The Real Math

At checkout, run one quick comparison before you chase a threshold: is the shipping fee actually smaller than the filler item you're about to add? Usually it is — so just pay the shipping. Memberships deserve the same test. If you order 10 times a year, a $139 plan works out to $14 per shipment, which is more than most standard shipping. The cheapest option is almost always the one that doesn't feel free.