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Now….I know that “free shipping” is just a ploy to get you to buy MORE. I personally agree with the idea, and find it a sound business concept. If I were a merchant I’d offer the same “bait” - ‘Heeeerrre fishy fishy fishy - come see this pretty, shiny lure I have made especially for you!’

In the past week, I have felt, alternately, like the fisherman and the fish of that metaphor.

Here’s how it went:

A friend of ours mentioned a bookshe had recently been gifted by her daughter. She wondered if perhaps it could only be obtained through the public library or perhaps a local museum bookstore, since it was about things specific to our area of California. History. My DH was raised in this area, and is most interested in local history. So I mentioned the book to him - and I might have also mentioned how nearly impossible it would be to obtain. He was, of course, then impelled to “Google” this book, just to find out for himself how obtainable it might or might not actually be. Eventually, to our surprise, we found the book at my favorite bookseller - Amazon.com. It was offered there as a used book for a dollar something. Cool! DH loves a good deal. He decided to order the book…only to find that the shipping cost twice as much (or more) than the book did. This bothers my husband.

Ever the helpful wife, I explained to him the “free shipping” offer that Amazon.com offers with purchases over $25. And, I volunteered to have him order one of the books from my in order to qualify for said “free” shipping.

True, that didn’t make the $4.95 shipping go away for the little dollar-eighty-seven used book, BUT if you pretend you’re spending the money for shipping on the more expensive book that you’re ordering at the same time, it’s almost like getting your used book for only $1.87. This ridiculous concept seemed to soften the blow of the shipping costing more than his book, and had the added BONUS of giving him an opportunity to buy me something I’ve been wishing for….yes, I am thoughtful that way. Anything I can do to help my DH feel all warm and fuzzy inside…

Later this week, I received a gift certificate for Amazon.com for $19.80. Do you see where this is going? Remember: You get “free shipping” if you order at least $25 of merchandise from Amazon.com.

Free shipping is a fabulous idea.

Tags: knitting books by EllyMae
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