A hidden shipping cost is reason no. 1 for cart abandonment. So WooCommerce shipping is not a technical detail — it is a sales decision. Here is how to do it right.
The basics: zones
WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping → Add zone. For a domestic store two are usually enough:
- Zone 1: your country — your main zone
- Zone 2: other countries (if you ship abroad) — a different rate or by arrangement
Careful: zones are read top to bottom — the first match wins. So the more specific ones go higher.
Shipping methods
- Flat rate — a fixed price. Simple and predictable; the buyer knows upfront.
- Free shipping — with a minimum order amount. This is the trick: free delivery over a threshold lifts your average cart because people add one more item to reach it.
- Local pickup — if you have a shop: zero cost, the buyer collects
The combination that works
In the same zone add Flat rate plus Free shipping with a threshold. WooCommerce offers the free option automatically once the order passes it. In the zone settings you can let free shipping hide the paid one when available.
Weight and dimensions
If courier pricing depends on weight, enter weights on products and use Shipping classes for different rates per group (e.g. bulky furniture vs small goods).
Say it out loud
Put the threshold message IN PLAIN SIGHT: in the cart (400 more for free delivery), on a banner, in the description. A silent threshold does not sell.
Before launch
Test orders from different places and amounts — under the threshold, over it, with pickup. Five minutes that prevent months of quiet losses.