When you’re shopping online, it helps to know the shipping options at your disposal. Depending on the item you’re purchasing and the store you’re shopping at, you may have a few different shipping options. For instance, if you buy a Kenmore refrigerator water filter at the Discount Filter Store, you could be eligible for free shipping, among other alternatives. Here’s a breakdown of some common ways sellers get products to you, including the variables that shape their shipping policies.
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Standard Shipping
This shipping option is typically the default for most online retailers. Generally, this approach means your product will be shipped via ground transportation, and it may take a few days (or even a week or two) for your item to arrive.
It is usually the least expensive option, but it’s not always the fastest. For instance, the Discount Filter Store uses ground carriers like FedEx and UPS – and delivery takes roughly three to five days for US customers.
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Expedited Shipping
You may select an expedited shipping option if you need your product quickly. Air transport is generally the preferred option, in this case, as it’s the fastest.
Some popular express carriers include FedEx 2 Day or UPS overnight, ensuring your package arrives a day or two after shipment. However, this convenience comes at a cost – it’s more expensive than standard shipping. For instance, overnight shipping is the fastest and one of the costliest options.
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Postal Delivery
We can’t discuss shipping options without mentioning the old postal delivery system. In most cases, shipping via USPS will be the least expensive option.
However, USPS delivery times are not guaranteed, and your product may take a few days (or even a week or two) to arrive. Other postal delivery options may include UPS, DHL Global Mail, and FedEx’s SmartPost.
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Local Pickup
Some retailers – particularly businesses with brick-and-mortar locations – offer local pickup as a shipping option. This means you can swing by the store and pick up your product at your convenience rather than waiting for it to be delivered. But the option only works if you live near the store in question.
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International Shipping
Sometimes, you could score a good deal in another country. But remember, you have to pay for international shipping. If you’re lucky, the seller will offer multiple shipping options, allowing you to choose the most economical route.
Shipping carriers typically use air transport to deliver international packages. Some of the popular options and their estimated delivery times include;
- USPS Priority Mail – 6-10 days.
- UPS Worldwide Express – 1-3 days.
- FedEx International Economy – 5 business days.
- DHL Express Worldwide – 1-6 days.
The carriers also allow customers to track their packages, so you can always check the status of your shipment, including its current location and expected delivery date.
You’ll also need to pay duties or customs fees to the shipper if you opt for an international shipment. As such, you should consider the additional costs.
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Free Shipping
Some sellers offer free shipping if your order exceeds a specific value. Case in point, if your Kenmore fridge water filter costs more than $39, the Discount Filter Store will ship it to you for free. Other retailers offer free shipping as part of a membership or loyalty program. For example, you can enjoy free two-day shipping on select items if you’re an Amazon Prime member.
Delivery Timeframes Differ
There’s no telling how long it might take for you to receive an item once a seller ships it. However, most shipping companies provide delivery timeframes, so customers know when to expect their products.
Also, timeframes vary from one shipper to the next. In the same way, your choice of shipping options undoubtedly impacts the delivery timeframe. For example, if you choose overnight shipping, you can expect to receive your product the next day (assuming there are no delays). Alternatively, if you choose standard shipping, your fridge water filter may take several days to arrive.
When estimating how long it will take for your product to arrive, don’t forget to factor in the seller’s processing time. Some sellers could take a day or two to process your order before they hand it over to the shipping carrier.
All the same, the allotted time is simply an estimate, and your product may arrive sooner or later than the shipper predicts. That said, it helps you plan when you’ll need to receive the item.
While cost is undoubtedly a significant factor in your decision-making process, it’s not the only thing you should consider. For example, you may be willing to pay more for expedited shipping if you urgently need the refrigerator filter. Similarly, keep an eye out for free shipping offers, as they can help you save a significant amount of money, particularly if you’re buying multiple items. And when in doubt, check out your preferred retailer’s shipping policy to see the available options and their cost.
