Luke Knowles

Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2011

Christmas is fast approaching and online shopping days are narrowing down to a precious few. Happily, our list of e-retailer shipping deadlines should keep you on track for a happy holidays.

We’ve worked to compile the most accurate dates possible, using details garnered from each merchant’s website. This information isn’t actually set in stone, however, so always double check to make sure your purchase will arrive in time for a happy holidays. Also, remember most merchants only provide shipping services on weekdays.

Please note these dates generally apply to the 48 contiguous United States and don’t often apply to P.O. Box/FPO/APO addresses or Alaska and Hawaii. Also, delivery deadlines only refer to in-stock merchandise.

Infographic: 7 Types of Free Shipping

Free shipping is one of the biggest shopping trends to emerge in recent years. Nearly 50 percent of online sales for 2010 had a free shipping offer, up 10% from 2008. Things look even better for 2011, as more merchants buy into these popular promotions. Not all deals are the same, however. We take a look at the seven most popular forms of free shipping deals.

Sierra Trading Post Riddle for Free Shipping

As one evil villian on Batman used to say: "Riddle me this." Apparently Sierra Trading Post wants to riddle us all to provide lucky winners with free shipping on their order. If you answer the riddle correctly, delivery is free. Answer it wrong and you pay. You'll hear back from Sierra Trading Post within 24 hours.

Top 20 Retailers Offering Free Shipping On ALL Orders

With the big news last week that L.L. Bean was joining an exclusive list of retailers offering free shipping on all orders every day, we thought it only appropriate to bring you our list of the top 20 merchants offering this great deal on a regular basis.

Some merchants offer free international shipping in as little as three days, while others give shoppers free overnight shipping or free return shipping. Here's our "cream-of-the crop" free shipping offers.

1. L.L. Bean
The outdoor clothing and equipment outfitter is the most recent retailer to join the ranks of the merchants featured below.

Offer: Free shipping and returns on all orders to the U.S. and Canada.
Delivery: Orders should arrive within two-to-five business days of purchase.

L.L. Bean Begins Free Shipping Forever

L.L. Bean announced today it will offer "forever free shipping" to U.S. and Canadian customers. You don't have to make a minimum purchase and there's no expiration date to the deal.

The Best Time to Buy Guide for 101 Products and Services

When should you buy a car? Is January really the best time to purchase Christmas presents for the next year? And what's the deal on fresh produce? We have the scoop on a raft of products, so read on for more.

FreeShipping.org Surpasses 4,000 Merchants with Free Shipping

FreeShipping.org proudly announces we now have more than 4,000 merchants offering free shipping deals to shoppers. That's a long way from the 500 retailers with which we started in 2007.

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft Headline Hundreds of New Merchants with Free Shipping

Merchants participating in FreeShipping.org have doubled in the last year, totaling almost 4,000. We've recently added such merchants as Guess.com, Lands' End and Ann Taylor.

Save like Black Friday at Target.com - Today Only!

Don't wait until Black Friday for super deals. Target is offering a one-time, one-day only sale they're calling Back in Black Friday. You'll find discounts on hundreds of products, including electronics, women's clothing, toys and much more. 

American Eagle says "We're Sorry" with Free Shipping

American Eagle's website went down for three days, and now they'd like to apologize by offering you a deal. Loyal customers will receive free shipping on all order through July 25 with the code 74936062.