It doesn't.The cost of shipping is factored into the subscription.  The cost to ship 1 lb of coffee in a flat rate padded envelope is $7.75.  The cost for each shipment is $21.50.  $21.50 minus the $7.75 shipping fee comes to $13.75 /lb as opposed to ordering one pound of coffee at a time and paying $15/lb plus shipping.  The real win is when you place an order for a weekly subscription.  Depending on the length of a weekly subscription you end up getting 1 - 4 lbs free!  3 month, weekly subscription, you get 13 lbs for the cost (including shipping) of 12 lbs. 6 months, gets you 2 extra pounds, 9 months gets you 3 and 12 months gets you 4 free pounds.In addition, if the cost of shipping goes up during your subscription period the cost does not change, so you'll be saving even more.