Shipping rates that are displayed to the customer

[TNValleyCreate]

Hello all,

Currently, I am on the $1 a month for 3 month trial of Shopify. I spoke with a representative in Shopify help today that informed me that I am limited to one default package setting that is being utilized for all my products. That means that as my default package setting is a box that measures 22 x 10 x 10 and weighing 8 lbs., those package settings are being applied to a separate product that can ship in a box measuring 8 x 6 x 4 and only weighing 2 lbs. So, when a potential customer adds the smaller/lighter product to their cart and start the checkout process they are seeing freight costs associated with that product getting shipped in the larger/heavier box dimensions. Is anyone else here experiencing this issue? if so, how are you overcoming this seriously lacking quality on this platform? Is there an app that can handle figuring proper shipping amounts across different size/shape/weight products?

[sniper2804]

There are many apps that can overcome this problem. If you want have fixed shipping rates for individual products, you can use our app ShipMagic to do it. Or else, you can search "Shipping Rate Calculator" on the Shopify App Store and you will get lots of options to choose from.

However, be informed that you need CCS enabled on your store for any shipping rate app to work. 

[TNValleyCreate]

Thanks for the info! I figured the basic plan was probably going to be limited in features it offered. This would be the solution needed.

[Mirdas]

Hello @TNValleyCreate ,

When using Shopify Shipping, you can only set one box size, regardless of your Shopify plan.

To work around this limitation, you can calculate the volumetric weight for USPS shipments using this formula:

Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height in inches) / 166

For instance, if your package dimensions are 22 x 10 x 10 inches:

Volumetric Weight = (22 x 10 x 10) / 166 = 2200 / 166 = 13.3 pounds.

One of the main issues is that the default box you have configured is too large.

I recommend two things:

1. Keep the default box dimensions under 1,728 cubic inches; for example, use 15 x 10 x 10, which equals 1,500 cubic inches.

2. Adjust the product weight to account for the volumetric weight as well.

[TNValleyCreate]

Thanks for the reply Mirdas.

One issue here, If my product requires a 22" long box, then using 15" in my box default makes absolutely no sense. Actually, one of my products is in fact almost 18" tall. At minimum it would require a 20" long box to allow for that product and packing. I built my box default at 22" long because I have access to 22 x 10 x 10 boxes for free at my place of work.

I still have time to continue to see if Shopify is a good platform for me (Oct. 31st my $1 month trial expires) 

I intend on selling multiple items. All of which will vary greatly in dimensions and weights, if I cannot get Shopify with a plug in to properly display shipping amounts to customers based on their location and the product they intend on purchasing, then Shopify just may not be the platform for me.