How To Remove Shipping Calculated At Checkout Shopify: A Step-By-Step Guide

Streamlining the checkout process is a critical aspect of e-commerce success, and one particular area that demands attention is shipping costs. 

The ‘Shipping Calculated at Checkout’ feature on Shopify can sometimes be frustrating for both online store owners and their customers. We will demystify the procedure in this comprehensive guide and show you how to remove shipping calculated at checkout on your Shopify store. 

By the end of this journey, you’ll have the tools and knowledge needed to offer a smoother, more transparent shopping experience to your customers, potentially boosting your sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.

How is shipping calculated at checkout on Shopify?

Carrier Calculated Shipping: Shopify partners with shipping carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. With this feature, the shipping rates are calculated in real time based on the destination, package weight, and dimensions. These rates are displayed to the customer during the checkout process.

• Price-Based Rates: Based on the total cost of the products a customer has added to their cart, store owners can establish different shipping rates. For instance, provide free shipping for orders that are over a specific price or charge a flat fee for orders below that threshold.
• Weight-Based Rates: You can set shipping rates based on the total weight of the items in the cart. This is particularly useful if your products have varying weights and sizes.
• Flat Rate Shipping: By using this technique, you can charge a set shipping fee for every order, independent of the weight, destination, or total cost.
• Local Delivery & Pickup: Some stores offer local delivery or in-store pickup as options during checkout. The rates for these options can be configured based on the customer’s location or set as a flat fee.
• Custom Shipping Apps: Numerous third-party apps are available in Shopify’s App Store to further customize your shipping choices. You can give your customers more flexibility and create sophisticated shipping rules with the aid of some of these apps.

Why is shipping taken into account during checkout?

Shipping is taken into account during the checkout process for several important reasons in the world of e-commerce:

• Cost Transparency: When shipping charges are included in the total cost of an order, customers can see it clearly and transparently during the checkout process. Establishing trust and guaranteeing that consumers understand exactly what they are paying for depend on this transparency.
• Customer Expectations: Customers in e-commerce have become accustomed to expecting a range of shipping choices and prices depending on the item’s size, weight, and delivery time, as well as their location. Achieving customer satisfaction requires meeting these expectations.
• Checkout Convenience: The shipping cost calculator at checkout expedites the buying process. Customers don’t need to navigate away from the checkout page to inquire about shipping costs to make well-informed decisions about their purchases.
• Checkout Abandonment Prevention: Hidden or unexpected shipping costs are a common reason for cart abandonment. By displaying shipping costs upfront, you can reduce the likelihood of customers abandoning their purchases at the last minute.
• Shipping Method Selection: When shipping options are available during the checkout process, customers can select the shipping option that best fits their needs, taking into account other factors such as cost or speed.
• International Shipping: For stores that sell globally, shipping costs can vary significantly based on the destination country. Calculating shipping at checkout allows for accurate pricing based on the customer’s location.

In summary, considering shipping during checkout is fundamental for providing a seamless and transparent shopping experience. It benefits customers and helps e-commerce businesses manage their shipping operations effectively.

What are the advantages of not having shipping calculated at the time of purchase?

Removing the “Shipping Calculated at Checkout” feature in an e-commerce store can have several potential benefits. However, the impact may vary depending on your business model and customer base. Here are some advantages of eliminating this feature:

• Transparency: When you remove the “Shipping Calculated at Checkout,” you can offer fixed, transparent shipping rates or even free shipping, providing a clear and predictable cost structure for customers. This transparency can enhance trust and reduce the likelihood of cart abandonment due to unexpected shipping costs.
• Simplified Checkout: Without real-time shipping calculations, the checkout process becomes more straightforward. Customers don’t need to wait for shipping rates to load, potentially speeding up the purchase process.
• Reduced Cart Abandonment: Cart abandonment may result from unforeseen or excessive shipping charges. You can lower cart abandonment rates and raise the possibility of closing sales by eliminating this uncertainty.
• Promotional Flexibility: You can control pricing strategies without shipping calculated at checkout. For instance, you can offer free shipping as a promotional incentive for customers, helping to boost sales and attract new buyers.

While there are a number of benefits to doing away with “Shipping Calculated at Checkout,” it’s crucial to remember that not all businesses will find this to be appropriate. Real-time shipping calculations may be advantageous for some companies, particularly if they have a variety of goods with variable sizes and weights or if they must provide precise shipping costs for various locations.

Ultimately, the decision to remove or keep this feature should be based on your specific business goals, customer preferences, and operational capabilities. You should also consider conducting A/B testing to see how this change impacts your conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

A step guide to remove shipping calculated at checkout Shopify

• Step 1: Enter the Shopify admin panel and log in.

