Free Shipping on Shopify: How to Make it Work for You

Written by: Nhi

Topics: eCommerce Tips

Published: April 24, 2024

9 minutes read

"Free Shipping" isn't just a phrase, it's magic in online shopping. It transforms abandoned carts into happy customers with full bags.

Why?

It creates a feeling of saving money for them, reducing checkout hesitation and making checkout a breeze.

So for Shopify store owners, a question arises: Does Shopify have free shipping?

The answer is Yes. Therefore, this comprehensive guide is here to help you unlock this secret weapon!

We will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up Shopify free shipping and with expert tips to turn free shipping into a sales-boosting advantage.

Let’s get it straight!

1. Why Shopify Free Shipping Can Boost Your Profits?

Free shipping on Shopify is a feature that allows store owners to offer shipping at no cost to their customers.

Shopify allows creating a few types of free shipping, depending on the merchants' business strategy and target audience.

Here are the most common ones:

Default free shipping for all orders
Cost-based free shipping
Weight-based free shipping
Free shipping for certain products/collections
Free shipping discount codes

No matter what type of Shopify free shipping you are using, they can make an important contribution to your revenue by the following reasons.

1.1. Increased conversions

Studies by Baymard Institute show a staggering statistic: 68% of shopping carts get abandoned at checkout. One of the main reasons for this abandonment is surprise shipping costs. This is where free shipping steps in as a powerful tool to increase conversions.

Baymard Institute's research on the top reasons of cart abandonments.

By eliminating the surprise factor of shipping costs, free shipping on Shopify can significantly reduce cart abandonment rates and encourage customers to complete their orders. In other words, it makes the checkout process smoother and faster, which will increase conversions and keep your customers happy on your Shopify store.

Expert Tip: Learn more on how to reduce cart abandonments by checkout customization.

1.2. Higher average order value (AOV)

By setting a minimum order amount for free shipping, you create a tempting incentive for customers.

They see the opportunity to avoid shipping costs altogether, but only if their order reaches a specific value. This motivates them to browse your store and add additional items to their cart or accept your upselling offers until they hit the threshold.

1.3. Improved customer satisfaction

Free shipping goes beyond just saving customers money. It's a strategic tool that can significantly enhance customer experience and build long-term loyalty.

Free shipping subtly increases the perceived value of your products. When a customer sees "Free Shipping" displayed alongside the price, the overall deal feels more attractive. They perceive they're saving more money, leading to greater satisfaction with the purchase.

Offer Free Shipping On Shopify After Amount

Offering free shipping in Shopify can enhance customer experience.

When customers have a positive experience with free shipping, they're more likely to return for future purchases. Free shipping demonstrates that you prioritize customer satisfaction, building trust and loyalty.

1.4. Competitive edge

The eCommerce landscape is fiercely competitive. Many online retailers offer similar products, so finding ways to differentiate yourself is crucial.

Free shipping can be a powerful tool to stand out from the crowd and attract customers who prioritize it when making buying decisions.

2. How to set up free shipping on Shopify?

Shopify offers a variety of built-in features to help you manage your shipping process, including the ability to set up free shipping offers.

However, there are also a number of third-party shipping apps available in the Shopify App Store that can provide you with additional features and functionality.

You can check out some examples like ShipStation or EasyShip to find out the best Shopify free shipping app for your store. But in this article, we will focus on a step-by-step guide of how to set up free shipping campaigns by using Shopify's built-in features.

2.1. Set up Shopify free shipping as the default

It's crucial to understand that by setting free shipping as the default, you'll be absorbing the shipping cost for your customers.

Make sure you've analyzed your profit margins and can comfortably cover these costs before proceeding.

Here's how to set up Shopify free shipping without code as the default:

Step 1: Log in to your Shopify admin > "Settings" > "Shipping and delivery".
Step 2: In the "General Shipping rates" section, click "Manage".

Step 3: Within each shipping zone, click Add rate.

Step 4: Select the custom shipping rate.
Step 5: Choose a clear name for your free shipping option (e.g., "Free Shipping over $50") and enter "0" in the “Price” field > Click “Done”.
Step 7 (Optional): While not strictly necessary for free shipping as the default, consider reordering your shipping rates.
By default, Shopify lists rates alphabetically. You can drag and drop the newly created "Free Shipping" rate to the top of the list in each zone. This visually emphasizes it as the default option.
Step 8: Click "Save".

