The Sites That Say They Have Free Shipping, and the Ones That Really Do

Ordering online andgetting free shipping, as well as free returns, seems like a shoppers dream.

But many online retailers simply jack up their prices while passing these perks along to you.

Heres a breakdown of retailers who offer free shipping and returns, and how they compare to the competition.

Ashford.com

Ashford sells watches via their web site and offersfree shipping and free returnson all online orders.

Free delivery comes in the form of Free Ground shipping and free returns are eligible to all customers.

Are shipping and returns actually free?

Barneys sells high-end designer handbags, apparel, and shoes.

Although, if youre shopping regularly at Barneys, Im guessing youre not too sensitive to price.

Casa.com specializes in home decor and home goods.

As for whether their shipping and returns are really free?

But Amazon was the clear winner on the Cuisinart portable gas grill, $137.99 compared to $155.29.

Odds are theyre not hiking up prices just to compensate for affordable shipping and returns.

Are shipping and returns actually free?

They didnt get the nickname Needless Markup on accident.

Its easy to slip in the extra costs to ship and return items when they have such large margins.

No restocking fee, no questions asked.

Even so, shipping and returns here arentreallyfree.

You pay for it in higher prices.

However, since Nordstrom carries many items that Amazon doesnt, shopping elsewhere is not always an option.

Shoes must be in new condition with no visible wear marks.

Shipping and returns arent totally free here either.

In this case, theres definitely a markup to cover costs like shipping and returns.

Unfortunately, their coupons always have a long list of excluded brands.

They sell expensive, high-end merchandise.

For example, the cheapest pair of jeans I could find was well over $100.

Nothing is free at luxury retailers like Shopbop.

you could mail the unwanted glasses back for free or simply drop them off at a retail location.

Are shipping and returns actually free?

They give you a year to return items in new condition, or if there is a manufacturer defect.

Luckily, shipping and returns are actually free here.

UGGs are rarely discounted and are typically very consistent in pricing from one retailer to the next.

Because of this, its worth shopping directly from UGG and getting the free delivery and return option.

As for whether that shipping and those returns arereallyfree?

Well, in terms of pricing, it really depends on the brand.

Its worth noting that loyal Zappos shoppers are often willing to pay more for the excellent service they receive.

For that reason, some of these web sites offer a great no risk workaround.