Last-minute holiday shoppers got a surprise gift from Amazon when the online retailer announced a two-day extension of its free Super Saver Shipping deadline for Christmas delivery.
Orders placed by Dec. 19 will now be delivered to recipients by Christmas Eve, according to Amazon. The deadline is two days later than last year, and applies to free and standard shipping options. Free shipping kicks in on orders of $25 or more for specially marked items.
Shoppers can also opt to pay for shipping and get two-day shipping on orders placed by 8 p.m. on Dec. 21. Amazon Prime members will be able to place orders as late as Dec. 23 for delivery by Christmas Eve for a fee of $9.99 per item, Amazon reports.
eBay is also marketing to tardy buyers. Its home page touts "Great deals on last-minute gifts, many with expedited shipping."
Since just before Thanksgiving, the marketplace has been encouraging sellers to offer free expedited shipping with one-day handling. Through Dec. 25, all sellers who offer this faster delivery option are promised a 20-percent discount on final value fees.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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