If you want to offer free shipping to different geographical locations, repeat steps 3-8 for each relevant shipping zone. This allows you to have free shipping in specific regions and potentially different rates for other areas.

2.2. Set up Shopify free shipping over amount

In addition to the default campaign, you can create an automatic free shipping Shopify discount that applies to customers' orders that meet the specified conditions.

So now, in this section, we will show you how to set up free shipping that activates only when customers spend a certain amount on your Shopify store, for example, free shipping over $50 Shopify:

Step 1: Access to the section of "General Shipping Rates" > "Add rate" (like the Step 1 to Step 4 of previous section)
Step 2: Choose a clear name for your free shipping option (e.g., "Free Shipping over $50") and enter "0" in the “Price” field.
Step 3: Click "Add conditions".
Step 4: Select "Based on order price" and enter the minimum order amount required for free shipping (e.g., $50) > Click "Done".
Step 5: Finally, click "Save".

set up free shipping by default in Shopify

If you are looking for how to do free shipping over $75 on Shopify or any other cost-based free shipping campaign, just follow the same steps and enter the minimum order amount as $75 in step 7.

2.3. Set up weight-based Shopify free shipping

Besides Shopify free shipping over amount, you can create a weight-based shipping strategy that benefits your store and incentivizes customers by following this guide:

Step 1: Access to the section of "General Shipping Rates" > "Add rate" (like the Step 1 to Step 4 of first section)
Step 5: Choose a clear name for your free shipping option (e.g., "Free Shipping weight-based") and enter "0" in the “Price” field.
Step 6: Click "Add conditions".
Step 7: Select "Based on item weight" and enter Minimum weight and Maximum weight sections with the number of weights > Click “Done”.
Step 8: Finally, click "Save".

set up free shipping in Shopify by weight

2.4. Set up Shopify free shipping for specific product

If you want to offer free shipping only on specific products within your store, you need to have a custom shipping profile first.

Let’s check it here:

Step 1: Log in to your Shopify admin > "Settings" > "Shipping and delivery".
Step 2: In the Custom shipping rates section, click Create new profile.

Step 3: Assign a clear and descriptive name to your profile.
Step 4: In the Products section, click "Add products". Choose the specific items you want to offer free shipping on.
Step 5 (Optional): Review and update your Shipping origins (fulfillment locations) as necessary.

set up free shipping in Shopify for specific product

Step 6: In the Shipping zones section, click Create zone.
Step 7: Give each zone a recognizable name. Select the countries or regions included in that zone. Click Done to save the zone.
Step 8 (Optional): Click Add rate within a zone, choose the rate details (price, carrier, etc.), and click Done.
Step 9: Click Save.

If you want to set up Shopify free shipping on collection, in step 4, you can choose the products that belong to the same collection to create a shipping profile for it.

Then now, you can work with Shopify free shipping on certain products:

Step 1: Log in to your Shopify admin and go to "Settings" > "Shipping and delivery".
Step 2: Choose your custom shipping profile.
Step 3: Click "Add rate" next to the desired zone.
Step 4: Name the rate (e.g., "Free on Selected Products").
Step 5: Set Price to 0.
Step 6 (Optional): To set conditions for the free shipping to apply (e.g., free on orders above $100), click Add conditions. Choose between basing the condition on Order weight or Order value.
Step 7: Click Done, and then click Save.

2.5. Set up Shopify free shipping discount code

If you want to offer Shopify free shipping for certain customers, you can create a free shipping discount code. Eligible customers can redeem this code at checkout to enjoy free shipping on their orders.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and distribute a Shopify free shipping code on your online store:

Step 1: Log in to your Shopify admin > "Discounts" > Click "Create discount" > Choose "Free Shipping".

create shopify free shipping discount code

Step 2: In the "Method" section, select "Discount code".
Step 3: Enter a name for your discount code. You can also generate a random code by clicking "Generate random code".
Step 4: Set up the options for: Applied countries, Purchase type, Shipping rates, Minimum purchase requirements, Customer eligibility, Maximum discount uses, Combinations, and Active dates as you want.
Step 5: Click "Save discount".

