8 Tricks, Tips and Hacks for Snagging Free Shipping

This week, Neiman Marcus became the latest retailer to offer totally free shipping on all purchases made through its website. But this sort of shipping policy is the exception, rather than the rule: Most retail sites will require you to meet a minimum purchase threshold to get free shipping, only occasionally waiving it for limited-time promotions.

But if you're determined to duck the shipping charges, there are plenty of tricks of the trade that can help you do it. Here are some strategies to keep in your back pocket as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Matt Brownell is the consumer and retail reporter for DailyFinance. You can reach him at Matt.Brownell@teamaol.com, and follow him on Twitter at @Brownellorama.