Reuters
- Most Americans won't buy something online unless shipping is free, according to a new study.
- Free shipping is never really free, and retailers devise clever ways to cover the cost.
- Raising prices or pushing us to buy more — retailers cover shipping one way or another, experts say.
Americans' addiction to free shipping is getting worse. And while it may feel like a bargain, shipping experts say it most likely ends up being quite the opposite.
According to new data from shipping technology firm Shippo, 62% of Americans refuse to buy something online without free shipping. In 2020, that number was 40% — evidence that our addiction to free shipping is only intensifying.