Is There a Catch to ShopRunner? What You Need to Know

When shopping online, you might have come across the term ShopRunner. It promises perks like free two-day shipping on select items, free returns, and exclusive offers from popular retailers like Neiman Marcus, Macy's, and Toys "R" Us. While these benefits sound appealing, you might be wondering: Is there a catch to ShopRunner? Am I being charged? And is it true that ShopRunner is owned by FedEx?

Let's dive into these questions and provide clarity so you can decide whether ShopRunner is right for you.

1. Is There a Catch to ShopRunner?

At its core, ShopRunner offers free two-day shipping and other perks like free returns on purchases from participating online retailers. However, just like with most subscription-based services, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Eligibility: You won’t get free shipping on every item you buy from participating stores. Only eligible products are covered, so you’ll need to check if the item you’re purchasing qualifies for the free shipping offer.

• Free Trial vs. Paid Membership: ShopRunner often offers a free 30-day trial. After the trial period, you’ll be charged for a $79 annual subscription, unless you cancel before the trial ends. So, the catch is that unless you’re careful, you might end up paying for a year of membership if you forget to cancel before the trial expires.

• Limited Retailer Participation: While ShopRunner is partnered with many well-known retailers, its coverage isn’t universal. So, you might not get the free shipping perks with every online store you shop from.

2. Am I Being Charged for ShopRunner?

Whether you're being charged for ShopRunner depends on your subscription status:

• Free Trial: If you’ve signed up for a 30-day free trial, you won’t be charged during the trial period. However, after the 30 days, you’ll automatically be charged $79 annually unless you cancel the membership before the trial ends.

• Paid Membership: If you’ve already subscribed and are using the benefits, $79 will be billed annually. This fee is standard and is not a hidden charge, but it’s essential to keep track of the renewal date if you no longer want the service.

• Cancellation: If you want to avoid being charged, you must cancel before the renewal date. You can do this easily through the ShopRunner website or app. Otherwise, you'll be automatically billed for the next year.

3. Is ShopRunner Owned by FedEx?

Yes, ShopRunner is owned by FedEx. FedEx acquired ShopRunner in 2020, which brought some exciting changes to the service. As part of the FedEx family, ShopRunner benefits from the logistical expertise and infrastructure of FedEx’s shipping network, which makes it more efficient at delivering packages on time.

However, despite the FedEx ownership, ShopRunner operates as its own distinct service. It still offers its own membership, provides exclusive offers, and manages relationships with participating retailers independently.

What Does This Mean for You?

Being owned by FedEx means ShopRunner can leverage FedEx’s shipping infrastructure for fast, reliable delivery. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the same free shipping on every item (since it's still based on the participating retailers), the partnership does guarantee quicker shipping services and reliable returns, which can be a huge benefit for regular online shoppers.

Is ShopRunner Worth It?

Whether or not ShopRunner is worth the $79 annual fee depends on how much you shop online at participating retailers:

• Frequent Online Shopper: If you regularly shop at stores like Macy's, Toys “R” Us, Neiman Marcus, or others that partner with ShopRunner, the membership can offer significant value by giving you free two-day shipping and free returns.

• Occasional Shopper: If you don’t shop often or at ShopRunner-partnered stores, the subscription fee may not justify the perks. However, if you’re considering signing up, you can try the 30-day free trial and see if the service benefits you before committing to a full membership.

• Alternative Services: If you’re not sure ShopRunner is the best deal for you, you might want to compare it with other free shipping options, like Amazon Prime, which offers free shipping, streaming benefits, and other perks, or check if the retailer you're shopping from offers free shipping on orders above a certain amount.

Conclusion

ShopRunner offers excellent benefits for online shoppers, but like any subscription service, it’s important to fully understand what you’re signing up for:

• There is a catch in that you will be charged an annual fee unless you cancel before the trial ends.
• Yes, you can be charged if you don’t cancel your trial or opt for a paid membership.
• Yes, ShopRunner is owned by FedEx, which can contribute to its faster and more reliable shipping services.

Before jumping into a subscription, be sure to evaluate your shopping habits and whether the perks align with the stores you frequently shop from. If you do decide to try it, take advantage of the 30-day free trial to see if the service meets your needs.