Save on Shipping When Shopping Online -- Savings Experiment

Shopping online is convenient, but you may end up paying more than you would at the store when shipping costs are added. There are ways to save on this -- you just have to know where to look.

Retailers know that shipping costs are a big turnoff for customers. In fact, it's the No. 1 reason why shopping carts are abandoned during the checkout process. That's why it never hurts to ask if the fee can be waived.

So, during your next transaction, click on the customer service link and see if you can chat with a representative. Chances are the company will do its best to accommodate you, especially if you are a first-time customer.

Another way to save is by subscribing to Amazon Prime. The premium service offers one year of free 2-day shipping for $80, and while frequent shoppers may benefit at that price, there's an added feature that comes with the upgrade. One Amazon Prime account can be shared by up to five people within a household, which works out to less than $16 per person. Depending on what you're buying, you can make that back in one to two orders.

So, if you want to lower the costs of shipping, keep these tips in mind the next time you buy online. They could help you save a pretty penny -- all from the comfort of home.