If you’ve been online, you probably noticed several websites offer free shipping this holiday season. The Fort Wayne Better Business Bureau has noticed companies adding an administrative or handling fee you wouldn't normally see if the shipping wasn't free. They say free shipping doesn't always mean free.
Marjorie Stephens, the Communication Director of the Fort Wayne Better Business Bureau, says “I think it's a great way to go. I mean it's a fast way to go. It's an easy way to go especially if your shipping is included.” But it's also an easy way for companies to tack on a few extra dollars.
Stephens also warns shoppers to watch out for offers of free gifts with a purchase. She says “They say my gosh what is it and they go ahead and place the order and it's like what am I getting for free? They get so caught up in the shopping that they forget or they will end up maybe getting a sticker.”
Stephens says to protect your online purchase, Shop with well known companies and make sure you are paying on a secure sight. It's also good to check online reviews. But a few bad reviews shouldn't be a deal breaker.
The Better Business Bureau says if you see an extra charge in your order, there's not much you can do to change it, you just have to decide if the extra fee is worth it to you.
