Free Shipping Setup for Squarespace Stores
TL;DR:
- Set up free shipping by creating zero-cost shipping rates or discount codes
- Use automatic discounts on Core, Plus, Advanced, and Commerce Advanced plans
- Configure flat-rate, weight-based, or product-specific free shipping options
- Apply free shipping to all orders or set minimum purchase thresholds
- Use fulfillment profiles to control which products qualify for free shipping
Free shipping can boost your conversion rates and average order values. Squarespace gives you several ways to offer it, from simple rate adjustments to complex discount rules.
Basic Free Shipping Methods
Create a Free Shipping Rate
The simplest approach is to absorb shipping costs into your product prices and set your shipping rate to zero. Build the shipping cost into your product pricing, then offer "free" shipping at checkout.
To set this up:
- Go to Commerce > Shipping in your Squarespace admin
- Create a new shipping option
- Set the cost to $0.00
- Name it "Free Shipping"
Offer Free Shipping Discounts
Create discount codes that eliminate shipping costs. This works well for promotions or to encourage larger orders.
If you're on Core, Plus, Advanced, or Commerce Advanced plans, you can set these discounts to apply automatically at checkout without requiring a promo code.
Advanced Free Shipping Options
Flat Rate Free Shipping
- Choose the Flat Rate shipping model
- Set both the Per Order Fee and Fee Per Item to $0.00
- Name the option "Free Shipping"
This gives every customer the same free shipping option regardless of their order size or contents.
Weight-Based Free Shipping
Set shipping costs based on product weight. You can offer free shipping for lighter items while charging for heavier ones.
Make sure to add accurate weights to all your products. This ensures your shipping calculations work properly and customers see the right options.
Product-Specific Free Shipping
Use fulfillment profiles to control which items qualify for free shipping:
- Create a fulfillment profile that includes your free shipping option
- Create another profile that excludes free shipping
- Apply the appropriate profile to each product
This lets you offer free shipping on some products while charging for others.
Setting Up Discount-Based Free Shipping
Create a free shipping discount that covers all orders or triggers when customers hit a minimum purchase amount.
For automatic discounts:
- Go to Commerce > Discounts
- Create a new discount
- Set the discount type to "Free Shipping"
- Choose whether to apply it automatically or require a promo code
- Set any conditions like minimum order value
You can restrict these discounts to specific shipping methods or apply them across all options.
Consider using promo codes for special campaigns or automatic discounts for a smoother checkout experience.
FAQs
How do I offer free shipping to specific products only?
Create different fulfillment profiles and assign them to your products. Include free shipping options in profiles for eligible products only.
Can I automatically apply free shipping to orders over a certain amount?
Yes, if you're on Core, Plus, Advanced, or Commerce Advanced plans. Set up an automatic discount that triggers when the order subtotal reaches your threshold.
Can I offer free shipping to local customers only?
Yes, use shipping zones to restrict free shipping to specific locations. Set up different shipping options for different geographic areas.
What's the difference between free shipping rates and free shipping discounts?
Free shipping rates show as $0 shipping options at checkout. Free shipping discounts show the normal shipping cost, then subtract it as a discount. Both achieve the same result but display differently to customers.
Jargon Buster
Fulfillment Profiles – Settings that control how products are shipped, including which shipping options are available for different items.
Promo Code – A code customers enter at checkout to receive a discount or special offer.
Subtotal – The total price of items in the cart before shipping, taxes, or discounts are applied.
Shipping Zones – Geographic areas where you can apply different shipping rules and rates.
Wrap-up
Free shipping can significantly impact your sales, but it needs to work with your profit margins. Whether you absorb costs into product prices or use strategic discounts, Squarespace gives you the tools to implement whatever approach works for your business.
Start with one method and test how it affects your conversion rates and average order values. You can always adjust your approach based on what works best for your customers and your bottom line.
Ready to set up free shipping? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed tutorials and ongoing support with your Squarespace store.