Based on looking at the website, FreeShipping.com presents itself as a subscription service designed to help online shoppers save money through various benefits, including 10% cash back, free shipping rebates, and price protection.
The platform claims to offer access to savings at over 1,000 retailers, aiming to be a first stop for savvy shoppers looking to reduce their online spending.
While the premise of aggregating savings sounds appealing, it’s crucial to dive into the specifics of how this service actually operates, what value it truly delivers, and if the monthly fee justifies the claimed benefits for the average consumer.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Understanding FreeShipping.com’s Core Offering
FreeShipping.com positions itself as a comprehensive savings platform for online shoppers.
The core promise revolves around providing members with a suite of benefits designed to offset the costs associated with online purchases.
It’s not a direct retailer, but rather a portal that funnels you to other popular online stores, ensuring you get certain perks along the way.
Think of it as a membership club for saving money, with a monthly fee of $20.
How the Membership Works
The fundamental mechanism is quite straightforward: you sign up, pay the monthly fee, and then you’re encouraged to shop through their portal.
When you click on a retailer link on FreeShipping.com, you’re redirected to that retailer’s website.
The tracking system then attributes any purchase you make back to your FreeShipping.com account, making you eligible for their advertised benefits.
This typically involves a 10% cash back on your purchases, which is deposited back into your account.
Key Benefits Advertised
The website highlights several benefits beyond just the cash back. These include:
- 10% Cash Back: This is the flagship offer, applicable across a vast network of over 1,000 retailers.
- Free Shipping Rebates: If you pay for shipping on an order, you can submit a rebate for up to $10 per charge. This is a significant perk, especially for smaller orders that don’t qualify for free shipping directly from the retailer.
- Free Return Shipping Rebates: Similarly, if you incur costs for returning an item, you can claim a rebate of up to $10. This is a less common benefit among saving platforms and could be very useful.
- Price Protection: If you buy an item and then find it advertised for less elsewhere within a certain timeframe, FreeShipping.com claims it will pay you the difference. This offers a safety net against price fluctuations.
- Stackable Coupons: They also mention providing access to coupons that can be stacked with their other benefits, potentially amplifying savings.
- Seasonal Cash Back: During promotional periods, members might earn even higher cash back percentages, up to 20% at select retailers.
- Free Food Delivery Rebates: A more recent addition, allowing rebates on delivery and service charges from food delivery apps.
The $20 Monthly Fee: Is it Worth It?
This is the million-dollar question. Audienhearing.com Reviews
For a flat fee of $20 per month, or $240 annually, the service needs to deliver substantial savings to justify the cost.
The website claims members can save “up to $3,000 per year” excluding unlimited coupon savings.
This figure is highly dependent on individual shopping habits.
To break even on the $20 monthly fee, you’d need to generate $200 in cash back alone since it’s 10%. This means spending at least $2,000 through their portal each month to simply cover the membership cost.
If you primarily shop at retailers that offer free shipping anyway, or if your purchases are infrequent or low-value, the cash back and shipping rebates might not quickly accumulate enough to surpass the monthly fee.
Retailer Network and Compatibility
A key aspect of FreeShipping.com’s utility is the breadth and quality of its participating retailer network.
The website prominently claims “over 1,000 retailers,” which sounds impressive on the surface.
However, the specific brands and their relevance to your typical shopping habits will largely determine the true value.
Diversity of Retailers
The homepage mentions categories like “fashion and housewares to sporting goods, home improvement, tech, and so much more.” This suggests a wide variety, covering major consumer needs.
It’s crucial for prospective members to check if their go-to online stores are included. Graftonbarbers.com Reviews
A quick scan of their “See All Retailers” section though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, it’s mentioned would reveal the actual brands.
If you frequently shop at Amazon, Target, Walmart, or specific apparel, electronics, or home goods stores, confirming their presence is step one.
How Retailer Partnerships Benefit Users
The benefit comes from the pre-negotiated arrangements FreeShipping.com has with these retailers.
By driving traffic and sales to these partners, FreeShipping.com earns a commission, a portion of which is then passed back to the consumer as cash back.
This affiliate marketing model is common, but the added layers of shipping and return shipping rebates, plus price protection, distinguish FreeShipping.com from simpler cash-back sites.
It essentially centralizes several cost-saving mechanisms that you might otherwise have to pursue individually.
Limitations or Exclusions
While 1,000+ retailers sounds comprehensive, there are often exclusions or limitations with such programs. For instance:
- Specific Product Categories: Some retailers might exclude certain product categories from cash back eligibility.
- Gift Card Purchases: Buying gift cards often doesn’t qualify for cash back.
- Offline Purchases: Naturally, only online purchases made through their links are eligible.
