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Ryder Survey Finds Free Shipping Beats Fast Delivery in 2025

The 2025 Ryder E-commerce Consumer Study, released by Ryder System on September 16, 2025, delivers a clear message to retailers: 94% of U.S. consumers prioritize cost

Published: Oct 13, 2025 6:24 PM

By RETAILBOSS Team

InsightsNews

Ryder Survey Finds Free Shipping Beats Fast Delivery in 2025

The 2025 Ryder E-commerce Consumer Study, released by Ryder System on September 16, 2025, delivers a clear message to retailers: 94% of U.S. consumers prioritize cost savings above all else this holiday season, with flexibility and seamless omnichannel experiences close behind in importance. The study, grounded in three comprehensive surveys conducted in early 2025, offers a blueprint for brands facing uncertain demand and inflation-impacted consumer behaviors.

Shoppers Shift Focus: Free Shipping and Discounts Win Out When asked about top holiday purchase motivators, 76% of shoppers cited free shipping, 64% chose holiday sales/discounts, and 31% named free returns as crucial factors in their buying decisions.

As Jeff Wolpov, Senior Vice President of Ryder E-commerce, puts it: The study reveals that promotional levers like free shipping and discounts are now more influential than the promises of two-day (or less) delivery that once defined the Amazon era.

Only 15% of consumers now say super-fast delivery is a top priority, down from 20% a year ago. By comparison, the interest in scheduled delivery—choosing a specific date—has nearly doubled since 2023, rising 15%.

Comparison Shopping and the Rise of Flexible Fulfillment The squeeze from rising prices and economic uncertainty has turned consumers into meticulous deal-hunters. 48% of shoppers say they now compare prices more often, and 43% admit to buying less overall as a reaction to inflation…

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Ryder Survey Finds Free Shipping Beats Fast Delivery in 2025

The 2025 Ryder E-commerce Consumer Study, released by Ryder System on September 16, 2025, delivers a clear message to retailers: 94% of U.S. consumers prioritize cost

Unlock the rest of this story

Retail intelligence for the people building what shoppers buy next.

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