Amazon users often come across small items that cost just a few dollars. The problem? Shipping costs can sometimes be higher than the item itself. You don’t have to add unnecessary products to your cart just to meet the minimum for free shipping. Here are the easiest ways to get free shipping on small items with Amazon.
Use Amazon’s Add-On Program
Amazon’s Add-On program allows you to purchase low-cost items as long as your order total reaches $25. These items are clearly marked and include everyday essentials like batteries, toiletries, and small kitchen tools.
How it works:
- Add an eligible Add-On item to your cart.
- Ensure your total (including the Add-On item) is at least $25.
- Amazon ships the item for free as part of your order.
The easiest way to make the most of this is by planning your purchases. If you frequently buy household supplies on Amazon, consider bundling them together.
Take Advantage of Prime Membership
Amazon Prime members get free shipping on millions of items, including many small ones. For $14.99 per month (or $139 annually), you get fast shipping, access to Prime Video, and other perks.
What you get with Prime:
- Free two-day or same-day shipping on eligible products.
- Access to Prime-exclusive discounts.
- Early deals on Amazon events like Prime Day.
If you shop on Amazon regularly, the membership cost could pay for itself in shipping savings.
Look for “Free Shipping” Filters
When searching for items, use the “Free Shipping” filter. This helps narrow down products that qualify for free delivery, even if they are priced low.
How to apply the filter:
- Enter your search term in the Amazon search bar.
- On the left side of the page (desktop) or under filters (mobile), select “Free Shipping by Amazon.”
- Browse only the items that qualify.
Using this method ensures that you don’t accidentally add an item that requires additional shipping fees.
Check Out Amazon’s Small and Light Program
Amazon’s Small and Light program was created to offer free shipping on eligible low-cost items without requiring a minimum order.
How to find Small and Light items:
- Look for the “Small and Light” badge on product pages.
- Browse Amazon’s dedicated Small and Light section.
- Ensure your item meets program guidelines before purchase.
This program is great for low-priced essentials like pens, beauty tools, and phone accessories.
Take Advantage of Subscribe & Save
Subscribe & Save applies to common household items like toiletries, snacks, and pet supplies. Signing up for scheduled deliveries can help you bypass shipping costs while also saving money on the products themselves.
How it works:
- Choose an eligible product.
- Select “Subscribe & Save” instead of “One-Time Purchase.”
- Pick your delivery frequency (such as monthly or every two months).
- Enjoy additional discounts and free shipping.
You can cancel or adjust subscription deliveries at any time.
Shop at Amazon Warehouse or Outlet
Amazon Warehouse and Amazon Outlet offer discounted products, many of which qualify for free shipping.
Amazon Warehouse sells open-box, pre-owned, and refurbished items at lower prices.
Amazon Outlet provides overstock products at a discount.
Items in these sections often qualify for free shipping, which helps you save even more.
Consider Amazon Day Delivery
Amazon Day Delivery lets you schedule all your weekly deliveries to arrive on a set day. In return, Amazon may offer free shipping on eligible small purchases.
How to set it up:
- Go to your Amazon settings.
- Enable Amazon Day Delivery.
- Select a preferred weekly delivery day.
- Order eligible items with free shipping.
If you make frequent small purchases on Amazon, this method could help you save.
Use Amazon Gift Cards for Small Purchases
Amazon gift cards can be used to buy low-cost items without needing a minimum spend. Look for offers that come with free shipping when purchasing with a gift card.
Some promotions allow users to receive bonus credits when buying or reloading an Amazon gift card balance.
Keep an Eye on Limited-Time Free Shipping Deals
Amazon occasionally runs promotions that provide free shipping for small items without a minimum purchase requirement.
How to find these deals:
- Check Amazon’s daily deals section.
- Sign up for Amazon’s promotional emails.
- Look for banners on product pages advertising free shipping.
Since these deals are time-sensitive, it’s a good habit to check regularly.
Use No-Rush Shipping for Credits
Amazon may offer rewards for selecting No-Rush Shipping, which typically delays delivery but provides credits for future purchases.
How it works:
- At checkout, select No-Rush Shipping instead of standard delivery.
- Earn digital credits that can be applied toward future purchases.
- Use these credits to buy small items in the future.
Credits often apply to digital purchases like eBooks and music, but sometimes they can be used for physical products too.
Buy from Third-Party Sellers Offering Free Shipping
Many third-party sellers on Amazon offer free shipping, even for small items.
How to find these sellers:
- Look for “Ships from and sold by” details on a product page.
- Filter results by “Free shipping on orders.”
- Check reviews to ensure quality and reliability.
This is an alternative way to avoid extra shipping fees while still getting what you need.
Compare with Other Retailers
Amazon is convenient, but sometimes other retailers offer free shipping on smaller items without requiring a minimum purchase. Compare prices with stores like Walmart, Target, and eBay before completing your order.
Some stores even offer price-match guarantees if you find a lower price elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to get free shipping on small Amazon purchases. Try one or a combination of these strategies to avoid extra charges. Whether through an Amazon Prime membership, Add-On items, or third-party sellers, you can keep costs low and still get what you need.
