Free shipping on all items vs free shipping with another item?

[WrapItSnapIt]

Which is more appealing to customers, lower prices and $2-3 shipping, or a bit higher prices and free shipping?
Or is it more effective to have a low shipping price and have free shipping with another item?

I think having free shipping on every item is more appealing to customers but having free shipping with another item seems more strategic. I have tried both, but since I generally get low views and sales, I can't test out the results.
Does anyone know which one works better?

[ChrisOsCreations]

I offer free shipping with another item for all my jewelry
normal shipping for journals and tree sculptures and reduced shipping for my buttons
If you don't overcharge for shipping everything else works I believe

[absolutelyevo]

Personally, I don't like the idea of paying fees on something like shipping (which happens when you calculate it into the price of the item). I make shipping as accurate as possible.

If I'm shopping around, I always check total price. I'd rather pay the regular shipping price, and what they charge for the item. I feel it's the most upfront honest cost I'm paying.

Free shipping is not a lure for me unless the prices of the items and quality between them was the same.

[ohmyclumsyheart]

I tried free shipping and it didn't work for me.
But I think it works for some people.

[LaLindaArtStudio]

I tried free shipping promotions in the past and they did not generate any more sales for me.

You pay fees on the selling price, but not on the shipping cost, so in reality you are cheating yourself by paying fees on your shipping cost. As the previous poster said, I try to be as accurate as possible.

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

I charge a reasonable shipping fee (in line with what other shops selling similar items are charging) . I ship additional items for no extra charge to U.S. buyers. It's worked very well for me. Many of my sales have been for multiple items. My items are lightweight so in most cases adding more to the package doesn't affect the shipping cost. Even when it does it's never more than 15 or 20 cents.

[Former_Member]

I charge the most accurate shipping costs, and state in my policies that the costs covers not just the postage, but gift wrap etc.

I tried having free shipping and that didn't make an increase in sales at all.

There is nothing worse than discovering you have short changed yourself at the post office.

[Former_Member]

I personally think the free shipping attracts a specific type of person. Before I started selling on etsy I was kind of shocked some items to ship were so expensive (well now I know why :)) and it kind of turned me off.
If your profits allow, I would offer free shipping. I was actually just thinking about offering free shipping on purchases $50+. It shows you are incentivizing, you'll most likely get more items purchased and you'll make the customer happy.

I definitely understand this doesn't work for everyone, and yes it may not work (if you're not promoting it enough or posting it in the wrong markets) but you never know until you try yourself :)

For your shop, I might have an idea for you...buy 3 get shipping free :). I think that would be a great base to build off for you for sales. In the meantime get your listings to at least a page long (24), and I think that'll get you more sales as well

Hope this helps! Sorry for my slight ramble haha
Kelly

[Former_Member]

I am currently offering items both was for a month to see if they sell better either way. Has not seemed to matter last year when I offered it for a sale as a free shipping coupon.

@Kelly do you just list the item without shipping costs or do you have a coupon for the savings?

[Former_Member]

Hey Kim!
If you go to the coupon codes- create a new code- they actually added a feature where you can add in minimums! So you could create a free shipping code if you spend 25, 50, 100 or whatever you like :). Isn't that exciting!!?