Zalando: Free shipping before the end - only possible under one condition

Zalando introduces a minimum order value for free shipping. The group justifies the step with the changed buying behavior.

• Zalando: Shipping fashion goods in Germany so far free of charge
• Zalando: Minimum order value for free shipping is 24.90 euros
• ZALANDO: Introduction of the minimum order value due to changed buying behavior
• Zalando: Moderiese wants bundled purchases instead of small-scale orders
• Zalando: Loss of almost 52 million euros in the first quarter of 2022
• Zalando: Free shipping-free minimum order value in other countries long established

NRW-If you like to order shoes, fashion and cosmetics via Zalando, you have to prepare for an important innovation. Unlike in other countries, smaller orders have so far been delivered free of charge or returned to return-but Zalando is planning a drastic change in this regard.

Zalando: Shipping fashion goods in Germany so far free of charge

According to theeditorial network Germany_ (RND), the Zalando delivery for online shoppers has always been free of charge regardless of the order quantity. But now the largest fashion mail order company in Europe demands shipping costs for smaller orders.

If you now buy at Zalando goods below the minimum order value of 24.90 euros, you have to pay additional shipping costs of 4.90 euros. If the value of the purchase is above, shipping remains free of charge. According to the rnd, the regulation does not apply to Zalando-Plus members, for them every delivery remains free of charge.

Zalando is not the only online giant changes. The entire digital industry seems to change. Another retailer has even decided to completely give up his branches and only focus on online trading.

Zalando: Minimum order value for free shipping is 24.90 euros

However, returns are still free of charge within 100 days, provided that orders are completely declining and the purchase amount was below 24.90 euros. In this case, the delivery fee paid will be reimbursed, the company explains on its website.

According to Zalando, the introduction of a minimum order value of 24.90 euros, which has long since been introduced for other sizes such as H&M at different heights, with the changed buying behavior of the customers. According to the rnd, buying online via smartphone is increasingly being bought online.

ZALANDO: Introduction of the minimum order value due to changed buying behavior

This means that they increasingly made smaller, low-priced purchases to collect in their shopping baskets instead of articles and then order it at a later date, explains a Zalando spokeswoman to the rnd. The trend towards shopping via the smartphone is actually unmistakable.

In 2021, according to the industry association of the German Information and Telecommunications industry, the smartphone developed bitcom e.V. The most popular shopping device. In the meantime, 6 out of 10 people (60 %) used the mobile phone for online shopping.

Zalando: Moderiese wants bundled purchases instead of small-scale orders

Many small and also, as in the past, free deliveries, Zalando seem to be less tempting for its customers with the introduction of the minimum order value. Instead, they want to make customers make larger, bundled purchases.

The aim of the moderate is to raise awareness of the customers, not to order small-scale and bundle purchase projects as best as possible, explains a spokesman for the Federal Association of E-Commerce and Shipping Trade (BEVH) to the RND. This would reduce shipping traffic (more digital news at minimum order).

Zalando: Loss of almost 52 million euros in the first quarter of 2022

In his view, the vast majority is not affected by the introduction of the minimum order value at Zalando anyway. Finally, most shopping baskets exceeded the limit of 24.90 euros at the end of a shopping tour.

The introduction of the minimum order value interprets the rnd as an attempt to counter the decreasing lust and the slipped Zalando share. According to the handelsblatt, the group had had an adjusted loss of business of almost 52 million euros between January and March 2022.

It is even the first drop in sales since the company was founded. In times of corona loosening and a decreasing mask obligation, in which customers are increasingly looking for the inner cities when the weather is nice, the online trade would also have greater competition.

Zalando: Free shipping-free minimum order value in other countries long established

The introduction of shipping costs for smaller purchases is already common in other countries such as France. Due to the introduction of the minimum order value, both the average shopping cart size and the profit contribution increased, a company spokeswoman told the Rnd.

There, the effect desired with the minimum order value, which the group is now hoping for in this country, had occurred. Germany is therefore one of the 25 countries in which Zalando is active and where the minimum order value for free shipping has been introduced.

Rubric list picture: © Manuel Geisser/Imago