to qualify for free shipping on Amazon orders?
Amazon typically offers free standard shipping on orders totaling $25 or more, but this can vary and promotions may lower the threshold.
Is there a way to avoid shipping fees on Amazon purchases that are less than the usual threshold?
Sometimes, Amazon offers free shipping on specific items that don’t meet the standard threshold. Keeping an eye out for such deals can save on shipping fees for smaller orders.
Where can I find an Amazon shipping cost calculator to estimate shipping charges before purchasing?
Amazon provides the estimated shipping costs at check-out, but to calculate these costs before adding items to your cart, third-party shipping calculators available online can be used.
Can promotional codes be used for receiving free shipping on Amazon without being a Prime subscriber?
Occasionally, Amazon might offer promotional codes for free shipping. These can be applied at checkout for orders that might not otherwise qualify for free shipping.
Why does Amazon sometimes charge for shipping despite meeting the stated free shipping criteria?
There could be multiple reasons, including the delivery location being remote or the item may not be eligible due to size, weight, or it being from third-party sellers that do not offer free shipping.
