Hey Community!
Note: This feature is rolling out gradually to all stores between May 14, 2025 and May 20, 2025.
Starting May 14, 2025, customers will be charged a single flat rate for orders that ship from multiple locations within the same group of locations. This update directly addresses common merchant feedback. We heard you wanted more control over how shipping rates are applied to multi-location orders, and we're excited to deliver that. Review our Q&A below and learn more in our help doc.
This board is a space for you to share discussions, thoughts, and questions about this update. Please share your experience or ask your questions below! 👇
Q: What is changing?
Starting May 14, 2025, customers will be charged a single flat rate for orders that ship from multiple locations within the same location group. Prior to this update, customers are charged a separate shipping fee for each location involved in fulfilling an order. With this update, they will be charged a single flat rate for the entire order, regardless of how many locations are involved. Please review the example below:
Note: This change only impacts flat rates. Weight-based, carrier-calculated, and app shipping rates aren't affected by this change and they will continue to be combined at checkout.
- Behavior before May 14, 2025: If you have a location group that has a flat rate of $5 USD, and two locations are required to fulfill an order, then the customer is charged $10 USD for shipping ($5 USD per location).
- New behavior after May 14, 2025: If you have a location group that has a flat rate of $5 USD, and two locations are required to fulfill an order, then the customer is charged $5 USD for shipping.
Q: Will this change affect my carrier calculated or weight-based rates?
No, this change only impacts flat rates. Weight-based, carrier-calculated, and app shipping rates aren't affected by this change and charges will continue to be combined at checkout.
Q: How will this affect my customers?
A: Your customers will see a single flat rate shipping charge for orders that involve items shipped from different locations within the same location group. It ensures that the shipping charges presented to your customers are not higher than expected, helping to reduce abandoned carts.
If you have split shipping activated in your store, flat rates are displayed for available shipping methods along with the indicator that multiple shipments are expected.
Q: Will this change affect the shipping rates I set for my location groups?
A: No, you have full control of their shipping rates. This change only affects how shipping is calculated for orders that require split shipments from multiple locations within a location group. All existing shipping rates will remain unchanged.
Q: How will this change affect how much I charge for shipping?
A: The change could impact the amount you charge on some shipments, as you will now charge a single flat rate for split shipments, rather than a combined total from each location. We encourage you to review your shipping and pricing strategy to ensure you're maximizing your revenue while providing a positive customer experience.
Q: What if I prefer to keep the current charges?
A: You can update your settings using the in-admin banner displayed under Shipping and delivery settings by June 20, 2025. A new location group will be created for each location with the same shipping rates carried over, and your customers will continue to be charged a summed rate for each shipment per location.
Q: What if I miss the in-admin banner deadline and would like to keep a combined charge?
A: You can update your settings at any time by creating a new group of locations for each location.
Q: What if I want to charge a single flat rate for orders that ship from specific locations and a combined rate for other locations?
A: This update gives you the flexibility to implement that. You can have more than one location group within a shipping profile. If items in an order are shipped from different locations within a single location group, the customer will be charged a single flat fee. If items in an order are shipped from locations in different location groups, the customer will be charged a combined shipping fee.
