Flat-rate shipping is a popular method for e-commerce merchants, as it allows them to charge customers a fixed shipping fee for their entire order, rather than the weight, size, or number of items. This simplifies the checkout process, reduces the chance of cart abandonment due to unexpected shipping fees, and merchants better manage their shipping expenses by setting clearly defined rates.
Shopify allows you to set different flat rates based on zones, order value, or specific product types, whether you ship locally, nationally, or internationally. This guide will walk you through the steps to add flat rate shipping in your Shopify store and offer your customers a transparent shipping option.
What Is Flat Rate Shipping?
Flat rate shipping is a type of shipping where you charge a fixed fee for shipping at checkout for an order. It eliminates the need to weight packages or calculate shipping costs based on distance. For example, you charge a $5 fee for shipping on every order, no matter what the customer buys, one item or ten.
This is a cost-effective method to manage shipping charges. Flat rate shipping can be set up to apply to all orders or conditionally based on order value or weight.
What Are the Types of Flat Shipping Rates?
There are seven types of flat rate shipping you can use:
- General Rates: A fixed rate is applied to all orders. So, customers pay the same shipping cost per package, like all products shipped for $10.
- Price-Based Rates: This cost is determined by the total order value. For example, orders under $50 are shipped at $10, while orders over $50 cost $15.
- Weight-Based Rates: Rates are set according to the package weight. For instance, ship 1-2 lbs packages at $5, and 2-5 lbs packages at $10.
- Quantity-Based Rates: The Fee is determined by the number of items in a shipment. For example, shipping 1-3 items might cost $5, while shipping 4-10 items costs $10.
- Location-Based Rates: Rates vary depending on the shipment destination. For example, local delivery to customers in Chicago is for $10, and international shipments cost $20.
- Product-Based Rates: Certain products or categories have predetermined rates. For instance, shipping electronics costs $10, while shipping books costs $5.
- Price-Based Rates: The cost is determined by the total order value. For example, orders under $50 are charged a shipping fee of $10, while orders over $50 cost $20.
How to Set Up Flat Rate Shipping in Shopify?
To add flat rate shipping for products in Shopify, follow the steps given below:
- Access Admin Panel
- Create Shipping Profile
- Add Flat Rate
- Conditional Rate
1. Access the Admin panel
Log in to your Shopify store to manage your store settings.
2. Create Shipping Zone
In the admin dashboard, navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
Under the Shipping section, click “Create a custom profile” to create a shipping zone.
Enter the profile name, select a product, and countries or regions where you want to apply the rate.
Click on Save to add it.
3. Add Flat Rate
In the Shipping section, select the Shipping profile you created.
Click on Add rate below the Shipping zones section.
In the Rate Type menu, select Use Flat Rate.
Enter the name of rate, like Standard Shipping Rate.
In the "Price" field, set the fixed amount for shipping.
4. Conditional Rate
If needed, set conditions based on order price or weight.
Select Add conditions from the drop-down menu.
Choose based on order price or based on item weight.
Set your minimum and maximum limits for the condition.
Click Done and save to apply the change.
Once, preview the page to ensure the shipping rate is visible on it.
How to Edit Flat Rate Shipping?
If you want to adjust the shipping costs, follow the steps given below:
In the admin dashboard, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
In the Shipping section, click the shipping profile you want to edit.
Next to the rate, click the three-dot button you want to edit.
From the drop-down menu, click Edit rate.
Apply the changes and then click Done.
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