Shipping Rates
What Are Shipping Rates?
Shipping rates are the fees you charge customers to deliver their orders.
They’re added at checkout-and how you set them can make or break a sale.
You can keep it simple with one flat rate, or tailor the cost based on order value, weight, or speed. The right setup depends on your product, margins, and audience.
5 Common Shipping Rate Types (With Examples)
1. Flat Rate
One price for every order-easy to manage, easy to explain.
Example: $5 shipping, no matter what’s in the cart.
2. General Rate Options
Offer multiple delivery speeds at fixed prices.
Example:
- Standard Shipping - $5
- Express Shipping - $15
Let your customer choose the pace that fits their need.
3. Price-Based Shipping
Set rates based on how much the customer spends.
Example:
- Orders under $50 = $4 shipping
- Orders over $50 = $10 shipping
Great for encouraging bigger carts.
4. Weight-Based Shipping
Charge based on how heavy the package is.
Example:
- Under 5kg = $7
- Over 5kg = $15
This works well for products with big size or weight differences.
5. Free Shipping
Everyone loves free.
Offer it on all orders-or only on bigger ones to protect your margins.
Example: Free shipping on orders over $100.
Selling Internationally?
If you sell in multiple currencies, shipping prices may look uneven after conversion.
Use price rounding to smooth that out. It helps your store feel more polished and trustworthy.
Note: Rounding doesn’t apply to gift cards.
Final Tip
Your shipping strategy should match your brand and product line.
- Flat rate: Simple and predictable
- Price- or weight-based: Flexible, if your inventory varies
- Free shipping: A proven way to boost conversion
Start simple. Test what works. And tweak based on what your customers respond to.
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