- Stacking with Other Offers: While they mention “stackable coupons,” it’s always wise to confirm if using other promotional codes or loyalty programs directly from the retailer might interfere with FreeShipping.com’s tracking or benefits. Sometimes, using an external coupon code can invalidate cash back from a portal.
The Rebate Process: What to Expect
The rebate system is a central pillar of FreeShipping.com’s offering, particularly for shipping and return shipping costs.
Understanding this process is vital because it often involves active participation from the user, unlike automatic cash back. Etravelsim.com Reviews
Submitting a Rebate
The website states: “Didn’t get free shipping? Submit a rebate for up to $10 per charge!” and “If you pay for return shipping, claim a rebate for up to $10 back!” This implies a manual process. Typically, you’d need to:
- Make a Purchase: Shop at a participating retailer through the FreeShipping.com portal.
- Incur a Shipping Cost: The retailer charges you for shipping or return shipping.
- Gather Proof: This usually involves screenshots of your order confirmation showing the shipping charge, and potentially proof of delivery or return.
- Submit a Claim: Navigate to the rebate section on the FreeShipping.com website and upload the necessary documentation.
Processing Time and Payouts
The website doesn’t specify processing times for rebates or how payouts are issued.
In similar services, rebate processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Payouts are typically made via PayPal, direct deposit, or sometimes physical checks.
It’s important to understand these details before committing.
Potential for Hassle and Disqualification
Any rebate system has the potential for user friction. Common issues include:
- Forgotten Submissions: Users simply forget to submit rebates for every eligible purchase.
- Documentation Requirements: Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to denied claims.
- Rebate Caps: The $10 cap per charge means if your shipping fee is $15, you only get $10 back. This is a clear limitation.
- Frequency Limits: While not stated, some rebate programs have limits on how many rebates you can claim per month or year.
The efficiency and user-friendliness of this rebate system will significantly impact the overall satisfaction of members.
A cumbersome process could lead to missed savings, negating the benefit.
Price Protection: A Safety Net for Shoppers
Price protection is a valuable, though often underutilized, benefit offered by some credit cards and, in this case, FreeShipping.com.
It’s designed to protect you from buying an item only to see its price drop shortly after. Vavinix.com Reviews
How Price Protection Works
As stated on the site, “Bought an item, then found it for less? We’ll pay you the difference.” This usually involves:
- Purchase an Item: Buy an eligible item through a FreeShipping.com linked retailer.
- Monitor Prices: Keep an eye on the item’s price for a specified period e.g., 30-90 days after purchase.
- Find a Lower Price: Discover the identical item advertised at a lower price by an eligible retailer.
- Submit a Claim: Provide proof of your original purchase and the lower advertised price.
Conditions and Limitations
Price protection policies typically come with specific conditions and limitations:
- Time Limit: There will almost certainly be a window e.g., 60 days within which you must find the lower price.
- Eligible Retailers: The lower price must be found at a qualifying retailer, not just any random online store.
- Identical Item: The item must be exactly the same model number, color, size, condition, etc..
- Advertisement Proof: You’ll likely need to provide a verifiable advertisement e.g., a screenshot or link showing the lower price.
- Maximum Benefit: There’s usually a cap on the maximum difference reimbursed per item and potentially per year. FreeShipping.com doesn’t specify this on the homepage, which is a detail worth investigating.
- Exclusions: Certain items like perishable goods, services, or sale items e.g., Black Friday deals, liquidation sales are often excluded.
While a great benefit in theory, the practical application requires diligence from the user to track prices and submit claims, which can be time-consuming.
Cash Back and Coupon Stacking: Maximizing Savings
The combination of cash back and coupons is where FreeShipping.com aims to deliver its most significant value, promising “unlimited savings with coupons!” and emphasizing “stackable coupons.”
Understanding 10% Cash Back
The 10% cash back is a direct rebate on your purchase total excluding taxes and shipping, usually. This is a competitive rate compared to many standalone cash-back portals, which often offer 1% to 5% as a standard.
The “up to 20% during seasonal promotions” is even more enticing, suggesting strategic shopping during these periods could yield substantial returns.
The Power of Stackable Coupons
“Stackable coupons” is the holy grail for extreme savers. This means you can potentially:
- Use a retailer’s direct coupon code: For example, a 15% off coupon directly from Nike.com.
- Still earn 10% cash back: By initiating the purchase through FreeShipping.com.
- And potentially claim shipping rebates: If you still pay for shipping.
If this truly works seamlessly, the savings could add up quickly. However, this is also where caution is warranted.
Many cash-back sites explicitly state that using external coupon codes not provided by their platform can invalidate cash back.
It’s imperative to verify FreeShipping.com’s exact policy on this. Plunge.com Reviews
Misinformation here could lead to frustration and missed savings.
Strategies for Maximizing Cash Back
To truly leverage the cash back:
- Route All Purchases: Make FreeShipping.com your default starting point for all online shopping.
