The answer to this question is finally revealed.

Have you ever wondered what makes customers complete their purchase after abandoning their cart? The answer to the age-old question of free shipping vs. product discounts might surprise you.

We conducted surveys with real online shoppers and analyzed multiple studies to get to the bottom of this. The results are clear: a whopping 80% of customers choose free shipping over product discounts. Here’s why.

Shipping costs often feel like an unnecessary expense. Something that adds no value to their purchase. For many shoppers, seeing high shipping fees at checkout is enough to make them abandon their cart entirely. On the other hand, free shipping eliminates that extra cost, creating a sense of satisfaction and ease.

While a product discount may seem like a great deal, it can devalue your product in the eyes of the consumer. Discounts may give the impression that the product is of lower quality or that the shopper is pressured into an impulse purchase. In contrast, free shipping preserves the perceived value of the product while addressing one of the biggest reasons for cart abandonment.

So, which is better for your business? If you’re looking to reduce cart abandonment and boost conversions, offering free shipping is a proven strategy that keeps customers happy without undermining your product’s value.

What’s your approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!