Selling Large or Heavy Items on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Add weight and dimensions in the Pricing and Variants tab for accurate shipping calculations
- Include delivery times, dimensions, and policies in the Additional Info tab
- Use carrier calculated shipping, local pickup, or freight services depending on item size
- Set clear shipping and return policies to manage customer expectations
- Consider custom checkout forms for delivery instructions and customisations
When you're selling furniture, exercise equipment, or other bulky items through Squarespace, shipping becomes a whole different challenge. The good news is that Squarespace has the tools to handle this properly, you just need to know how to set them up.
Getting Your Product Details Right
Start with the basics in your product setup. In the Pricing and Variants tab, make sure you enter accurate weight and dimensions for each item. Squarespace uses this information to calculate shipping costs, so getting it wrong means you'll either overcharge customers or eat the extra costs yourself.
In the Additional Info tab, add details that help customers understand what they're buying:
- Actual dimensions so they can check if it fits their space
- Expected delivery timeframes (be realistic here)
- Any assembly requirements
- Clear photos showing scale, not just artistic shots
If you're selling customisable items like furniture or light fixtures, add a custom form at checkout to gather the specific details you need. This saves endless back-and-forth emails later.
Setting Up Shipping That Actually Works
You've got several options for shipping large items, and the right choice depends on your products and where your customers are located.
Carrier Calculated Shipping works well for items that courier services can handle. Squarespace calculates the cost based on the customer's address and the product dimensions you've entered. This keeps things automatic and accurate.
Local Pickup and Delivery makes sense if you're selling locally or want to control the delivery experience. You can set up custom checkout forms to collect delivery instructions and coordinate timing directly with customers.
Freight Services become necessary for really large or heavy items. Partner with a freight company and set up flat rate shipping in Squarespace. This way customers see a fixed price, and you handle the freight coordination behind the scenes.
The key is matching your shipping method to your product size and customer base. Don't try to squeeze a sofa through standard courier shipping.
Making Your Policies Crystal Clear
Large item purchases make customers nervous about shipping and returns. Address this upfront with clear policies that cover:
- Who pays for return shipping (spoiler: it's usually them)
- What happens if they miss a delivery appointment
- Time limits for pickup if you offer that option
- Any storage fees that might apply
Put these policies where customers can easily find them, not buried in tiny text. The clearer you are upfront, the fewer problems you'll have later.
Using Squarespace's Advanced Features
Fulfilment profiles let you assign different shipping methods to specific products. This is useful when you sell both small and large items, as you can set up freight shipping for furniture while keeping standard shipping for accessories.
If you're working with third-party fulfilment services, the Squarespace Orders API can connect your store to external inventory and shipping systems. This gets technical quickly, so you might need developer help to set it up properly.
FAQs
Can I set up specialised delivery services for large items on Squarespace?
Yes, you can configure custom shipping options including local delivery services. Use custom checkout forms to collect delivery instructions and coordinate directly with customers.
How can I apply shipping options only to certain products?
Use fulfilment profiles to assign specific shipping methods to selected products. This lets you handle large and small items differently within the same store.
What's the best way to integrate third-party fulfilment services?
Use the Squarespace Orders API to connect with external fulfilment services. This usually requires technical setup, so consider hiring a developer if you're not comfortable with APIs.
Should I offer free shipping on large items?
Only if you can build the shipping cost into your product price. Customers expect transparency with large item shipping, so it's often better to show the actual shipping cost separately.
Jargon Buster
Fulfilment Profiles – Settings in Squarespace that let you assign different shipping methods to specific products or product categories.
Orders API – A technical tool that connects your Squarespace store with external services for handling orders, inventory, and shipping.
Carrier Calculated Shipping – Automatic shipping cost calculation based on the customer's address, product dimensions, and current carrier rates.
Wrap-up
Selling large items online requires more planning than regular ecommerce, but Squarespace gives you the tools to handle it properly. Focus on accurate product information, choose shipping methods that match your products, and be upfront about policies and costs.
The customers who buy large items online are usually committed buyers, they just need confidence that you'll handle the logistics professionally. Get your shipping setup right, and you'll find these can be some of your most profitable and loyal customers.
Ready to take your Squarespace store to the next level? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and ongoing support.