- Monitor Promotions: Pay attention to their seasonal cash back offers, as these can double your earning rate.
- Combine with Credit Card Rewards: Use a credit card that also offers cash back or points on online purchases to effectively double-dip on rewards. For instance, if your credit card gives you 2% cash back, and FreeShipping.com gives you 10%, you’re getting 12% total.
Trust and Reputation: 20 Years in Business
The website proudly states, “Trusted for 20 Years!” and displays a Trustpilot rating.
Longevity in the online savings space is a significant indicator of legitimacy, especially given the prevalence of short-lived or unreliable services.
Trustpilot Integration and User Reviews
The mention of Trustpilot is a good sign, as it’s a widely recognized independent review platform.
A high rating there would lend considerable credibility. Users often look for:
- Overall Star Rating: A quick glance tells you general sentiment.
- Number of Reviews: A large volume suggests a significant user base and active feedback.
- Specific Feedback: What do real users praise e.g., ease of use, prompt payouts and what do they complain about e.g., difficult cancellations, denied claims?
Based on general consumer trends, Trustpilot reviews often highlight the double-edged sword of subscription services: those who actively use it and see savings are happy, while those who forget they’re subscribed or don’t utilize benefits often complain about being charged for a service they’re not using.
Cancellation Policy and Customer Service
The website states, “cancel anytime.” This is a crucial detail for a subscription service.
A straightforward cancellation process without hidden fees or difficult hoops to jump through builds trust.
The provision of a toll-free number “Questions? 800 501-3310” and later “Call 1-800-869-5597” is also a positive indicator, suggesting direct customer support is available. Shoplc.com Reviews
Poor customer service or difficult cancellation processes are common complaints for subscription services, so their emphasis on “no hassle” cancellation is designed to alleviate that concern.
The “No Risk” Promise
The claim “No risk—if you’re not loving it, you can cancel anytime with no hassle.
You’ve got nothing to lose—and everything to gain!” suggests a confidence in their service.
However, “no risk” primarily pertains to the ability to cancel.
The actual “risk” for a user is simply paying $20 for a month if they don’t generate more than $20 in savings or benefits. For light online shoppers, this is a real risk.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While the benefits sound appealing, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides and nuances that might affect a user’s experience. Every service has its trade-offs.
The “Set It and Forget It” Trap
The monthly auto-renewal is convenient if you’re a heavy online shopper who consistently uses the service.
However, for casual shoppers, it’s easy to sign up, use it once or twice, and then forget about the $20 recurring charge.
This is a common complaint with many subscription services.
If you’re not actively leveraging the benefits each month, that $20 effectively becomes a loss. Gpldesigners.com Reviews
Rebate Management Burden
While the cash back is automatic, the shipping, return shipping, price protection, and food delivery rebates require proactive effort.
You need to remember to submit claims, gather documentation, and follow up.
If you’re someone who often forgets these administrative tasks, you might miss out on a significant portion of the advertised savings.
This “homework” can diminish the perceived value of the service.
Value for Low-Volume Shoppers
For someone who only makes a few online purchases a month, especially for items that already qualify for free shipping or are low-value, the $20 monthly fee can quickly outweigh the benefits.
For example, if you only spend $100 a month through the portal, your 10% cash back is only $10 – meaning you’re losing $10 that month.
The service is clearly optimized for consumers with substantial and frequent online shopping habits.
Comparison to Free Alternatives
Numerous cash-back sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, Honey offer similar cash-back percentages without a monthly fee.
While they typically don’t offer shipping rebates or price protection, the zero upfront cost makes them inherently “risk-free” in terms of membership fees.
Users need to weigh the additional benefits of FreeShipping.com against the monthly cost and the convenience of free alternatives. Safewayroofing.co.uk Reviews
The shipping and return shipping rebates are particularly unique selling points that free services generally don’t offer.
Is FreeShipping.com Right for You? A Practical Assessment
Ultimately, whether FreeShipping.com is a good fit depends entirely on your personal online shopping habits and how diligent you are about maximizing benefits.
Who Benefits Most
- Frequent Online Shoppers: If you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars online every month across a variety of retailers, especially those that frequently charge for shipping.
- Value-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who are meticulous about finding the best deals and are willing to put in the effort to track prices and submit rebates.
- Big-Ticket Item Purchasers: If you often buy electronics, home appliances, or other high-value items where 10% cash back can translate into significant dollar amounts.
- Those Who Value Shipping Rebates: If you frequently pay for shipping and don’t always meet free shipping thresholds or find yourself needing to return items and paying for return shipping.
Who Might Find it Less Beneficial
- Infrequent Online Shoppers: If you only buy things online occasionally, the $20 monthly fee will likely consume any savings.
