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Founded over 16 years ago in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify exemplifies shipping platforms for its users. Catering mainly to business owners, Shopify hopes to build trust and establish itself as a leading logistics carrier. It is an e-commerce platform bound to perform to its maximum. Since its inception, Shopify shipping has made it easier for businesses and clients to carry their logistics smoothly and efficiently.

What Is Shopify Shipping?

Shopify shipping is the name of an e-commerce company serving the best interests of its clients. It offers a range of tools and services, including payments, shipping, and a marketing platform. One of its best features includes the customer engagement tools through which it aims to diversify its clientele and expand its reach.

Shopify helped raise a total of USD 17.5 million for Swyft, an online marketplace. As an e-commerce giant, Shopify allows just about anyone to build an online store through which they can sell products and earn revenue. Not only that, but shipping with Shopify also gives you the authority to carry out in-person dealings without haste. The latest addition to these services includes last-mile logistics in April 2021.

Where Is Shopify Shipping Available?

Shopify shipping is a subsidiary of the Shopify website that offers services in various countries. Currently, Shopify provides services in the APAC region using carriers like DHL, J&T, and Ninjavan.

Shopify pairs up with countries like the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong to deliver excellence in logistics channels. While DHL and J&T cater to both the Philippines and Singapore, other carriers also carry out shipping functions throughout these countries.

LBC, Lalamove, Entrego, XDE, and Ninjavan are popular in the Philippines. Singapore entertains shipping from carriers like Asendia, Ninjavan, Pickupp, and Lalamove, among others. Sendle and Auspost are two popular carriers in the Australian region. Hong Kong alone uses Pickupp and Lalamove for its shipping. Thailand utilizes Ninjavan, Kerry, and Lalamove for their shipping strategies.

Shopify Shipping Features

  1. Worldwide reach – To this day, Shopify has garnered millions of merchants in a total of 175 countries. Moreover, it has generated over USD 543 billion in sales alone. Currently, Shopify aids around 3.7 million stores online.

2. Attractive pricing plans– Shopify offers three pricing plans: Basic, Shopify, and Shopify Plus. In addition, you also get access to multiple sizable discounts. Apart from these features, Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, after which you can decide to extend your plan. It also allows you to fully exercise the point-of-features by automating your business to sell in a physical location.

3. Standalone online store – You can use the app to advertise and sell on social media. You can also message and receive feedback from your clients using the messaging apps available. Furthermore, you can add a ‘buy button’ to existing websites with an appealing touch.

4. Point-of-sale feature – The main crux of point-of-sale lies in the dealings in person. Using your best choice, you can quickly sell on a retail outlet and market stalls.

5. Robust reporting – Shopify Plus offers fully functioning reporting on its USD 79 plan.

6. Real-time carrier shipping – You can purchase this add-on feature on an annual plan. Shopify Plus caters to this section.

7. Staff accounts – This feature allows you to access up to 15 accounts. Staff accounts availability depends on the pricing plans you choose.

8. Transaction optimization – Credit card fees go lower when you climb the pricing ladder.

9. Discounted rates – Shopify offers premium discount rates for its customers. In short, the more you pay for a plan, the more benefits you can expect. However, the availability of these discounts solely depends on the country from which you conduct business..

10. Fast-selling attributes – Specific pricing plans allow you to set country-specific prices. To access taxes and duties, you can use a premium pricing plan.

Shopify Shipping Rates

You can calculate shipping rates using the following specifications. A Shopify shipping calculator should ideally carry these features. 

  • Shipping origin
  • Shipping destination
  • Dimensions of the shipment box
  • Dimensional weight(DIM)
  • Value of the shipment
  • Weight of the shipment
  • Requested time of delivery

Methods of Shopify Shipping

  • Local delivery

You can enable local delivery and pickup using the Shopify app. Depending on your business type, you can easily opt for a local delivery method at the checkout page for customers. To ensure this outcome, set a minimum order amount and a delivery fee for your customers. In addition, list all postal codes where you can deliver the product.

  • Local pickup

You can ask your customers to show up at the business for local pickup. It will enable them to pick up their order. Furthermore, it is cost-effective and allows your customer to engage with you in person, thereby adding to brand value. To ensure a successful move, provide instructions for pick up and the estimated time for availability.

Setting up shipping on Shopify

Setting up Shopify shipping is as easy as a click of the finger. After you grasp the shipping concept on Shopify, you can easily upscale your progress on Shopify. However, if you want to go on an in-depth shipping spree, you may want to follow these steps to lead you to the best outcome.

Step 1. Add a shipping address

If you’re planning to dropship your shipment, you can select it from the ‘Shipping from’ area. Adding the location ensures that the orders will reach the specific address. The original address you register while creating the store is the default shipping address. If you register at any other location, make sure to update in the shipping address section.