• Step 2: Navigate to the theme settings in your store. Click “Online Store” from the menu on the left to accomplish this.

• Step 3: From the Online Store menu, select “Themes.”

• Step 4: Under the Actions dropdown for your current theme, choose “Edit Languages.”

• Step 5: In the Language Editor, use the search bar to look up “Checkout.“

• Step 6: Find and click on the “Checkout” language setting to access the options related to the checkout process.
• Step 7: Within the Checkout section, locate the “Shipping” tab and select it.
• Step 8: Under the “Shipping” tab, you will see the option “Calculated at checkout.“
• Step 9: To remove the “Calculated at checkout” feature, click on this option to edit its parameters.
• Step 10: Modify the setting to one of the following options:

• • “Free Shipping” if you want to offer free shipping to your customers.
  • “Flat Rate Shipping” if you want to set a fixed rate for shipping.
  • “Off” if you want to completely remove the “Calculated at checkout” feature.

• Step 11: After making your selection, save your changes by clicking the “Save” button.

Following these steps will help you remove the “Shipping Calculated at Checkout” feature and configure your desired shipping method in your Shopify store’s settings.

Best shipping strategies to guarantee a good client experience

Ensuring a positive client experience in e-commerce is closely tied to your shipping strategies. Here are some effective shipping strategies to guarantee a good client experience:

Verify the accuracy of the shipping charges

• Precision in Cost Calculation: Ensuring the accuracy of shipping charges is crucial to providing a positive client experience. It’s important to have an automated system or reliable methods to calculate shipping costs, taking into account variables such as package weight, size, destination, and shipping method. 

This precision not only prevents overcharging or undercharging but also builds trust with customers. Inaccurate shipping charges can lead to disputes and negatively impact your reputation.

• Real-time Carrier Calculations: Integrating your e-commerce platform with real-time carrier-calculated shipping rates from reliable carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS can help maintain accuracy. These rates are constantly updated to reflect the latest shipping costs, ensuring that customers receive the most current pricing information.
• Transparent Handling Fees: If your shipping process includes handling or packaging fees, clearly communicate these charges to customers. Transparency about the breakdown of costs builds trust and minimizes any perceived hidden charges.

Whenever possible, provide free shipping

• Customer Attraction: Free shipping is an attractive proposition for customers and can be a powerful tool to increase sales and enhance the client experience. Offering free shipping, particularly for orders that meet a specific threshold (e.g., orders over $50), urges clients to make larger purchases to be eligible for the benefit.
• Competitive Advantage: In a competitive market, free shipping can set your business apart from competitors. Many online shoppers actively seek out stores that offer this perk, and it can influence their decision to choose your store over others.
• Simplifies Checkout: Free shipping simplifies the checkout process, reducing friction in the buying journey. Customers don’t have to calculate or worry about additional costs, making the experience more enjoyable.

Never undervalue the value of packaging

• Product Protection: Proper packaging ensures that products arrive at their destination in pristine condition. When you invest in high-quality packaging materials and secure packing techniques, you reduce the risk of damage during transit. This not only saves you the cost of replacing damaged items but also prevents customer dissatisfaction.
• Branding & Presentation: Packaging is an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity and make a lasting impression on customers. Consider using branded packaging, which can enhance the unboxing experience and leave a positive impression. Thoughtfully designed and eco-friendly packaging can be a reflection of your brand’s values.
• Reduced Returns: Quality packaging can significantly reduce returns due to damaged goods. It’s more cost-effective to invest in secure packaging upfront than to deal with the logistics of processing returns, which can be a cumbersome and costly process for both you and your customers.
• Sustainability: In addition to protecting products, consider eco-friendly packaging options. Sustainability is increasingly important to customers, and environmentally conscious packaging can enhance your brand’s image and satisfy customers who value sustainability. 

Conclusion

How you handle shipping can make or break the client experience, leaving a lasting impact on your business’s reputation. As we’ve explored the key strategies to ensure a positive client experience through shipping, it becomes clear that accuracy, transparency, and customer-centricity are the cornerstones of success.

Offering free shipping whenever possible is a client-pleasing strategy simplifies the shopping experience. It can attract more sales, set you apart from the competition, and reduce friction at checkout. By extending this benefit to your customers, you’re creating an incentive that resonates deeply with their desires for cost-effectiveness and convenience.

Remember that client satisfaction is not just a one-time goal but an ongoing commitment. Continuously listen to feedback, adapt to changing client expectations, and embrace the principles of honesty and customer-centricity in every aspect of your business. In doing so, you’re not just shipping products; you’re shipping the promise of a great client experience.