Getting Your Shipping Options Right
TL;DR:
- Pick shipping methods that match your products and customer base
- Flat rate works well for similar-sized products or high-value items
- Weight-based shipping makes sense when your products vary in weight but not size
- Carrier calculated shipping gives accurate costs but requires precise product data
- Local pickup saves money and builds customer relationships in your area
Shipping can make or break your online store. Get it wrong and you'll either lose money on every order or scare customers away with high costs. The good news is Squarespace gives you several options to find the sweet spot.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Your shipping method needs to match your products and how your customers shop. Here's how each option works and when to use them.
Flat Rate Shipping
This charges the same amount for every order, no matter what's in the basket.
Best for: Products that are roughly the same size and weight, like jewellery, books, or digital downloads with physical components.
Why it works: Customers know exactly what they'll pay for shipping before they start shopping. It's simple and transparent.
The downside: You'll lose money on heavy orders and potentially overcharge on light ones. This doesn't work if your products range from keyrings to coffee tables.
Quick tip: If you're moving from Etsy, you can import your flat rate settings directly into Squarespace.
Weight-Based Shipping
This calculates shipping costs based on how much the order weighs.
Best for: Products where weight matters more than size. Think supplements, craft supplies, or bulk items.
Why it works: You can charge fairly based on the actual shipping weight without getting too complicated.
The downside: It doesn't account for awkward shapes or long distances unless you set up shipping zones.
Quick tip: Set up shipping zones to manage costs better. Someone in Scotland will cost more to ship to than someone down the road.
Carrier Calculated Shipping
This uses real-time rates from shipping companies based on weight, size, and destination.
Best for: Varied product ranges, expensive items, or anything where shipping costs are significant.
Why it works: Customers pay exactly what shipping costs, so you don't lose money or overcharge.
The downside: Customers can't see shipping costs until checkout, which might put some people off.
Quick tip: Your product dimensions and weights need to be spot-on. One wrong measurement and your costs will be off for every order.
Local Pickup and Delivery
Let customers collect orders from you or offer local delivery.
Best for: Businesses with local customers or items that are expensive to ship.
Why it works: No shipping costs, faster delivery, and you get to meet your customers.
The downside: Only works for people in your area.
Quick tip: This is brilliant for building relationships with local customers. Consider offering it even if you ship nationally.
Using Extensions and Extra Services
Squarespace works with third-party tools to extend your shipping options.
Extensions: Connect with print-on-demand services, drop shipping suppliers, or fulfillment companies. These handle shipping for you but usually at a cost.
Returns: The Returns Center by Aftership helps manage returns without the usual headaches.
These tools can save time but add complexity and cost. Only use them if the benefits outweigh the downsides for your specific situation.
FAQs
Can I offer free shipping on specific products?
Yes, you can set up rules in your shipping settings to offer free shipping on selected items or order values.
Do I need package dimensions for carrier calculated shipping?
Yes, and they need to be accurate. The shipping cost calculation depends on exact weights and dimensions.
Can I set up local pickup and delivery?
Absolutely. It's one of the best ways to serve local customers and build relationships.
Jargon Buster
Flat Rate Shipping: Same shipping cost for every order, regardless of what's in it.
Weight-Based Shipping: Shipping cost calculated by the total weight of the order.
Carrier Calculated Shipping: Real-time shipping rates from courier companies based on size, weight, and destination.
Local Pickup and Delivery: Customers collect orders from you or receive local delivery instead of standard shipping.
Wrap-up
Your shipping strategy should fit your products and customers, not the other way around. Start with one method and test it. If you're losing money or customers are complaining about costs, try something else. Most successful stores end up using a combination of methods to cover different situations.
Ready to get your shipping sorted? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guides on setting up each shipping method in Squarespace.