There is a lot that can happen between point A, when the order leaves your hands, and point B, when it reaches the customer’s door.
How to Calculate Shipping Costs
There are several key factors to consider when calculating the total shipping cost for your online e-commerce store:
1. How quickly the package needs to arrive.
2. The value of the package.
3. The destination of the package.
4. The weight of the package.
5. The actual dimensions of the package.
6. Additional costs for issues and unexpected fees.
Calculating Shipping Costs Using Shopify Shipping
One of the best advantages of using Shopify for your e-commerce business is that shipping is integrated into the platform. With Shopify Shipping services, you can save hours on fulfilling your orders as everything is done in the same place where you manage inventory, invoices, customer details, and product management.
The Shopify Shipping service works by helping you set up standard and discounted rates based on shipping zones and shipping profiles.
Using this method, you can save money as some shipments will be cheaper than the standard rates regardless of shipment size and shipping speed. You can also allow customers to choose faster shipping options at a reasonable price.
Calculating Shipping Costs Using Shipping Calculator from Third-Party Shippers
When using third-party shipping companies directly (instead of through Shopify), you’ll need to visit their websites and calculate shipping costs with them. Most shipping companies have their own shipping cost calculator.
Some companies that you can use their shipping cost calculator are:
1. UPS
2. USPS
3. FedEx
4. DHL
Available Shipping Options
You can offer the following shipping options in your store:
1. Providing free shipping
2. Charging real shipping rates from carriers
3. Charging flat rates
4. Offering local delivery
Providing free shipping can help avoid shopping cart abandonment and increase average order size. You can also charge a flat shipping fee or offer local delivery service.
Setting the Foundation with a Shipping Policy Page
When customers encounter a roadblock in purchasing or have a question about their current order, the first place many customers check is the shipping policy page or FAQ page. Filling this page with the right information helps find quick answers for customers and reduces the need to contact you. It can also help increase sales.
You can create your shipping policy page by creating a new page in your store and adding a link to it in the footer. This page should include information about tracking shipments, shipping options, delivery times, returns and refunds, customs, international shipping availability, and lost or damaged packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping
Here are some common questions you may face about shipping and how to handle them:
1. How can I track my order?
2. How can I return or refund my order?
3. Are packages insured?
4. What happens if the order arrives late?
5. Do you offer faster shipping options?
6. How do you handle orders that go through customs?
7. Do you offer gift options for orders?
Preparation and Improvement
In the end, you should prepare and improve your strategies to handle frequently asked questions about shipping. You can set up answers and policies in advance and refine them based on actual customer feedback. Every question is an opportunity to enhance your policies and learn how to deal with real shipping issues.
Be prepared and then improve your strategies to address frequently asked questions about shipping. Be ready to support customers and provide appropriate solutions to their problems.
Source: https://www.shopify.com/blog/common-shipping-questions
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