Most surveys say consumers hate delivery charges—that’s why sites like Amazon.com and Buy.com have made so much marketing noise over how to avoid shipping charges. Now with a twist that leverages its store locations, REI Inc. is showing that the surveys are true.
REI is offering free store delivery for anything ordered onREI.com through store-based web-enabled kiosks. Since the free store pick-up service started last September, kiosk-based sales of kayaks, which can have delivery charges of over $100, have surged 700%, while overall kiosk-based sales are up 30%. Beginning in June, REI will offer free delivery to the store for any item at REI.com ordered in the store or at home.
Right now, store web-based orders have to originate with a store sales associate.
But also beginning in June, customers will be able to place their own orders
over kiosks for store pickup. REI says the offer for free store pick-up is permanent
one that REI can afford because it consolidates online-ordered products with
other shipments already destined for its stores.
