How to Set Up Shipping for Your Squarespace Online Store
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When I launched my first online store,
I was thrilled to see those initial orders rolling in.
But soon,
I hit a stumbling block—shipping.
Customers were excited about my products but often abandoned their carts when shipping options didn’t meet their expectations.
It was a wake-up call. I realized that a well-structured shipping setup wasn’t just about logistics;
it was about building trust and creating a seamless experience.
If you’re setting up your Squarespace store,
I want to save you from the trial-and-error I went through.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about setting up shipping options that enhance your customers’ experience while reinforcing your store’s authority and professionalism.
Quick Fix
How to Set Up Shipping for Your Squarespace Online Store:
- Access Shipping Settings
- Choose a Shipping Option
- Set Shipping Rates
- Define Shipping Zones
- Save Your Settings
Understanding the Power of Shipping
Imagine you’re a customer browsing an online store.
You find something you love, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
Then,
you see limited or confusing shipping options—or worse, exorbitant rates.
Chances are, you’ll leave without completing the purchase.
Your shipping setup isn’t just about delivering products—it’s about building confidence in your brand.
Clear and fair shipping options tell customers you’ve thought about their needs, reinforcing your expertise and trustworthiness.
Types of Shipping Options Squarespace Offers
Squarespace makes it simple to offer flexible shipping options.
Here’s an overview of what you can set up:
Flat Rate: A consistent fee per order, with optional per-item charges. Ideal for simplicity and transparency.
Rates by Weight: Charges based on the total weight of an order—perfect for stores selling varied product sizes.
Carrier Calculated Shipping: Real-time rates from carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Great for accuracy and flexibility.
Free Shipping: A powerful incentive to increase conversions and customer loyalty.
The Foundations: What You Need to Know
Before diving into the setup, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Targeted Shipping Zones: You can customize shipping for specific regions, whether that’s cities, states, or countries. This is especially helpful if you want to charge differently for local and international orders.
Physical Products Only: Shipping rates only apply to tangible goods or subscriptions. Digital and service-based products are excluded.
Local Pickup or Delivery: For businesses with a local presence, offering in-person pickup or delivery can be a game-changer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Squarespace Shipping Options
Here’s how to create shipping options that meet your business needs:
1. Access the Shipping Panel
Log into your Squarespace account, head to the Commerce section, and open the Shipping panel.
2. Add a New Shipping Option
Click Add Shipping Option.
Choose from Flat Rate, Rates by Weight, or Carrier Calculated Shipping.
3. Define Your Shipping Rates
Give your option a clear name (e.g., “Standard Shipping” or “Express Delivery”).
Configure the rates based on your chosen method. Squarespace offers detailed guides for Flat Rate, Weight-Based, and Carrier Calculated Shipping.
4. Set Shipping Zones
Navigate to the Shipping Zones tab to specify where each option is available.
For example, you can set up a $5 flat rate for local orders and $15 for international orders.
5. Save Your Settings
Double-check your configurations and hit Save.
Advanced Tip: Create Fulfillment Profiles
When I started selling, I had no idea some products needed special shipping arrangements.
For instance, fragile items required extra care, while oversized ones incurred higher costs.
This is where Fulfillment Profiles in Squarespace come in handy.
How to Set Up Fulfillment Profiles:
Open the Products panel and click Fulfillment Profiles.
Click Add Custom Profile, then name it (e.g., “Fragile Items” or “Oversized Products”).
Assign specific shipping or delivery options to this profile.
Link the profile to individual products in your store.
Now, your shipping options will dynamically adjust based on what customers buy, ensuring they get the right rates every time.
Offering Free Shipping
Free shipping is a game-changer for online stores. Not only does it boost conversions, but it also sets you apart from competitors.
You can offer free shipping through:
A dedicated “Free Shipping” Flat Rate option.
Promotional discounts, such as “Free Shipping on orders over $50.”
Pro Tip: Communicate your free shipping policy clearly on your website. A banner at the top of your homepage works wonders!
Handling Challenges
At one point, I had a customer reach out, frustrated because they couldn’t see carrier-calculated rates at checkout.
After some digging,
I realized the issue was with product dimensions—if the shipping container size isn’t properly configured, some rates won’t show up.
Take a moment to double-check your product listings.
Ensure every item has accurate weight and dimensions so your shipping options display correctly.
Integrate Shipping Extensions for Extra Efficiency
As my store grew, managing shipping became more complex.
That’s when I discovered tools like Shippo and Easyship through Squarespace Extensions.
These third-party services streamline processes like printing labels, tracking shipments, and managing multiple carriers.
While these tools aren’t directly supported by Squarespace, connecting them is easy, and they can save you hours of admin work.
Building Trust Through Shipping
Your shipping setup isn’t just a backend process—it’s a reflection of your brand. Offering clear, fair, and flexible shipping options tells customers that you value their experience and are an expert in your field.
When customers know what to expect, they’re more likely to complete their purchase and return to your store in the future.
Ready to Set Up Shipping?
I’ve been where you are—excited but slightly overwhelmed by all the details. But once I got my shipping settings right, I saw the impact almost immediately: higher conversion rates, fewer abandoned carts, and happier customers.
Take the time to set up shipping thoughtfully. It’s an investment in your store’s success and your customers’ trust.
Here’s to building a store that customers love—and trust!
