The savings often advertised by sellers online, over the phone, on television and in catalogues is usually lost in the cost of delivery. And retail stores generally charge customers for the delivery of furniture and appliances; the good news is delivery costs are often negotiable.

Online Purchases

Some sites only ship their products with one delivery service, before you buy online price compare and look for sellers and websites offering free delivery or a variety of delivery options. When shopping for more than one item buy from sites that charge one shipping and handling fee for multiple orders; some sites will deliver orders to more than one address at no additional cost. Do the math on the price of your purchase and estimated shipping cost, and then don’t spend more money to qualify for “free delivery with minimum purchase” offers. Have flowers and similar gift items delivered the day before a major holiday to pay less for delivery.

Beware when a private seller offers free shipping, do a cost comparison to determine if the shipping cost has been added to the purchase price of the item. Get shipping rates online from the postal service and other delivery services by plugging in the shipper’s location and the address where the item is to be delivered. If you find a cheaper option for delivery than the seller is offering, he may agree to it or be willing to lower the price on his merchandise.

Retail Delivery

From single owner stores to large chain retailers, delivery fees can often be negotiated. One way to guarantee free delivery is to buy appliances and furniture during a free delivery promotion. Sales managers want to move merchandise, and if you ask for free delivery on a large purchase the odds are in your favor that they’ll negotiate with you. For smaller purchases, ask if you can make the delivery arrangements; the cost of a rental truck and the manpower of a few friends is likely to be much less than the store’s delivery fee. If you’re having a large appliance delivered ask if the delivery fee can include the removal and disposal of your old appliance.

Delivery Options

There are independent delivery services that will bring groceries, restaurant meals, or pharmacy items to your door. The cost of these delivery services can be pricey; before you use them check with your local pharmacy and super market to see they offer free delivery. Seniors and people with disabilities may also qualify for state programs that offer free delivery services from drugstores and grocers.