Unfortunately there really isn't any "free shipping" ~ someone has to pay for it.
Usually to make shipping "free" the retailer raises their prices in order to pay for it. I thought about doing that but then I realized that many people were looking at my website before they came into my brick and morter store to actually do their buying in person. I wanted them to know how good my prices were so they would be even more likely to come in and shop!
That is why I charge for shipping... although in truth I don't charge the full shipping costs. I still usually end up paying more for shipping than I charge my buyers... I figure we can split the cost between us!
I get it that people love free shipping but because my prices are so good my profit margin isn't that high which means that offering free shipping would mean I made little to nothing on many orders... and sadly, that won't keep my shop open.
So, I hope you understand that paying part of the shipping is also a way to help this small retailer survive. The reality of owning a small independent business is that every penny counts.
This year marks 20 years that my little shop has been providing my bohemian customers a fun and unique place to shop. Here's hoping for 20 years more!