How to Choose the Right Shipping Options: A Complete Guide for E-commerce
Shipping determines your store's success and customer satisfaction. Learn which options best suit your business model.
Flat Rate Shipping
- Fixed fee per order regardless of item quantity
- Can include item-specific fees and free shipping options
- Best for: jewelry and small high-value items, or products with similar weight/size
Weight-Based Shipping
- Rates calculated on total order weight
- Customizable weight ranges, including unlimited options
- Best for: products with varying weights but similar sizes
- Requires inputting individual item weights
Carrier Calculated Shipping
- Automatically calculates FedEx, UPS, and USPS rates (Business plan required)
- Requires product dimensions and weight
- Best for:
- Items where shipping is a major cost factor
- Large products with distance-based pricing
- Diverse product catalogs with varying shipping needs
- Tip: Provide accurate product and packaging dimensions for best results
Local Pickup and Delivery
- Free in-store pickup option
- Local delivery service integration
- Perfect for serving nearby customers
Fulfillment Profiles Create custom shipping rules for specific products or groups requiring special handling.
Additional Services
- Squarespace Extensions integration for third-party shipping tools
- On-demand printing and dropshipping connections available
- Returns Center by Aftership for streamlined return processing
Remember to configure shipping rates in Squarespace even when using external shipping services. Choose options that balance customer satisfaction with operational efficiency.
Note: Product specifications, dimensions, and weight information must be accurate to ensure proper shipping calculations and customer satisfaction.