News

Most standard shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery expiring this week

December 12, 2010

Santa may only need one night to do his job, but online retailers need a little more time to get theirs done. According to Shop.org's eHoliday Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, nearly two-thirds (64.3 percent) of retailers' standard shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery will expire on or before Saturday, December 18. Analysts expect the week of December 13 to be one of the busiest weeks of the year, as shoppers everywhere head online to make holiday purchases in advance of impending shipping deadlines.

Shop.org's website, CyberMonday.com, maintains a free shipping section with a list of retailers still offering the popular promotions for delivery by Christmas.

"Retailers know their shoppers look for both convenience and great prices, and are especially motivated with free shipping offers this time of year," said Joan Broughton, Interim Executive Director of Shop.org. "As shipping deadlines approach, online retailers will highlight extra incentives for free shipping and other savings, looking to nudge along holiday procrastinators."

According to Shop.org's eHoliday survey, four out of five online retailers (84.8 percent) will offer free shipping at some point during the holiday season. More than one-third (36.7 percent) of retailers surveyed said their budget for free shipping is higher than last year. The popular promotion continues to be a driver in winning over online shoppers as one-third of holiday shoppers (31.5 percent) plan to spend more online this holiday season specifically because of free shipping.

"The economy will continue to play a role in holiday shoppers' spending decisions, with free shipping and value being of utmost importance," said Phil Rist, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, BIGresearch. "Shoppers are drawn to the convenience of the web but may need a little motivation from retailers this week to finish their online holiday shopping before it's too late."

Those who miss standard shipping deadlines may still be able to take advantage of expedited shipping offers from select retailers. Extreme procrastinators will have until December 21 when 56.4 percent of online retailers' express two-day delivery offers expire. And six out of 10 (60.0 percent) online retailers will offer overnight shipping options for guaranteed Christmas delivery through December 23.