- Loyalty Program Users: If you’re already deeply invested in a specific retailer’s loyalty program that offers extensive benefits, FreeShipping.com might be redundant or less impactful.
- “Free Shipping Always” Shoppers: If you consistently hit minimums for free shipping, or predominantly shop at Amazon Prime, the shipping rebate benefit will be less relevant.
- Time-Sensitive Individuals: If you lack the time or inclination to submit rebates and track price drops, you won’t fully utilize the service’s potential.
The key takeaway is to do an honest assessment of your own shopping behavior over the past few months. Tally up your online spending, estimated shipping costs, and consider if you would have found lower prices on items you bought. This personal audit will give you the clearest picture of whether the “up to $3,000 per year” savings claim is realistic for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreeShipping.com legitimate?
Yes, based on checking the website, FreeShipping.com appears to be a legitimate subscription service that has been in operation for 20 years, offering various savings benefits to its members.
How much does FreeShipping.com cost?
FreeShipping.com costs $20 per month, which automatically renews monthly until you cancel.
How does FreeShipping.com offer cash back?
FreeShipping.com offers 10% cash back when you shop through their links at over 1,000 participating retailers, leveraging an affiliate marketing model where they pass a portion of their commission back to you.
What is the maximum cash back I can earn?
The website mentions members can save “up to $3,000 per year” through various benefits, including 10% cash back, and also offers seasonal cash back up to 20% at top retailers.
There’s no explicit stated limit on the total cash back you can earn annually, outside of the overall savings claim.
Can I get free shipping on all my orders with FreeShipping.com?
No, you don’t get free shipping on all orders directly. Okaygold.com Reviews
Instead, FreeShipping.com offers a rebate of up to $10 per shipping charge if you pay for shipping on an eligible purchase.
Does FreeShipping.com offer rebates for return shipping?
Yes, FreeShipping.com offers rebates for return shipping costs, allowing you to claim up to $10 back if you pay to return an item.
How does the price protection benefit work?
If you buy an item through FreeShipping.com and then find it advertised for less elsewhere, you can submit a claim, and FreeShipping.com will pay you the difference in price, subject to their terms and conditions.
What kind of retailers are included in FreeShipping.com’s network?
FreeShipping.com claims to have over 1,000 retailers, covering categories such as fashion, housewares, sporting goods, home improvement, tech, and more.
Can I use coupons with FreeShipping.com benefits?
Yes, the website states that members can utilize “stackable coupons,” implying you can use coupons directly from retailers in conjunction with FreeShipping.com’s cash back and rebates.
However, it’s always wise to confirm exact policies to ensure benefits stack as expected.
How do I submit a rebate claim?
Based on the description, you would typically need to make an eligible purchase, incur a shipping or return shipping charge, gather proof like an order confirmation, and then submit a claim through the FreeShipping.com website.
How long does it take to get my cash back or rebate?
The website does not specify exact processing times for cash back or rebates.
Generally, these processes can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the service and retailer.
Can I cancel my FreeShipping.com membership easily?
Yes, the website explicitly states, “if you’re not loving it, you can cancel anytime with no hassle.” Varsitytutors.com Reviews
Is there a trial period for FreeShipping.com?
The homepage doesn’t explicitly mention a free trial, but states “No risk—if you’re not loving it, you can cancel anytime,” suggesting the initial sign-up might be considered low-risk.
Does FreeShipping.com work with Amazon?
While the website mentions “over 1,000 retailers” and “biggest names,” it doesn’t specifically list Amazon on the homepage.
You would need to check their full retailer list to confirm if Amazon or specific Amazon categories are included.
How much do I need to spend to break even on the monthly fee?
To break even on the $20 monthly fee solely through the 10% cash back benefit, you would need to spend at least $200 through FreeShipping.com’s portal each month $200 x 10% = $20.
What if I forget to use FreeShipping.com for a purchase?
If you forget to initiate your purchase through the FreeShipping.com portal, you will not be eligible for the 10% cash back or other associated benefits for that particular transaction.
Does FreeShipping.com offer rebates for food delivery services?
Yes, FreeShipping.com states that members can save with delivery and service charge rebates for their favorite food delivery apps.
Is FreeShipping.com similar to Rakuten or Honey?
While FreeShipping.com offers cash back similar to Rakuten and deals similar to Honey, it differentiates itself with additional benefits like free shipping and return shipping rebates, and price protection, all offered under a monthly subscription model.
How do I contact FreeShipping.com customer service?
You can contact FreeShipping.com customer service by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-869-5597 or 1-800-501-3310 as listed on their website.
What happens if a retailer denies my cash back through FreeShipping.com?
While not explicitly stated on the homepage, in such scenarios, you would typically need to contact FreeShipping.com customer support with details of your purchase for them to investigate the issue with the retailer. Humbot.ai Reviews
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