Flat rate shipping is a game-changer for Shopify store owners, making it easier to manage costs while keeping checkout straightforward for customers. However, setting up shipping rates on Shopify can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re new to e-commerce. 

In this article, I will walk through the detailed steps on how to add flat rate shipping on Shopify to make the process as easy as possible. By following along, you’ll be able to offer a straightforward shipping option that keeps things simple for both you and your customers.

What is Flat Shipping rate?

Flat Shipping rate is the specific shipping fee that your customers have to pay for their orders. Flat rates can be set up based on the location of the customer, shipping destination, order weight or total order value.

For example, if $10 is the amount of shipping cost you want to levy on your customer each order, then you can set up a $10 flat shipping rate.

Thanks to the Flat Shipping rate, merchants can easily take control of how much a customer is charged at checkout.

Types of Flat Shipping Rates

Flat shipping rates can be a simple way to manage your shipping costs, but there are different types that can fit different business needs. I’m going to go over the main types of flat shipping rates so you can decide which one makes the most sense for your store:

• Standard Flat Rate: A fixed fee is charged for every order, regardless of the package’s weight, size, or destination. For example, every order might incur a $5 shipping charge.
• Weight-Based Flat Rate: Rates vary based on specific weight ranges. For example, packages between 0-2 kg might ship at one rate, while those between 2-5 kg ship at a higher rate. This is ideal for stores with products that differ widely in weight, like a store selling both clothing and small appliances.
• Price-Based Flat Rate: This rate adjusts according to the total order value. Orders under $50 might have a $5 shipping fee, while orders over $50 could qualify for a $10 fee.
• Product-Based Flat Rate: Specific products or categories have their own flat rates. Fragile items like glassware may have a higher flat rate to account for special packaging needs, while durable items like books use a lower flat rate.
• Destination-Based Flat Rate: Rates vary by the shipment’s destination, such as $8 for domestic orders and $20 for international orders.
• Per Item Flat Rate: A fixed fee is charged for each item in an order. For instance, if the rate is $3 per item, an order of three items would cost $9 to ship.
• Order Quantity-Based Flat Rate: The rate is based on the total number of items in an order. An order with 1-5 items might have a standard rate, while orders with 6-10 items have a lower per-item rate, encouraging bulk purchases.
• Hybrid Flat Rate: Combines multiple criteria, such as weight and destination, to create a customized flat rate. For example, a lightweight item shipped domestically has one rate, while a heavier item shipped internationally has a different rate.

Personally, I think the Standard Flat Rate is the most important because it keeps things simple for both the store owner and the customer. In my experience, a consistent fee helps customers know exactly what to expect, which can reduce abandoned carts due to unexpected shipping costs.

How to add flat rate shipping on Shopify?

I’m going to walk you through how to add flat rate shipping on Shopify so you can smoothly proceed through this setup:

Step 1: Access Shipping Settings

• From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
• Under Shipping, locate the shipping profile you wish to modify and select it.

Step 2: Choose the Shipping Zone

• In the Shipping zones section, choose the zone where you want to apply the flat rate, and save Done.

Step 3: Add Flat Rate 

• Click Add rate under the selected zone.

• In the Rate type dropdown menu, select Use flat rate.
• Enter a name for your flat rate in the Custom rate name field, such as “Standard Shipping.“
• In the Price field, input the fixed amount for your flat rate.

Step 4: Add Conditions (optional)

Click Add conditional pricing to include:

• Price-based conditions (e.g., apply to orders over $50).
• Weight-based conditions (e.g., apply to orders between 0-5 kg).

Step 5: Finalize and Save

• Review the Checkout preview to confirm the display of your shipping rate.
• Click Done, then Save to apply the changes.

How to edit an existing flat rate shipping on Shopify?

Editing a flat rate shipping option on Shopify can be confusing if you haven’t done it before, especially with all the different settings involved. I’m going to walk you through the whole process of editing an existing flat rate shipping on Shopify so you can easily adjust your shipping options as your business needs change.

Step 1: Access Shipping Settings

• From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
• Under Shipping, find and select the shipping profile containing the rate you want to edit.

Step 2: Edit the Rate

• In the Rates section, locate the specific flat rate you wish to adjust.
• Click the Action (…) button next to the rate.
• From the dropdown menu, select Edit rate.

Step 3: Make Adjustments

Now you need to modify any fields, including:

• Rate name: Update the name (e.g., change from “Standard Shipping” to “Economy Shipping”).
• Price: Adjust the flat rate amount.
• Conditions: If you want to alter price-based or weight-based conditions.

Step 4: Finalize and Save Changes

• After making your changes, click Done.
• Click Save to apply the updated rate to your store.

Benefits of using Flat Shipping rates on Shopify

Using flat shipping rates on Shopify brings numerous advantages for both store owners and customers, helping streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction. Here are the detailed benefits that you can receive when setting up the Flat Shipping Rates on your Shopify store:

• Predictable Costs for Customers: Flat rates give customers a clear shipping fee at checkout, eliminating unexpected charges. I’ve noticed that having a fixed shipping cost makes customers less likely to abandon their carts because they already know what to expect—no surprises mean fewer hesitations.
• Simplified Management: Honestly, managing shipping has been way easier with flat rates, especially since I don’t have to tweak shipping settings for every different product or location.
• Encourages Higher Order Values: When flat rates are based on order value (e.g., free shipping over $50), customers are often motivated to add more to their cart. This can lead to higher average order values and a better shopping experience.
• Improved Profit Margin Control: Predictable flat rates make it easier to estimate shipping expenses and maintain profit margins. This consistency has been key to avoiding unexpected shipping costs in my own setup.
• Better Customer Experience with Consistent Rates: Flat rates provide customers with a reliable, consistent shipping experience. Whether they’re ordering a single item or multiple, they know what to expect, enhancing trust in the store.
• Ideal for Targeted Promotions: Flat rates can support promotional campaigns (e.g., “Flat $5 shipping on all orders”) that are easy to communicate and appealing to customers. I’ve found it helps drive more traffic to my store during campaigns.

FAQs

How to add flat rate shipping in Shopify?

To add flat rate shipping, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery in your Shopify admin. Select the shipping profile and zone, then add a new rate, choosing “Flat rate” from the options. Enter the rate details, click Done, and Save.

How do I set up flat rate shipping?

Setting up flat rate shipping involves selecting the rate type, naming the rate, and specifying a flat price. You can also add conditions like weight or price ranges to customize how flat rates apply to different orders.

How do I change shipping rates on Shopify?

To edit a shipping rate, navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery. Select the relevant shipping profile, find the rate you want to change, and click the … button next to it. Select Edit rate, make changes, then Save.

How do I add more shipping options on Shopify?

In the Shipping and delivery settings, select your shipping profile and add additional rates by choosing Add rate. You can mix flat, calculated, or free shipping options based on your needs.

Can I use multiple flat rate types in one store?

Yes, you can set up multiple flat rate types in the same store, applying different rates for different zones, products, or conditions like weight and price. This flexibility allows you to create a tailored shipping experience across various order types.

Conclusion

This article provided a clear guide on how to add Flat Rate Shipping on Shopify, from navigating the settings to configuring rates for your store. So far, you can acknowledge clearly that flat rate shipping on Shopify can offer a straightforward way to manage shipping costs while giving customers a clear, predictable checkout experience. 

For the best results, I recommend you review your shipping settings regularly to ensure they align with your store’s growth and customer expectations.

Related Posts:

• How to Configure Your Default Package Dimensions on Shopify?
• How to Create Free Shipping Discount on Shopify?
• How to Change Shipping Time on Shopify?