In this article, I will show you how to configure your WooCommerce shipping methods in a few simple steps and suggest a few tips along the way.
The Shipping strategy you implement in your store plays an important role in your conversion rate, customers overall satisfaction, and the reputation of your brand. We all know customers prefer to pay as little as possible for the fastest shipping option, that’s why when NuFace offered a free shipping threshold, their AOV increased by 7.32%.
Fortunately, WooCommerce includes various built-in shipping methods as well as expandable extensions that allow you to provide a better shipping service with more accurate shipping rates. It gives your customers a variety of options to choose from.
Now let's have a look at a few of the types of shipping methods and strategies you can implement.
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How does WooCommerce shipping work?
- Flat rate shipping - A shipping method that can be added to Shipping Zones. It ensures that your customers are aware of the shipping costs upfront. The term "flat rate shipping" refers to the practice of charging a set, consistent cost to send an item or package. Flat pricing might be determined by weight, volume, or the buyer's location. You may, for example, set the rate at $3 for shipping to all buyers within the city. You can also charge a flat fee of $10 for any order weighing less than or equal to 3 kg. This shipping method is more cost-effective when correctly handled, especially when delivering heavy items.
- Free shipping - Free shipping is also a shipping method that can be added to the shipping zones. Customers are more attracted to the products with free shipping as people prefer spending more on the items rather than spending on the shipping charges. It's also a smart technique to get customers to spend more money. For example, you provide free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
- Local pickup - This option allows the customers to collect the order, rather than using a shipping service. If a customer does not want to avail your shipping services, due to the cost or the delivery time, he/she can simply locate the store and pick up their order. It is also a cost-effective method. It can save you time and money. We have seen this method being popular with restaurants.
Shipping rate methods for plugins and extensions
- Table rate shipping - Table Rate Shipping allows you to create numerous delivery rates based on the weight of the product, the number of products in the order, the shipping class, the price, and other factors.
- Real-time carrier rates - In order to avoid overcharging or undercharging for shipping Real Time Shipping provides the most accurate shipping rates. Carriers generate dynamic pricing based on distance, weight, and the number of boxes needed to ship the items at checkout.
- Local delivery - You can assign delivery drivers to orders and give them access to a mobile-friendly interface where they can manage their deliveries with the Local Delivery Drivers for WooCommerce plugin.
How to set up WooCommerce shipping
Now you have a basic understanding of the shipping methods available in WooCommerce,
Let's have a look at how you would configure the default settings.
Before we get started, make sure that you have installed the Woocommerce plugin and it appears in your dashboard. If it’s installed already then you’re good to go. Click on Woocommerce in your dashboard, then click on “settings”. New menu will appear with shipping options.
2. Select the Shipping Tab.
In Woocommerce settings, you can see that there will be different tabs. In Order to configure the shipping settings, you need to select the shipping tab. By selecting the shipping tab, a menu will appear with shipping zones, shipping options, shipping classes, and WooCommerce shipping.
3. Add Shipping Zone
4. Choose a Zone Name and Region from the shipping zone tab
In order to set the shipping areas for which you want to add the shipping method. For Example, I have selected the United States as the Zone(area) where I want the products with free delivery to be shipped. In the next step, we can set the shipping method.
5. Add a Shipping Method.
You can select your desired shipping method(Flat rate, Free shipping, Local pickup) by clicking on >Add shipping method. A drop-down menu will appear on a popup window. Select the shipping method and save by clicking on “Add shipping method”.
6. Select Pricing and options for the shipping for each method.
Here in the screenshot below, I have set the cost at $500 for the shipping method "flat rate" with the free shipping method. This will enable the users to avail free shipping service on all orders below $500.
7: Save Changes
If you don't want to lose the data you’ve entered, click on “save changes" before moving to the next step.
Setting rates based on Shipping Classes
You can also set the rates based on shipping classes. Shipping classes consist of groups of similar products. You can set a different shipping rate for each class. For instance, the shipping rate for all orders below $50 can be set with free shipping, similarly, all orders weighing more than 50 kg can be set with either local pickup or a flat rate. In order to set the shipping classes, follow the steps below:
When you select the shipping class tab, a new row emerges on the screen. Give your Shipping Class a name and a brief description. Slug (unique identification) can be left blank and generated automatically, or it can be manually entered.
3. Save Shipping Classes.
I have saved my shipping class and it has appeared in the above row.
Noteworthy Shipping Plugins
WooCommerce Conditional Shipping
WooCommerce Conditional Shipping plugin offers advanced features for managing shipping rules. Top shipping-related features include:
- Conditional Shipping Methods: Restrict or allow shipping methods based on various criteria such as product weight, customer location, and cart value.
- Shipping Method Customization: Tailor shipping options to different customer segments, ensuring the best shipping method is available for each scenario.
- Rule-Based Shipping Control: Implement complex shipping rules to optimize delivery options and costs effectively.
Pricing
Starts at $149/year
WooCommerce Easy Table Rate Shipping
WooCommerce Easy Table Rate Shipping plugin allows WooCommerce store owners to create flexible shipping options based on a variety of conditions. Top features include:
- Conditional Shipping Rules: Set shipping rates based on weight, item count, cart total, and destination.
- Multiple Shipping Methods: Create different shipping methods that can be customized to suit various customer needs.
- Table Rate Calculation: Calculate shipping costs using tables, allowing for complex shipping scenarios such as tiered rates based on weight brackets or order totals.
Pricing
Free, there is a pro version available at $79/year
WooCommerce Table Rate Shipping Pro
WooCommerce Table Rate Shipping Pro by PluginHive is a premium plugin designed for advanced shipping configurations. Top features include:
- Advanced Shipping Rules: Configure shipping rates based on product weight, quantity, price, and destination.
- Multiple Calculation Methods: Choose between flat rate, percentage-based, or per-unit shipping costs for greater flexibility.
- Priority-Based Shipping: Set priorities for shipping methods to ensure the most cost-effective option is automatically selected.
Pricing
Starts at $69/year
Conclusion
WooCommerce gives you a range of shipping options to provide your customers with competitive shipping rates and an overall more profitable store. A WooCommerce table rate shipping plugin can be used for more sophisticated shipping calculations.
Hopefully, this article provided you with all of the information you require. And now that you've completed all of the steps, you're fully prepared to use WooCommerce shipping choices.
