The hidden truth behind “FREE SHIPPING”
At KAZARTT, we value transparency. Every day, by designing our unique belts, we seek not only to reflect each person's personality, but also to establish a relationship of trust with our customers. So when you buy two of our belts, we offer free delivery. Yes, offered and not free . While this nuance may seem subtle at first glance, it actually hides a fundamental truth about online commerce that we want to reveal to you. Because, behind this often used term “free delivery”, there are realities that every consumer should know. Dive with us behind the scenes of “free” and discover what’s really behind this seductive term.
The illusion of free
The offer of “free shipping” has long been an effective marketing tool to attract customers and boost sales. After all, who doesn't want to save a few euros when shopping online? But is this “free” really costless?
Hidden costs, who really pays?
Every package shipped requires resources: workers to prepare it, vehicles to transport it, fuel to keep those vehicles moving, and much more. If the customer does not pay these fees directly, who does? Often, it's the company itself. Profit margins are reduced, or even canceled, to be able to offer this free service. And sometimes, it is the consumer who unknowingly pays, because delivery costs can be discreetly integrated into the price of the product.
But it is in no way free!
Amazon and the “Free Delivery” revolution
One of the giants that has changed our perception of delivery is undoubtedly Amazon. With its Prime offering promising fast delivery, often within one business day, and at no additional cost, Amazon has raised the bar of consumer expectations to an unprecedented level. This strategy, although attractive for the customer, nevertheless hides a complex economic reality.
Only a few behemoths like Amazon can afford to absorb the costs associated with such a promise, thanks to their colossal business volume and impressive logistics infrastructures. But for smaller businesses, following this trend isn't always viable. What the online sales giant has managed to do is to anchor the idea that delivery should be both fast and “free”. However, it's crucial to understand that even at Amazon, these costs are recovered in one way or another, often baked into the price of Prime memberships or the products themselves.
At KAZARTT, we believe in complete transparency. Rather than artificially inflating our prices to cover supposedly “free” delivery costs , we have chosen an honest approach. We offer delivery with the purchase of two belts, a way for us to thank our loyal customers while maintaining a clear and direct pricing structure.
The impact on small businesses
Large companies can afford to offer free shipping thanks to their huge sales volumes. But what about small businesses that don't have this capability? For them, offering free delivery can mean working at a loss. So they are forced to be creative, perhaps raising their prices or looking for more economical shipping solutions, which is not always in the consumer's favor.
The environmental cost
Fast and free delivery encourages a consumer culture where ordering online becomes a reflex. This leads to an increase in the number of deliveries, therefore more vehicles on the roads and a larger carbon footprint. Additionally, free returns encourage impulse purchases, further increasing the number of deliveries and associated waste.
At KAZARTT, to reduce our environmental impact, we have decided to group our shipments. We ship 1 to 2 times per week, depending on volume. And we pick up the pace during the end-of-year holidays. Also, we have a huge chance: a Mondial Relay point right in front of our stock! We go there on foot.
Marketing strategies vs. economic realities
Offering “free shipping” is often a strategy to encourage customers to buy more or more often. It is effective, but it hides a more complex economic reality. As consumers, it is important to understand that this free service has a hidden cost, whether for the company, for the environment or for society as a whole.
How consumers can make a difference
We have the power to make informed choices. Before ordering, ask yourself if you really need this item. If so, try consolidating your purchases to reduce the number of deliveries. And when you see a “free shipping” offer, remember that someone, somewhere is paying the price.
The world of commerce evolves quickly, and tempting offers can often hide more complex realities. As conscious consumers, we can make a difference by making thoughtful choices and recognizing the true value of what we buy.
