What is Jet.com? 10 Things You Should Know About the New Shopping Site

Heard all the hub-bub about a new shopping site called Jet.com? Attempting to do to Amazon what Costco did to Walmart, Jet.com is a shopping site that’s attempting to bite a chunk out of the mighty Zon.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Can I shop on Jet.com for free?

10/07/15 EDIT: Yes. Jet.com has changed their business model as of October 7, 2015. While previously charging consumers $50 a year for access to deals, the annual membership fee has now been dropped in order to bring in more shoppers as well as products from various brands.

Is Jet supposed to be cheaper than Amazon?

That’s the goal. They want to be cheapest on the Web, specifically 10 to 15 percent cheaper for individual items. However, it starts to get really interesting when you combine items in your cart, opening up the possibility for additional discounts (called Smart Cart Savings). On top of that, you can stack another discount onto your order if you use a debit card (basically cash) instead of a credit card.

How do I know I’m getting the lowest price?

They will tell you. Jet is including a price comparison widget on product pages that will compare prices from major online retailers like Walmart and Amazon. That comparison tool includes both the base price and how the price changes based on the volume of an order. Jet thinks the average user will save $150 a year.

How does Jet make money with low prices?

10/07/15 EDIT: Their cut will be minimal. They want to break even or take a small profit on orders now, since abandoning the yearly subscription fee model.

Do I have to buy in bulk, like Costco?

Nope. You can buy items in any quantity. You aren’t being forced to make huge bulk purchases, like 96 rolls of toilet paper at one time.

How does a Jet membership compare to Amazon Prime?

Like Apples and Oranges. Jet’s membership provides access to highly competitive pricing while Amazon Prime provides enhancements to the online shopping experience (such as two-day shipping, online video streaming, music streaming, etc…). Yes, Prime Day was restricted access. But Prime Day was terrible.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is free on all orders over $35. In addition, shipping on returns is completely free. Another interesting twist, if you waive the option of free shipping on returns for an order, the price of the order will be discounted further. Shipping on items below $35 will vary.

How long does shipping take?

Most items will arrive in three to five business days. Pantry products (food) should ship somewhat faster, typically arriving within two days. At this time, Jet does not offer any type of same-day delivery options for major cities around the United States.

Will I have to pay sales tax?

Yes and No. Items sold through Jet retail partners will be subject to sales tax already setup by that online retailer. However, items specifically sold by Jet are subject to tax when shipped to locations in Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. That leaves 45 other states that are sales tax free when it comes to Jet purchases.

Does Jet offer any type of cashback program?

Yes, it’s called JetCash. Using affiliate relationships with retailers, JetCash users intentionally route their online shopping purchases through Jet.com (via a shopping portal) in order to get a cut of the affiliate revenue earned for each purchase. It’s similar to earning reward points when using a credit card, but requires additional steps to take advantage of additional savings. eBates.com is an example of a competing program.

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3 Comments

1. 

   motofar

   December 29, 2017 at 12:13 am

   ha! I seen it was outta stock but when I placed my order he has ship need to know asap…Thanks

   Reply
2. 

   sunrebelca

   August 31, 2017 at 7:23 pm

   I went to check out jet.com just now. Saw a 12pack of Coke cans for $14! I simply cannot see how that price will drop to a comparable Wal-mart price no matter how many gimmicks they use to do it. So I left and won’t be back and if you shop there, you’re wasting money. Wal-Mart.com also delivers free with orders of $35 or more, so what am I missing?

   Reply
3. 

   Michelle Dudley

   March 2, 2017 at 10:04 am

   Hi am Michelle Dudley I order several items from jet and one was the sectional and I am wondering is it on the way cause I seen it was outta stock but when I placed my order he has ship need to know asap…Thanks

   Reply