Carrier Calculated Shipping on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Automatically calculates shipping rates using real-time data from major carriers
- Only works for domestic shipping within select countries (UK, US, Canada, Australia)
- You must input accurate dimensions and weights for every product
- Add markup to cover handling costs or packaging materials
- Works with FedEx, UPS, USPS and other major carriers
- Available on Core, Plus, Advanced, Business and Commerce plans
Carrier calculated shipping uses your product details and real carrier rates to work out shipping costs automatically. It's available on most current Squarespace plans including Core, Plus, Advanced, Business, and Commerce.
This feature only works for domestic shipping within supported countries. That means UK to UK, US to US (excluding Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands), Canada to Canada, and Australia to Australia.
Setting Up Product Dimensions and Weights
Before you can use carrier calculated shipping, every product needs accurate shipping dimensions and weights. Go to your product's edit page, find "Weight and dimensions," and fill in all the required fields.
Think about the total package size, not just the product itself. If you're shipping a mug, include the bubble wrap and box dimensions, not just the mug.
For awkward items like posters, measure the shipping tube dimensions, not the unrolled poster size. The carrier needs to know what they're actually handling.
Choosing Your Shipping Services
Head to the Shipping panel in your dashboard and click "Add Shipping Option." You'll see services from carriers like FedEx, UPS, and your local postal service.
You don't need to enable every service. Pick the ones that make sense for your business and budget. If you're selling heavy items, economy ground shipping might be more popular than express options.
Adding Containers
Select shipping containers that fit your products. You can choose carrier-specific boxes or add custom containers that match your actual packaging.
When setting up custom containers, measure everything carefully. It's better to go slightly larger than you think you need. This gives you room for packaging materials and handles situations where customers order multiple items.
Adding Markup
You can add a markup to cover handling costs, packaging materials, or other expenses that aren't included in the carrier's base rate. This is optional but worth considering if you spend time on custom packaging or have other shipping-related costs.
Keep the markup reasonable. Customers can usually spot inflated shipping costs, and it might put them off completing their purchase.
FAQs
Is carrier calculated shipping available on all Squarespace plans?
It's available on Core, Plus, Advanced, Business, Commerce, and some legacy plans. Check your plan details if you're not sure.
How do I make sure my shipping rates are accurate?
Measure and weigh your products including all packaging materials. Test the system with a few sample orders to see if the rates match what you'd expect.
Can I use this for international shipping?
No, carrier calculated shipping only works for domestic deliveries within supported countries.
What happens if I don't set product dimensions?
The system can't calculate rates without dimensions and weights. You'll need to fill in these details for every product.
Jargon Buster
Carrier Calculated Shipping – Automatic shipping cost calculation based on real carrier rates, package weight, and dimensions
Custom Containers – Shipping boxes or packages that you define yourself within the shipping settings
Markup – Extra charges you add on top of the carrier's shipping cost to cover handling or materials
Wrap-up
Getting carrier calculated shipping right comes down to accurate product measurements and choosing the right services for your customers. Take time to measure your products properly including packaging, and test the system before going live.
This approach gives customers transparent shipping costs and saves you from guessing rates or losing money on shipping discrepancies.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace commerce? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed tutorials and expert guidance.