Shipping Fees

Shopify provides multiple ways to handle your shipping needs, with costs adapting based on your chosen rate strategy.

Flat shipping rates:

A consistent fee for each shipment, regardless of the package's size, weight, or destination. It’s a simple, predictable approach for both you and your customers, but keep in mind it may not fully cover shipping costs for larger or heavier orders.

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Price-based shipping:

Such shipping rates are based on the total cart value. For example, you can charge a fixed rate for smaller orders and offer discounted or free shipping for purchases over a certain threshold.

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Weight-based shipping:

Weight-based shipping is a more accurate way to set fees if your products vary in size and weight. The cost is calculated based on the total weight of a customer’s order, making sure your shipping charges reflect actual costs, particularly for bulkier items.

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Free shipping:

Offering free shipping can significantly boost conversion rates and encourage repeat purchases. While you can set shipping costs to $0 in Shopify, you must consider how to absorb these costs whether by increasing product prices or finding ways to reduce shipping expenses elsewhere​.

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Carrier-calculated shipping: 

Shopify’s integrations with carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL allow you to charge customers accurate shipping rates at checkout based on package details and destination. Plus, you can tap into substantial discounts based on your Shopify plan:

• USPS: Up to 88% off for US-based merchants;
• UPS: Up to nearly 70% off for domestic and international shipping;
• DHL Express: Up to 80% off for fast international shipping.

Depending on your store’s needs and customer preferences, you can mix and match these options to optimize both your shipping costs and customer satisfaction.