Its Free Shipping Day today. This year on December 18, 2008 participating merchants give free shipping to online shoppers with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.
As high shipping costs often stop buying decisions of online shoppers, this Free Shipping Day ensure such buyers go out and buy products and gadgets they always wanted to buy. Though the website has collected over 250 participating merchants, they still advise you double check with the merchants shipping policies to make sure that your order will arrive in time for Christmas; also check the minimum order requirements and location restrictions. Also check the holiday shipping deadlines of these 250 merchants. Since Christmas is on Thursday, December 25, they are targeting Wednesday, December 24 as the last day for delivery by Christmas.
How do they choose the Free Shipping Day? They consult with participating retailers to determine the latest possible day in the Christmas shopping season that they can offer free shipping and guarantee delivery by December 24th, and it typically falls between December 17th and 19th. It might not be the same next year.
Will it be bigger than Black Friday or Cyber Monday, only sales will tell.