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Configure Shipping Options at Checkout

Updated

ShipBlink’s Shipping Options at Checkout feature enables tailored shipping rate configurations to match store requirements. Merchants can display calculated rates, flat rates, or free shipping options based on customer preferences and business needs. 

Currently, shipping options can be configured for Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce stores. Refer to the Additional Resources section below for platform-specific setup instructions.

Note: Before configuring live rates, ensure all carrier options are enabled on the Carriers > Carrier Visibility page in ShipBlink.

Available Shipping Options

Live Rates: Automatically calculate shipping costs based on the destination, item weight, and package dimensions set in ShipBlink. This real-time option helps manage costs by passing carrier-estimated fees directly to customers. 

Flat Rates: Offer a consistent shipping fee regardless of customer location or order details. Flat rates simplify the checkout process and provide predictive shipping costs. 

Free Shipping: Offer free shipping once a customer meets a minimum spending threshold to encourage higher cart values. This option can boost conversions and increase the total value of customer orders.

Setting Up Live Rate Shipping Options

Live rates give full control over shipping costs by passing real-time carrier fees to customers. With ShipBlink’s carrier network, live rate comparisons can be enabled using any combination of services. The customer automatically sees and selects the most affordable option from the available set. 

Custom options (e.g., Standard, Expedited) can be configured, and rates can be adjusted with markups or discounts. Because live rates are calculated in real time, the following details are required: 

  • Sender address (automatically pulled from the store)
  • Recipient address (automatically pulled from the store)
  • Item weights (automatically pulled from the store)
  • Selected carrier services

Create a Live Rate Shipping Option

  1. Navigate to the Cart Rates tab and select the Shipping Options page.
  2. At the top, select Define Live, Flat, Free Shipping Options. 
  3. Click Add Rule and name the shipping option (e.g., Standard, Ground, Overnight). 
  4. Under Option Settings, select Display Live Rate.
  5. Enter a Fallback Amount to display if a live rate cannot be returned.
  6. (Optional) Apply a Rate Adjustment as a percentage or flat amount. 
  7. Use the Shipping Rate and Service from dropdown to select carrier services. Similar services should be grouped (e.g., ground for Standard, overnight for Expedited).
  8. Click Save.

Create a Free Shipping Option

Free shipping is a common way to drive sales and increase cart size. This option can be configured to appear only when customers meet a minimum cart total. 

  1. Navigate to Cart Rates > Shipping Options.
  2. Click Add Rule.
  3. Name the option (e.g., Free Shipping, You Qualified for Free Shipping!).
  4. In Option Settings, select Free Shipping. 
  5. Enter a Minimum Cart Value required for the offer to apply. 
  6. Select carrier services under Shipping Rate and Service from. ShipBlink will automatically use the lowest-cost option.
  7. Click Save.

Create a Flat Rate Shipping Option

Flat rates offer a predictable checkout experience and can be used alongside free shipping and live rate options. 

  1. Navigate to Cart Rates > Shipping Options.
  2. Click Add Rule. 
  3. Name the option (e.g., Standard, Express).
  4. In Option Settings, select Show Flat Rate.
  5. Enter the Flat Rate Amount to display at checkout.
  6. Select carrier services under Shipping Rate and Service from.
  7. Click Save.

Enabling Shipping Options at Checkout

After shipping options are configured, enable them in the checkout settings so they display to customers.

Tip: Add saved packages under the Saved Packages tab and enable any available at checkout. 

  1. Go to the Cart Rates tab and select Checkout Settings.
  2. Toggle Checkout Rates (in the top-right corner) ON.


  3. (Optional) Enable Show ETAs at Checkout to provide delivery timelines using EasyPost’s SmartRate.


  4. Choose a Smart Box Allocation Method.


  5. Verify that the shipping options appear as expected on the store’s checkout page.

Shipping Strategy Examples

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for shipping strategies. Below are a few combinations that offer a balance of cost control, flexibility, and customer satisfaction. 

Scenario 1: Balanced and Flexible

Combine free shipping with live rates to offer transparency and flexibility. This setup passes shipping costs directly to the customer while also providing an incentive for higher cart values through free shipping. It is recommended for businesses in the early stages of establishing shipping strategies. 

  • Free Shipping (based on cart total): Ground services
  • Standard (live rate): Ground services
  • Expedited (live rate): Air/Overnight services

Scenario 2: Predictable and Simple

Use flat-rate shipping alongside free shipping to create a consistent and predictable checkout experience. This is ideal when shipping costs are known, and flat rates can be priced confidently. 

  • Free Shipping (based on cart total): Ground services
  • Standard (live rate): Ground services

Scenario 3: Maximum Customer Choice

Enable free shipping, flat rates, and live expedited rates to offer a wide range of shipping options. This strategy balances predictability with faster delivery options. Consider applying rate adjustments to make expedited services more attractive. 

  • Free Shipping (based on cart total): Ground services
  • Standard (live rate): Ground services
  • Expedited (live rate): Air/Overnight services

Tip: Use rate adjustments to make expedited services more appealing while managing fulfillment costs.

FAQs

Q: What happens if a live rate fails to return? 

A: The configured fallback amount will be shown instead.

Q: Can multiple shipping options be shown at checkout? 

A: Yes. Multiple flat, free, or live rate options can be configured and displayed simultaneously. 

Q: Are ETAs required for live rates?

A: No. Displaying ETAs is optional and can be enabled in the Checkout Settings tab. 

Q: Will ShipBlink automatically select the cheapest option?

A: Yes. When multiple carrier services are defined under one shipping option, ShipBlink selects the lowest-cost option for order fulfillment.

Additional Resources

Enable Live Shipping Rates at Customer Checkout - Shopify

Enable Live Shipping Rates at Customer Checkout - BigCommerce

Enable Live Shipping Rates at Customer Checkout - WooCommerce

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