How To Set Up Shipping In Woocommerce?
Are you starting on the Woo-commerce platform and are curious about Woocommerce shipping setup? In this article, we describe how to set up woo commerce shipping options for your eCommerce business.
In the eCommerce scene, online shopping is supported by many websites that provide back-end support to e-retailers. If you are a customer, you must be aware of the effort to packaging and shipping your online order. If you are an e-retailer just starting to sell, you must know the process of fulfilling one order. Shipping is a massive part of the whole order fulfillment process. Well-known e-retail support systems like Woocommerce provide an entire framework for online sellers to operate. Out of all the operations, Woocommerce shipping is also essential to a great length.
Are you starting on the Woo-commerce platform and are curious about Woocommerce shipping setup? In this article, we describe how to set up woo commerce shipping options for your eCommerce business. Read on to know how to set up your woocommerce shipping options quickly.
Steps To Woocommerce Shipping Setup
- Go to your Woocommerce account. The first step of setting up Woocommerce shipping is to select the shipping zones.
- Click on the settings tab and then go to the public option.
- Select the country you want your products shipped to under the shipping zones and then choose the locations. You can choose to send it to all countries too.
- Choose the shipping zones Woocommerce and then click on the Add shipping zone button. You can also specify the locations you are shipping to by clicking on the limit to a specific ZIP option.
- The Woocommerce site will ask you further to choose the shipping option to a particular location. You can do this by clicking on the Woocommerce Add Shipping method option. Many shipping methods will pop up, and you click on one to choose the way.
- You get the options of flat rate shipping, free shipping, and local pickup shipping. When you choose any method, you get the Edit option, where you can alter the cost of shipping.
- The whole process of shipping, its costs, tax included can be very confusing. Thus, you have additional settings and a calculator to calculate the final costs according to Woocommerce shipping zones.
- You can go to the Shipping section and then choose the Shipping options link.
- You can easily choose the Enable the shipping calculator option on the cart page.
- Once you have chosen the options, you can click on Save Changes.
- The next step is choosing the shipping class where you categorize shipped products into a category. If you deal in the same type of products, it is better to select a shipping class. Go to the shipping tab, click on the Shipping Class option, and then go for Add shipping class option.
- Enter a title and description for your shipping class, and then click on the Save shipping class option.
- Once the class is set, you can re-select the shipping method already chosen in the shipping methods section. You can edit the rate of shipping according to the type specified.
- Click on the Save Changes option once you are done.
Once you have set up the Woocommerce shipping system for your eCommerce venture, you can go to inventory and products to manage stock and shipping. You can easily manage packing and shipping from the settings of Woocommerce.
What is Priority Mail Cubic?
Priority Mail Cubic is a specialized service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that prices packages based on their outer dimensions rather than weight. This unique pricing model can lead to significant savings, especially for small, dense packages weighing up to 20 pounds.
Key Features:
- Dimension-based pricing: Rates determined by package size, not weight
- Weight limit: Up to 20 pounds
- Delivery timeframe: 1-3 business days
- Insurance: $100 included for free
- Tracking: Free package tracking included
- Savings: Up to 90% off retail shipping rates
USPS Cubic Pricing Tiers
Priority Mail Cubic uses a tiered pricing system based on the package's volume. There are five tiers:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 0.1 cubic feet
- Tier 0.2: 0.101 to 0.2 cubic feet
- Tier 0.3: 0.201 to 0.3 cubic feet
- Tier 0.4: 0.301 to 0.4 cubic feet
- Tier 0.5: 0.401 to 0.5 cubic feet
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
[Insert current rate table here]
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.