  • To add the shipping address, go to the dashboard and select settings. You’ll find ‘Locations’ where you can add your location. 
  • Additionally, you will be required to enter your name. 
  • After doing so, click on the section that reads ‘Fulfill online orders from this location.’ 
  • Click on ‘Save’ to track your progress so far.

Step 2. Create a shipping profile

Shipping profiles hold a lot of importance when it comes to Shopify shipping. Each Shopify store comes inbuilt with at least one Shipping profile containing general rates.

  • Go to Settings and select ‘Shipping.’
  • You will find this section —Custom shipping rates for products. 
  • Click on ‘Create a new profile, after which you can enter the name of your profile. 
  • Furthermore, in the ‘Products’ section, you can use the search bar to add products to the shipping profile. 
  • After filling this section, you will find ‘Create shipping zone’ in the ‘Shipping to’ section. Here, you can name your shipping zone and select regions or countries that are part of the zone. 
  • Coming to the shipping rate of the product in the specified one, you can click on ‘Add rate’ and input your details. 
  • Ensure to click on ‘Done’ after adding these details. By following these steps, you can add your custom shipping profile.

Step 3. Specify the shipping zones

The shipping zone refers to the country or region where the shipping rate applies. Customers within these shipping zones will be able to receive their orders. 

  • To create a shipping zone, go to Settings and tap ‘Shipping.’ 
  • The app will direct you to the shipping profile, where you can add a shipping zone by clicking on ‘Manage rates.’ 
  • Add a shipping zone in the ‘Create shipping zone’ section. You can enter a name at your convenience. 
  • After selecting the country/region, you can click on ‘Done.’ 

Step 4. Set up the shipping rates

Before creating the shipping rates, you must have your shipping zones and profiles ready. You can easily change rates for different zones. It is crucial to set up a Shopify store that functions successfully. It is discussed more elaborately in the next section.

Step 5. Add product weight

Ensure that your product meets the set of guidelines. Provide an accurate weight description in the required section. Follow a general policy for weight measurement until you get access to a scale. You must also set the packaging dimensions to charge your customers the product’s actual price.

Note: If you don’t add a value in terms of weight, Shopify will add a default weight of 0.1 lbs. It will add to the inaccuracy of shipping costs.

Step 6. Print the Shopify shipping labels

You can access a printer for printing Shopify labels. Shopify supports label printers such as Dymo LabelWriter 4XL and Brother QL-111ONWB label printers. 

  • To start printing your shipping labels, go to the website of the label printer and download the application driver. 
  • Now you can connect your computer to the printer via USB and print the shipping label. 
  • For further reference, you can follow Shopify Shipping labels.

How To Set Up Shopify Shipping Rates

Setting up Shopify rates is hugely fitting with the Shopify app’s interface. To understand how the rates work, you can go through these sub-pointers.

  • Create flat shipping rates

To create flat shipping rates, you have to fix a flat rate for the shipment. For example, for a specific zonal area in the US, you could set a flat rate of 15 USD and add 5 USD for orders that exceed 50 USD.

Step 1. To do this, go to Shopify admin and click on Settings. 

Step 2. Settle for ‘Shipping and Delivery.’

Step 3. Click on ‘Add rate,’ which would be next to the zone of the area.

Step 4. Enter the amount and the name simultaneously.

Step 5. Add weight-based or price-based conditions, if any.

Step 6. Click on ‘Done,’ after which you can click on ‘Save.’

  • Create Markup or discount calculated rates

You can adjust markup rates for the clients to view at checkout. For instance, if your rate is too high and acts as a deterrent, you can add a discount to it by a percentage. To do so, follow these steps.

Step 1. Go to Shopify admin and click on Settings.

Step 2. Click on ‘Shipping and Delivery. The ‘Manage’ option near the profile contains the rates.

Step 3. Select ‘Edit rate’ from the drop-down menu. 

Step 4. Set the rate adjustments in the ‘Handling Fee’ section.

Step 5. At last, click on ‘Done’ and save the progress.

  • Create free shipping rates

When you add free shipping rates, you ensure customers don’t pay for shipping at checkout. You have two options —to either set up free shipping throughout the store or on select products specified by criteria. Follow these pointers to set up free shipping as a default shipping rate.

Step 1. Go to Shopify admin and choose ‘Settings.’

Step 2. In the ‘Shipping and Delivery’ section, click on ‘Manage,’ next to ‘General Shipping rates.’

Step 3. For every shipping zone, add the free shipping rate tag.

Step 4. Click on ‘Done’ and then save your progress.

  • Create calculated shipping rates

Usually, we determine the calculated shipping rates at checkout with the help of a third-party shipping service. In the US, you can easily add carrier-calculated rates through USPS and UPS, among others. To do so in Shopify, you can follow these steps.

Step 1. Go to Shopify admin and click on ‘Settings.’

