Shipping can be a complex and time-consuming process for Shopify store owners. Setting it up incorrectly can lead to delayed deliveries, customer dissatisfaction, and even lost revenue. If you’re struggling to get your shipping settings right, you’re not alone.
So through this blog, I’ll explain how you can set up shipping on Shopify. Plus, you’ll learn some shipping best practices taken care of by the Shopify experts. So let’s begin.
How to Set Up Shipping on Shopify?
The Shopify dashboard is quite easy to navigate. You can take care of everything from account setup to shipping settings in a matter of minutes.
The process is split into a few key parts.
Set Up the Shipping Zones
Step 1: Go to your Shopify admin and navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
Step 2: Under General shipping rates, click Manage rates.
Step 3: Click Add rate to create a new shipping rate.
Step 4: Give your rate a name (e.g., “Standard Shipping”).
Step 5: Choose a Rate type:
- Price-based rate: Set a fixed price for all orders.
- Weight-based rate: Set a price based on the weight of the order.
- Price-based rate with weight-based handling fee: Set a fixed price plus a fee based on weight.
Step 6: Set the Price or Rate for your shipping rate.
Step 7: Choose the Shipping zones where this rate will apply. You can create new zones or edit existing ones.
Step 8: Click Save.
Customize Your Shipping Settings (Optional)
Here’s what you need to take care of:
- Handling time: Set the time it takes to process and ship orders.
- Package dimensions: Specify the default package dimensions for your products.
- Carrier services: Integrate with shipping carriers to get real-time rates and labels.
- Shipping labels: Print shipping labels directly from your Shopify admin.
Test Your Shipping Settings
Place a test order to ensure shipping rates and calculations are accurate. Check the accuracy of shipping labels and tracking information.
If everything comes out ok, go ahead with the further setup. Or you may have our professional Shopify development services and we’ll take care of Shipping and the rest, while you focus on the business.
How to Decide Shipping Rates in Shopify?
It’s important to decide the shipping rates on your Shopify store carefully as they tend to directly impact the customers’ satisfaction and your bottom line. Here’s what you need to consider.
Product Weight and Dimensions
Heavier and larger products generally incur higher shipping costs. Consider using weight-based or dimensional weight-based shipping rates to accurately reflect these costs.
Shipping Destination
Shipping costs can vary significantly depending on the destination. Set up different shipping zones for domestic and international shipping, and adjust rates accordingly.
Shipping Carrier
Different carriers offer varying rates and services. Compare rates from multiple carriers to find the most cost-effective option. Consider using Shopify Shipping for discounted rates with popular carriers.
Packaging Costs
Factor in the cost of packaging materials, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. You may want to include these costs in your shipping rates.
Profit Margins
Ensure your shipping rates are profitable while remaining competitive. Consider offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount to encourage larger purchases.
Doesn’t matter if you go for flat-rate, weight-based, price-based, real-time carrier or maybe even free shipping; be transparent with the pricing and offer multiple options, if possible.
How to Create a Shipping Profile in Shopify?
A shipping profile in Shopify is a set of shipping rules that determine how much you charge for shipping to specific locations. This helps you accurately calculate shipping costs for your customers and streamline your shipping process.
Step 1: Go to Settings: In your Shopify admin, navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
Step 2: Create a New Profile: Under the Custom shipping rates section, click Create new profile.
Step 3: Name Your Profile: Give your profile a clear and descriptive name (e.g., “Standard Shipping”, “Express Shipping”).
Step 4: Add Products: If you want to apply this profile to specific products, click Add products and select the relevant items.
Step 5: Set Up Shipping Zones: Click ‘Create zone’, name your zone (like “United States”, “International”) and countries, and click ‘Done’.
Step 6: Add the Shipping Rates: For each zone, click ‘Add rate’, set the ‘Price’ or ‘Rate’ for your shipping rate.
Step 7: Save the Profile: Click ‘Save’ to finalize your shipping profile.
You can create multiple profiles for different shipping scenarios (e.g., standard, express, free shipping over a certain amount).
If you need help with the shipping rates and profiles, get our eCommerce consultation services.
FAQs on Shipping on Shopify
Q1. How do I track shipments on Shopify?
Shopify provides tracking information for all shipments purchased through Shopify Shipping. You can also use a shipping app to track shipments from other carriers.
Q2. How do I calculate shipping costs on Shopify?
Shopify automatically calculates shipping costs based on the shipping rates you’ve set, the weight and dimensions of the products, and the shipping destination.
Q3. How can I handle international shipping?
You can set up shipping rates for different countries and regions. Consider using a shipping app to simplify international shipping, especially for customs and duties.
To Summarize
Shipping is a crucial part of your eCommerce enterprise. When it comes to ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers, you need to effectively manage your shipping process.
Remember to consider factors like product weight, destination, and carrier costs when setting your shipping rates. You can also use Shopify Shipping to simplify the process and get discounted rates.
So, need help with shipping and other Shopify-related matters? Then get in touch with our experts today!