[DigitalToday reporter Shin-hye Ahn] Coupang will change how it calculates the minimum order amount for free shipping on Rocket Delivery items and Seller Rocket items for customers who have not joined its Wow membership. Previously, free shipping was available if the payment amount before coupons and instant discounts exceeded 19,800 won. Going forward, customers will receive free shipping only if the final payment amount after discounts exceeds 19,800 won.

Coupang posted a notice on March 16 that the free shipping standard for Rocket Delivery will change for customers who have not joined the Wow membership from mid-next month.

The policy change applies to customers who have signed up for Coupang but have not joined the Wow membership. Wow membership is a paid membership that offers benefits such as free shipping, free returns and Coupang Play for a monthly subscription fee of 7,890 won. Benefits for existing Wow members will remain unchanged.

Coupang said customers who do not agree with the revised policy can request to withdraw their Coupang membership. It said customers who do not raise an objection before the implementation date of the policy change will be deemed to have agreed to the change. The exact date the revised policy will take effect will be announced again later through a notice.

Coupang said the policy change is intended to reduce confusion arising from differences in the minimum order amount between Wow members and regular members. The company expects it will help prevent unfair practices by some sellers, including on Seller Rocket where sellers set prices, such as setting a higher selling price and inflating the discount rate.