You’re Not Getting ‘FREE SHIPPING’—You’re Getting Played (Here’s How)

Welcome back to another edition of "Rolling in Dough" Newsletter, where we serve up the simplest ways to save more, spend less, and build wealth with regular insights, consumer psychology hacks, and tiny tips to do today. I hope to make your financial journey a little fun, simple, and totally doable, where ever you are on your wealth journey.

🛒 Why You’re Spending More to Save a Few Bucks (and How to Stop)

A whopping 75% of online shoppers expect free shipping, and more than 50% are willing to add more to their cart just to qualify for it, according to the National Retail Federation.

It’s frustrating because you know deep down that you’re spending more than you planned, but somehow it feels like a win, right?

Here’s the thing: that extra spending isn’t an accident. It’s actually a sneaky little psychological trick called the free shipping threshold.

Companies set a minimum purchase amount to unlock “free” shipping because they know most of us would rather add more to our cart than pay for shipping.

In fact, retailers who offer free shipping see their average order value increase by 30%, according to Invesp. Yep, we’re all buying more stuff.

So instead of paying a small fee, you end up spending way more money than you originally planned.

🧠 Why It Feels Like a Win (But It’s Not)

This happens because shipping fees feel like wasted money.

Your brain really doesn’t like paying for something that feels pointless—like shipping 👎️ . That’s where the psychological principle of loss aversion kicks in.

Basically, your brain would rather avoid losing that $5 on shipping, even if it means spending $15 more to get something in return.

To your brain, it feels like you’re gaining value by getting extra products, even though you’ve actually spent more overall. So, free shipping it is, right?

So you add more to your cart, telling yourself you’re getting more value for your money.

But here’s the wild part: your brain loves feeling like it scored a deal 👍️ . When you hit that free shipping threshold, it feels like you’ve just unlocked a secret perk, giving your brain a little dopamine boost (the happy chemical).

It’s why that extra spending feels justified, even though you’re technically dropping more cash. Companies know this, and they use it to get you to spend more.

Consumers typically spend 20% more per transaction when free shipping is offered, according to Shopify. So even though you think you’re winning, you’re actually spending more than you might have planned.

💰️ How to Outsmart the System and Keep Your Dough:

Now that you’re in on the game, how do you flip the script and save more? Here are a few tiny tips to help you dodge the free shipping trap and keep your money growing:

1. Check Your Cart, Then WALK AWAY

Before you fall for the "add more for free shipping" nudge, ask yourself if you really need those extra items.

Set a timer and step away for 10 minutes before checking out, and you might realize the extra stuff isn’t worth it.

You won’t be alone –  48% of online shoppers abandon their carts when shipping costs are too high (Baymard Institute).

So if the cost of shipping is making you hesitate, it might be a sign you don’t really need those items anyway.

2. COMPARE Shipping Costs

Sometimes, paying a small shipping fee is actually cheaper than adding more products to hit the threshold.

Do the math: is it really worth spending an extra $15 to avoid a $5 shipping fee?

Chances are, it’s not. In these cases, just pay the shipping and move on—you’ll thank yourself later.

3. Use a WISHLIST Instead

Instead of adding unnecessary items just to hit the free shipping mark, put those “extra” items on a wishlist for later.

You’ll avoid impulse spending, and when you really need them, you’ll feel better about buying.

Also, with all the extra money saved from just paying the $5 shipping (vs adding a ton to your cart), you’ll be able to afford the wishlist items and qualify for free shipping soon. It’s a great way to stay intentional with your money.

4. Look for Free Shipping ALTERNATIVES

If free shipping feels like a must, check if the store offers options like free in-store pickup or special promo codes. This way, you can still score the “deal” without adding extra costs.