How to Add Automatic Free Shipping on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shipping Rates on Shopify
3. Creating an Automatic Free Shipping Discount
4. Free Shipping Over a Certain Value or Weight
5. Free Shipping for Specific Products
6. Free Shipping for Specific Customers
7. Editing or Deleting Free Shipping Rates
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

Have you ever wished you could attract more customers to your Shopify store by offering an enticing incentive like free shipping, but found the setup process daunting? You're not alone. Did you know that nearly 80% of shoppers are more likely to complete a purchase if free shipping is offered? That's right; a simple perk like free shipping can significantly reduce cart abandonment and increase sales.

In this blog post, we will delve into the step-by-step process of adding automatic free shipping to your Shopify store. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to implement this feature seamlessly and enhance your customers' shopping experience. We will cover everything from setting up free shipping for all orders, to offering free shipping based on certain conditions, and creating customized shipping profiles. So, let's dive in and take your Shopify store to the next level.

Understanding Shipping Rates on Shopify

Shipping rates on Shopify can be broadly categorized into flat shipping rates, calculated shipping rates, and free shipping rates. Before diving into the setup of free shipping, it's essential to familiarize yourself with shipping zones and shipping profiles. These will help you streamline your shipping strategies more effectively.

Types of Shipping Rates

1. Flat Shipping Rates: These charge a specific amount for shipping at checkout, irrespective of the order's contents. They can be customized based on weight or price.

2. Calculated Shipping Rates: Determined by third-party shipping services like UPS or FedEx, these rates reflect the actual cost of shipping based on order details.

3. Free Shipping Rates: This type offers shipping at no cost to the customer and can be set up under specific conditions, such as a minimum order value.

Setting Up Free Shipping Zones

Before you can offer free shipping, ensure you're familiar with your market settings. Even if you set up a shipping zone, it won’t be applied if the country is in an inactive market in your Market settings.

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Under the Shipping section, click the shipping profile you want to add free shipping rates to.
3. Next to the zone where you want to add a rate, click Add rate.

Creating an Automatic Free Shipping Discount

Automatic free shipping is a straightforward way to enhance the customer experience. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Shopify Admin and click on Discounts.
2. Click Create discount.
3. From the Select discount type menu, choose Free shipping.
4. In the Method section, select Automatic discount.
5. Title your discount and select the Countries you want this to apply to.
6. Set any Minimum purchase requirements such as a minimum purchase amount or specific quantity of items.
7. Optionally, you can allow this discount to be combined with other discounts.
8. Set the Active dates for this discount.
9. Click Save discount.

Once saved, this free shipping rate will automatically apply to the qualifying orders without requiring a discount code.

Free Shipping Over a Certain Value or Weight

Offering free shipping over a specific value or weight can be an effective strategy. Here’s how:

Free Shipping Over a Certain Value

1. From your Shopify Admin, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Select the shipping profile and shipping zone where you want to add this condition.
3. Click Add rate and set the Price field to 0.
4. Add a Price-based condition, specifying the minimum cart value.
5. Click Done and then Save.

Free Shipping Over a Certain Weight

1. Repeat steps 1 to 3 above.
2. Instead of a price-based condition, add a Weight-based condition.
3. Enter the minimum weight required for free shipping.
4. Click Done and then Save.

Free Shipping for Specific Products

Sometimes you might want to offer free shipping on particular products but not others. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Create a custom shipping profile for the products you want to offer free shipping on.
3. Add the selected products to this profile.
4. For each shipping zone, click Add rate and set the Price field to 0.
5. Click Done and then Save.

Free Shipping for Specific Customers

Offering free shipping to specific customers can enhance loyalty and repeat purchases.

1. Go to Discounts > Create discount.
2. Select Discount code and enter a name for your discount.
3. Under the Countries section, choose the specific countries or leave it as all.
4. In the Minimum requirements section, set any required conditions.
5. Select Specific customers under Customer eligibility.
6. Save the discount.

Eligible customers will need to enter the discount code at checkout to receive free shipping.

Editing or Deleting Free Shipping Rates

If you need to edit or delete your free shipping rates:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Select the shipping profile.
3. Next to the rate you want to modify, click the … button.
4. Choose Edit rate or Delete as needed.
5. Click Save.

Conclusion

Offering free shipping on Shopify can be a game-changer for your e-commerce business. By following these actionable steps, you can set up automatic free shipping, offer it based on specific conditions, target particular products, or reward loyal customers. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also encourages repeat purchases and reduces cart abandonment rates.

Take action today, and watch your conversion rates soar. Happy selling!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I combine free shipping with other discounts?

Yes, combining free shipping with other discounts is possible. While setting up your automatic free shipping discount, you can configure it to be combinable with other discount codes.

Q2: Who pays for shipping on Shopify?

Shopify merchants are responsible for paying the shipping fees. Shopify provides tools to compare rates from various carriers to help merchants keep costs down.

Q3: How do I set limits on free shipping discounts?

While creating a free shipping discount, you can set usage limits per customer or establish a minimum purchase amount.

Q4: Can free shipping be applied to international orders?

Yes, while setting up your shipping zones, you can select different international regions and apply free shipping conditions to them.

Q5: How do I highlight free shipping offers on my site?

To maximize the impact of your free shipping offer, communicate it clearly to your customers through banners, email newsletters, and social media posts. Additionally, you can update your store’s shipping policy page to reflect this perk.

Now that you have all the tools you need, go ahead and implement free shipping on your Shopify store to enhance customer satisfaction and boost your sales.