Clark Howard: Holiday Shipping Costs

Jacksonville, FL — Three major online retailers are fighting for people’s attention and money.

Consumer Warrior Clark Howard says this year’s Black Friday and holiday shopping season are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years.

Target, Walmart, and Amazon are now offering free shipping for the holiday season. For Walmart, shoppers need to spend at least $35. Until December 22, Target is waiving any type of minimum purchase and without a membership. Amazon which normally allows free shipping for its Prime members is now allowing free shipping to all users.

MORE: Clark Howard's Deals of the Day 

Clark suggests that shoppers use this opportunity to look around to get the best bang for their buck.

"This is going to be a really easy season for you with the three giant retailers to comparison shop an item from one to another."

LISTEN: Clark Howard's latest podcast 

If shoppers do choose to do their holiday shopping online – there are some things to consider before hitting ‘confirm order.’

Our partners at Action News Jax says nearly one in every five homeowners has had their packages stolen by porch pirates. A recent Safewise report says almost 26-million Americans had their package stolen during the holidays last year.

READ: Five tips to keep your holiday packages safe from porch pirates. 

Some people across Jacksonville say they rely on their surveillance system. They say their systems alert them when someone is close to their home and will start recording.

Other ways to prevent porch pirates is to go through UPS and using the My Choice program which allows shoppers to give the delivery driver special instructions.

If you’re shopping on Amazon, you can have your gifts delivered to an Amazon locker – they’re all over Jacksonville.