Free shipping is the next victim of ‘shrinkflation’

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

In the world of online shopping, free shipping and hassle-free returns have long been considered perks that sweeten the deal.

However, consumers may soon have to bid farewell to these cost-saving conveniences as retailers start to roll out changes that could make returning items a costly endeavor.

End of an Era

Free shipping and no-cost returns have become almost synonymous with online shopping, setting a standard expectation among consumers.

However, this era of convenience is rapidly coming to a close as retailers grapple with the mounting costs associated with processing returns.

For many online shoppers, the ease of returning unwanted items has been taken for granted.

A global shipping crisis is inbound

However, behind the scenes, retailers have been absorbing the financial burden of processing returns, from shipping fees to restocking costs.

Now, faced with escalating expenses, retailers are shifting the onus back onto consumers, signaling the end of the free ride.

Cost of Convenience

While free shipping and returns have undoubtedly been a boon for consumers, they have come at a cost to retailers, who have been footing the bill for years.

As the retail landscape evolves, consumers will need to adjust their expectations and recognize that convenience often comes with a price tag.

As retailers adjust their policies, consumers will need to rethink their approach to online shopping.

From factoring return costs into their purchasing decisions to being more discerning about their purchases, consumers will need to adapt to this new reality.

As retailers recalibrate their policies, consumers will need to prepare for a new era of shopping where convenience comes at a cost.

Australian Dollar surges: What $0.70 means for markets

Australian dollar surges 5% to $0.70, impacting importers, exporters, and big miners amid rising interest rates.

Published

20 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australian dollar surges 5% to $0.70, impacting importers, exporters, and big miners amid rising interest rates.

The Australian dollar has jumped more than 5 percent against the U.S. dollar this year, now trading around $0.70. This rapid rise has sparked mixed reactions for importers and exporters as Australia’s materials sector shows signs of bouncing back, despite concerns over rising interest rates.

Dale Gilham from Wealth Within breaks down the factors behind the AUD surge, the implications for commodities, and what it means for big miners like BHP. From profits to strategy, we explore how the market is reacting to this currency shift.

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#AustralianDollar #AUD #Forex #Investing #Commodities #BHP #Mining #Markets

Money

S&P 500 rises as financial stocks lead and tech slips

S&P 500 rises 0.4% thanks to financial stocks; software struggles amidst AI concerns. Subscribe for updates!

Published

21 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 rises 0.4% thanks to financial stocks; software struggles amidst AI concerns. Subscribe for updates!

The S&P 500 climbed 0.4% on Tuesday, boosted by strong gains in financial stocks. Citigroup and JPMorgan led the rally, showing investors are rotating money into the sector as tech stocks faltered.

Meanwhile, software shares struggled, with ServiceNow, Autodesk, and Palo Alto Networks all seeing notable declines. Concerns around AI disruption continue to affect the software and financial sectors alike.

Market watchers are now turning their attention to upcoming inflation reports later this week, looking for signals that could shape the next moves in the market.

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Money

Australia’s GST debate heats up amid tax reform push

Australia debates GST expansion amid aging population pressures and personal income tax concerns; expert insights from Dr. Steven Enticott.

Published

2 days ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia debates GST expansion amid aging population pressures and personal income tax concerns; expert insights from Dr. Steven Enticott.

Australia is facing a fierce debate over tax reform, with fresh calls to broaden the Goods and Services Tax as the government searches for more stable revenue streams. With an ageing population putting pressure on health, pensions and long-term spending, economists argue the current reliance on personal income tax may not be sustainable.

Dr Steven Enticott from CIA Tax joins Ticker to break down the real impact of expanding the GST, including how it could affect lower-income households, whether taxing unrealised gains would change investor behaviour, and what compensation mechanisms could soften the blow on essential goods. The political risks are high, but so are the fiscal stakes.

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