(MEDIA GENERAL)—Wal-Mart is upping the ante in the fight to become the nation’s top online retailer.
In a blog post on Monday, Wal-Mart President and CEO Fernando Madeira promised thousands of “great deals” beginning this week. He said the retail giant will also temporarily lower its free shipping minimum on orders to $35. Normally, customers must spend at least $50 on Wal-Mart’s site to qualify for free shipping.
Wal-Mart’s free shipping deal falls on Amazon’s Prime Day. In his blog post, Madeira also indirectly attacked Amazon’s $99 customer fee for Prime perks.
“You shouldn’t have to pay $100 to get great deals. On July 15th (and every other day) enjoy low prices at Walmart,” the page read.
Amazon has promised its July 15 Prime Day will feature more deals than Black Friday. Customers can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. After that, the service costs $99 per year.
Amazon is Americans’ favorite online retailer, according to a 2013 consumer survey by the National Retail Federation. However, Amazon does not necessarily have the best shipping rates.
Favorite online retailers’ standard shipping rates:
#1.) Amazon.com – Direct from Amazon varies; from individual sellers varies by item, from $3.00 to $4.49 + $0.50/lb.
#2.) Wal-Mart.com – $6.97 for orders under $35; normally $4.97 for orders of $35 or more.
#3.) eBay.com – Often included in seller cost; rate varies based on weight and delivery location.
#4.) Kohls.com – Free with $75 purchase; $5.95 for orders $25 or under; $6.95 for orders $25.01- $50; $8.95 for orders $74.99-$50.01.
#5.) BestBuy.com – Free on orders of $35 or higher; cost on lower-priced orders varies by item and weight.
#6.) Target.com – Free on orders of $25 or more; cost on lower-priced order varies by item weight and delivery location.
#7.) JCPenney.com –Free on orders of $99 or more; $8.95 for lower-priced orders.
#8.) Macys.com – Free on orders of $99 or more; $9.95 for lower-priced orders.
#9.) Sears.com – Free on qualified items totaling $59 or more; non-qualifying orders vary by item weight and delivery location.
#10.) OldNavy.com – $7 for all orders; free 7-9 business day shipping on orders of $50 or more.