Step 2. Click on ‘Manage’ and ‘Add’ Rate.’

Step 3. Select ‘Use carrier or app to calculate rates.’

Step 4. You will find a drop-down menu at this point. Go ahead and choose the shipping service, after which you add the calculated rates.

Step 5. Click on the ‘SERVICES’ section and select the shipping methods that cater to your customers.

Step 6. You can add ‘FUTURE SERVICES’ and ‘HANDLING FEE’ if that applies to you.

Step 7. Lastly, click on ‘Done’ and save your progress.

How to edit a Rate

You can also edit and delete a rate using the settings available on the Shopify shipping page. To edit a rate,

Step 1. Select ‘Shipping and delivery’ from Settings.

Step 2. Click ‘Manage’ next to the section that you want to edit.

Step 3. Click the ellipsis button.

Step 4. At this point, you will find a drop-down menu. Click on ‘Edit Rate.’

Step 5. Make the necessary changes and click on ‘Done.’

Step 6. Save your progress.

How to delete a Rate

To delete a rate,

Step 1. Select ‘Shipping and Delivery’ from Settings.

Step 2. Click ‘Manage’ next to the shipping profile you wish to delete.

Step 3. Click the ellipsis button near the rate.

Step 4. You will find the ‘Delete’ option in the drop-down menu. Click on that and on ‘Save,’ lastly.

How To Set Up Free Shipping On Shopify

Setting up free shipping codes through the settings menu

Step 1. To set up free shipping on Shopify by default, head over to Shopify admin and select ‘Shipping and delivery’ in settings.

Step 2. You will find ‘Manage rates’ in the list next to ‘General shipping rates.’

Step 3. Select ‘Add rate’ for a particular shipping zone and enter the location.

Step 4. Ensure that the ‘Price’ value is 0.

Step 5. Click on ‘Done.’

Step 6. After these steps, click on ‘Save.’

You will also find the option for cost-based and weight-based rates. The only addition to these would be to click on ‘Add conditions’ and select ‘Based on order price/Based on weight.’ After this, you can enter the minimum price/weight and click on ‘Done.’ Ensure that you follow the sixth pointer and save your progress.

Advantages Of Setting Up Free Shipping

The advantages of setting up free shipping over Shopify have its benefits. Shopify features Privy, Free Shipping Bar + Cart Goals, and Free Shipping Goal Bar as tools for customers to use to their full advantage. These Shopify shipping apps can be of great use to market leaders.

  1. Privy: Privy utilizes full hold over contacts using pop-up templates, discount codes, and product announcements, among other features. Doing so makes setting up a free shipping bar convenient and boosts average order value and cart conversion rates. It also saves your abandoned services listed in the court.

2. Free Shipping Goal Bar: The free shipping goal bar helps increase order values and updates in real-time. It engages the client using engaging visuals and pop-up messages. It also gives you the authority to choose from several vibrant designs from which you can select the format that best suits your store.

3. Free Shipping Bar + Cart Goals: You can easily promote free shipping by announcing the message through an announcement bar on top of the website. Additionally, you can also manage cart goals through these settings.

Conclusion

Shopify is a logistics platform that provides its clients with the best possible service. It boasts a flexible interface and basic to premium pricing. For businesses looking to expand their clientele, Shopify offers a practical choice. Shopify alone holds the ability to offer its shipping services in the most convenient manner possible.

One of the basics of Shopify is to mold the customer-client relationship in a manner that benefits both parties. The platform’s shipping policies provide an in-depth guideline for the shipping app. To keep reading about Shopify, ensure to go through their policies and services elaborately.

FAQs

How do Shopify customers pay for shipping?

Shopify merchants manage shipping costs on their platform. Shopify subscriptions provide customers with the option of Shopify shipping.

You can pay for the platform according to your preferred shopping plan. Your payment plan will include the total cost of printed labels for the specific month.

Does Shopify have a shipping platform?

For iOS and Android users, Shopify offers an app by the same name. It is free to download and can be found over Playstore and Appstore. You can opt for the 14-day trial, after which you can pay to continue. We do not require any coding on the platform. You are free to form an opinion after exploring several available tools and services.

Does Shopify provide a cheaper platform for shipping?

Comparatively, Shopify is an expensive platform for premium shipping which is why it is a popular choice among customers. The ‘Basic Shopify’ plan starts at 29 USD per month.

Does Shopify automatically charge for shipping?

Shopify shipping charges for shipping based on the customer’s delivery preferences and location. It asks businesses for the exact product rate they put into the system.  It also provides real-time carrier rates, which you can access through the ‘Advanced Shopify’ plan. These are two primary factors for any Shopify shipment.

Does Shopify perform drop shipping?

One of the best features of Shopify is that it offers drop shipping at the click of a button. With its basic plan starting only at 29 USD, business owners can expect drop shipping for outstanding e-commerce service.

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