How to set up shipping and delivery?
Most customers abandon carts at the shipping step. The reason isn't usually the cost — it's the surprise. This guide shows how to set up delivery zones, pricing, and delivery time without losing customers.
First decision: who do you deliver to, and how?
| Model | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Local delivery (self/courier) | Homemade food, pastries, flowers, neighborhood services | Keep zone tight |
| Shipping | Boutiques, crafts, cosmetics, textiles | Packaging and timeline |
| Pickup from store | Businesses with a physical location | Notify when ready |
| Digital/service | No delivery | No setup needed |
You can offer multiple at once; customer chooses at checkout.
Delivery zone: start narrow
An order from somewhere you can't deliver to is a cancellation and lost time — doubled with cash on delivery (courier goes empty). Start with your district + neighbors; expand as demand grows.
Details: Take cash-on-delivery orders
Pricing models: three paths
1. Fixed price — clearest. "Delivery $5." Customer knows the cost upfront.
2. Free shipping threshold — "$50+ ships free." Raises average cart; set the threshold slightly above your current average.
3. By zone — nearby zone cheap/free, far zone different. Most fair for local delivery.
Whichever you choose, write it on product pages. Customers must know shipping before reaching checkout.
Delivery time: keep what you promise
- Homemade food: "Order 2 days ahead, delivery 2–6 PM"
- Shipping: "In courier within 1–3 business days" (add carrier's time)
- Holidays/busy season: update timeline temporarily
A realistic timeline beats late delivery; late orders breed bad reviews.
Connection to cash on delivery
If you offer cash on delivery, two settings tie together:
- Zone: cash on delivery only in zones you can actually deliver to.
- Amount limit: for very high orders, send a confirmation text; delivery refusal risk is real there.
Move the order through preparing → on the way → delivered; cash-on-delivery sales count toward revenue when delivered.
Details: Manage your orders · Track your order
Packaging: the silent lever that cuts returns
Fragile item? Protection. Food? Cold chain. Textiles? Pressed and folded. The impression when a box opens determines repeat orders. A small thank-you card also boosts review requests.
Details: Collect reviews automatically
Common mistakes
Showing shipping only in cart. The biggest abandonment reason.
Setting the zone too wide. An order you can't deliver is a loss, not a win.
Being too optimistic with timing. "Same day" promised but next-day delivered damages trust more than writing honest time.
Offering only one method. Pickup from store removes shipping cost for nearby customers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge different rates for different zones? Yes, you define delivery zones and their rates.
Can I set a free shipping threshold? Yes — and announce it on product pages.
Is there shipping company integration? Order flow and tracking live in your panel; which carrier you use is your choice.
Can I restrict cash on delivery to certain zones? Yes, controlled alongside delivery settings.