Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

GAP Inc’s Free Shipping Mini Trap

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The Banana Republic, GAP, & Old Navy Free Shipping Trap.

Don’t know what that fishy/squid guy is doing up there?  Click here for an explanation of the “It’s a Trap!” Admiral Akbar Internet Meme.  Scene originally from Return of the Jedi.

Sneaky.  I was impressed when The GAP family of brands recently decided to offer up free shipping on any order over $50.  You can even cross pollinate between Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, etc. by using the handy tabs at the top of their websites.  If there’s $50 worth of GAP inc stuff in your bag/cart, it’ll ship at no charge.

As long as you make sure to CHOOSE the free shipping option.

I just recently noticed this.  When you place anything in your shopping cart, the default shipping method is the 3-5 business days option that costs $7.00.  If you place an item that costs more than $50 in your virtual shopping bag it DOES NOT automatically choose the free 7-9 business days option.  It still defaults to $7 shipping.

Happens on all three clothing sites.  You get free shipping via Piperlime, so, you’re safe there.

Is it a big deal?  Nah.  But I do wonder how many people neglect to actively choose their shipping option, and instead just assume that free shipping automatically applied to their order of over $50 or more.

And now… the video:

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Comments

  1. Thanks for pointing that out. I don’t buy *anything* online that doesn’t have free shipping and free returns (and/or a return-to-store policy). Have you seen the site http://www.freeshipping.org? It’s pretty good for this sort of thing, though I haven’t checked to see if it singles out the nuances the way you do. Good going!

  3. Thanks for the heads up. I probably would have missed it although I try to check all the shipping price options.

    Now I have to say it… Star Wars? Nerd. Ha!

  4. Nice catch! Personally I find websites that force you to enter your credit card info before entering promo codes and before they factor how much shipping/taxes are more annoying.

  5. All I wanted was the merino sweater vest. But at $49.50 (pre-promo code), I was denied free shipping by a mere .50

  6. A lot of online retailers require an opt-in for free shipping. Amazon does the same thing. I don’t think it’s a friendly policy, but I wouldn’t call it a trap.