Lowes definitely has some sort of algorithm that determines if something is available for parcel shipping. I've been unable to figure it out.
I don't think it has anything to do with the clearance PRICE. Although most on this forum are mylowes members (free parcel shipping), I would think most online shoppers are not. The shipping + markup paid by non members are more than enough to cover the free shipping for the rest of us.
I'd assume it has something more to do with inventory accuracy and not wanting to take orders they can't fulfill. Not for the money as much as for the customer service/public perception value. I've placed a few pickup orders where they've not had the quantity or item I wanted, and the phone calls that come from Lowes informing me of the problem are absolutely the most apologetic phone calls I ever receive.
Every now and then you'll find something on clearance that's available to ship, but I'm thinking that's either a confirmed quantity on hand or, more likely, a glitch in their system. For example, a few months ago I bought a half dozen USB charging banks for $0.80 each, shipped to me from Alabama. I paid $5 total, including shipping, and although tons of other stores had them at the same price, none had them with shipping. That was probably a glitch.
With 3 kids, 4 iPhones, and 3 tablets (at last count), can't have too many charging sources.
Buddylee had the right idea. We're better off using the resources of this forum and the kindness of the members here to ship what we need, if willing and able. If anyone sees anything they need from the central NC area, I'll help if I can.
*@#$
