Shopify Shipping Rates, Set Up Properly

Set up shipping in Settings then Shipping and delivery: create shipping zones for the regions you serve, then attach rates to each zone, either flat rates, price or weight-based tiers, or carrier-calculated rates. The right choice depends on how much your shipping costs vary by order; weight-based tiers suit most small stores.

Zones before rates

A shipping profile contains zones (the regions you ship to) and rates per zone. Start domestic-only if that is your reality; international shipping adds customs complexity that can wait. Delete the default zones that do not apply so customers never see options you cannot honor.

Flat, tiered, or calculated

Flat rates are simplest but lose money on heavy orders. Weight or price tiers (for example, free over seventy-five dollars) match cost better and can lift average order value. Carrier-calculated rates show real-time prices, which is fairest but can shock customers with high quotes on heavy items.

Weights are the foundation

Carrier and weight-based rates are only as good as your product weights. Weigh each product with its packaging, not naked. An ounce-accurate catalog prevents the quiet margin leak of undercharged shipping.

Test before launch

Place test orders at different weights and addresses and check the rate shown. Then check the math: what does that rate cost you at the carrier or through Shopify's discounted labels? Adjust until typical orders are covered and edge cases are survivable.

Frequently asked questions

Should you offer free shipping?

If margins allow, free shipping over a threshold converts well and lifts order values. Free on everything works only with healthy margins or light products.

Are Shopify's label rates good?

Shopify's negotiated carrier discounts are competitive for small stores; compare against your own carrier accounts as volume grows.

How do you handle local delivery or pickup?

Both are built into the same settings page as separate methods with their own zones and rules.