3. Helpful tips to leverage Shopify free shipping

3.1. Use minimum order threshold (MOT)

The minimum order threshold (MOT) is a powerful strategy for leveraging free shipping on Shopify. It incentivizes customers to spend more to qualify for free shipping, potentially increasing your average order value (AOV) and boosting your bottom line.

In addition, you can use a Shopify free shipping progress bar to show customers how close they are to reaching the MOT and qualifying for free shipping.

This can create a sense of urgency and encourage them to add more items.

3.2. Create limited-time free shipping promotions

Limited-time promotions can be a powerful tool to boost sales on your Shopify store. By offering free shipping for a set period, you create a sense of urgency that encourages customers to act quickly and take advantage of the deal before it expires.

You can use limited-time free shipping promotions strategically during holidays, sales seasons, or other special events to capitalize on increased customer demand.

3.3. Communicate clearly with customers

Absolutely, clear communication is key! Customers appreciate transparency, and a well-communicated free shipping policy builds trust and avoids any confusion.

Your free shipping policy template Shopify with any conditions (minimum order amount, eligible countries) should be clearly shown and delivered to your customers on product pages, shopping cart, and at checkout.

3.4. Promote free shipping campaigns

By promoting your free shipping campaigns, you can effectively reach your target audience and ensure they're aware of these campaigns. This will maximize the impact of your free shipping strategy and potentially boost sales for your Shopify store.

For example, you can try the Shopify popup, banner in the homepage or display a free shipping icon Shopify sticked in your site will help notify your customers about the attractive campaigns.

Free Shipping & Hello Bar App - Example on how to promote the free shipping deal.

In addition, you can announce your free shipping campaign through email marketing blasts.

Or you can promote your free shipping campaign across your social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It is a great idea to use eye-catching visuals and a clear call to action to encourage customers to visit your store and take advantage of the offer.

3.5. Rewarding loyal customers with free shipping

You can leverage the power of free shipping to reward loyal customers.

Rewarding loyal customers with free shipping incentivizes them to return to your store and make repeat purchases.

Free shipping as a reward fosters a sense of value and appreciation for loyal customers, strengthening their connection to your brand.

Since Shopify lacks a built-in program, you can explore the vast selection of Shopify apps designed for loyalty programs.

3.6. Monitor and adapt

Free shipping can be a powerful tool, but it's crucial to monitor its impact and adapt your strategy as needed.

You need to monitor your sales figures closely after implementing free shipping. Don’t forget to look for changes in total sales, conversion rates, and average order value (AOV).

In addition, you should track your shipping expenses to see how free shipping affects your bottom line. It’s essential to consider the cost per order and the overall impact on your profit margins.

reasons for abandonments during checkout

Monitor your sales closely and adapt your strategy for the best result of Shopify free shipping.

The best free shipping strategy might evolve over time. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on ongoing data and customer behavior.

4. Conclusion

By now, you've unlocked the secrets of free shipping on Shopify! You've learned how to create free shipping on Shopify and leverage it to boost conversions.

Remember, free shipping can be a powerful tool to attract customers and increase sales, but it's important to implement it strategically.

Let’s take action and explore Shopify free shipping today!

5. FAQs

1. How do I get free shipping on Shopify?

You can't directly get free shipping on Shopify as a customer, since it's a benefit offered by the store owner. However, many stores use free shipping as an incentive to encourage purchases.

For example, if a store offers free shipping over a certain amount (e.g., free shipping over $100 Shopify), you can try adding more items to your cart to reach that threshold and qualify for free shipping.

2. Who pays for free shipping on Shopify?

When you offer free shipping on Shopify, you, the store owner, pay for the shipping costs.

Shopify itself doesn't cover the expense. While Shopify offers features to help you manage shipping and potentially negotiate discounted rates with carriers, the cost of getting products to your customers falls on you.

3. Does Shopify charge for shipping?

Shopify itself doesn't directly charge you for shipping. The Shopify subscription plans don't include the cost of actually shipping products to customers.

You are responsible for paying the carrier (e.g., USPS, FedEx) to deliver your products to customers. Shopify can help you calculate and manage these costs, but you pay the carrier directly. They may offer you discounted rates through their partnerships with some carriers on higher plans.

4. How do I offer free shipping?

You can check the detailed guide above to know how to add free shipping on Shopify, and here is a quick checklist: