AM Inbox: Making shipping deadlines clear

>>Attend the eec’s Email Evolution Conference, Feb. 12-13, in San Diego. Learn more.

RetailEmail.Blogspot monitors the email marketing campaigns of more than 100 of the top online retailers. Here are highlights from our inbox this morning:

Ann Taylor, 12/14 — Starts Today! 30% OFF for Friends & Family + Don't Miss Free Shipping
Ground, express and overnight shipping deadlines vary from retailer to retailer so it’s really important to make it crystal clear what your particular deadlines are. In this email, Ann Taylor lists their various deadlines, including the deadline for ordering e-gift cards. Last year around this time, the Sports Authority included a simple calendar to help clarify their shipping deadlines (see Dec. 19 AM Inbox).



Bloomingdale’s, 12/14 — The Bloomingdale's Gift Card Is Always The Perfect Gift
Last year we didn’t see emails dedicated to gift cards and e-gift cards until we were a few more days closer to Christmas, when ground shipping was no longer an option. But everything seems to be arriving a bit early this year.



CompUSA, 12/16 — Online Only: Save up to 55% on Digital Imaging Gifts
CompUSA has also started employing last-minute strategies, like mentioning e-gift announcements, which let gift recipients know that a gift is on its way (and likely won’t arrive before Christmas). Here’s a link to CompUSA’s e-gift announcement page. Last year Overstock was one of the few large online retailers to employ this tactic (see Dec. 22 AM Inbox).



Spiegel, 12/14 — 12 Days of Gift Specials starts today! + Take 25% OFF Sitewide!
Just like last year, some retailers have decided to start their “12 Days of Christmas” campaigns really late. While retailers like Avon are wrapping their campaigns up, Spiegel is just starting theirs, giving themselves little time before the end of the online shopping season. Toys “R” Us also started their “12 Days” campaign late but they have a large store base to lean on in the waning days before Christmas.



SUBJECTIVITY SCANNER:
Harry & David, 12/14 — ONLY HOURS left to guarantee Christmas arrival by standard delivery
Avon, 12/16 — FREE SHIPPING & Only TWO more days of guaranteed Christmas Delivery
Ralph Lauren, 12/14 — 4 DAYS ONLY: Receive Free Shipping On All Orders
Eddie Bauer, 12/15 — Last 5 days for Guaranteed Christmas Delivery + Free Shipping + Up to 50% OFF gifts
Art.com, 12/14 — Hurry! Coupon inside + 5 days left for standard delivery
Sam’s Club, 12/14 — Shop Today! Standard Shipping Ends December 18th
Orvis, 12/14 — Order now for Christmas delivery. Time's short.
RedEnvelope, 12/14 — It's a Christmas Miracle: 20% Off + Free Shipping
Dick’s Sporting Goods, 12/15 — Guaranteed to Arrive by December 24th!
Hanna Andersson, 12/16 — Order By December 21 And Get It In Time!
Chadwick’s, 12/14 — Save Gas, Save Time, Free Parking & FREE Shipping at Chadwick’s!
JCPenney, 12/14 — 18 Hour Blowout in Stores, Free Shipping Online
Dell, 12/13 — Free Expedited Shipping and Select Inspiron PCs for Only $449 - 4 Days Only
Lillian Vernon, 12/15 — Slacker Santas Choose Expedited Shipping Upgrade
AbeBooks, 12/14 — Holidays are Stressful - Books Aren't.
Buy.com, 12/14 — Alert: Black Friday IV
Dick’s Sporting Goods, 12/14 — After Hours Sale: Sunday 1am - 7am EST Only!
_____________________
SEARCH... By Post Category / By Retailer / By Topic / By Selling Season / Recent Posts