Shipping zones and rates
A shipping zone is a group of places you ship to, like your country. For each zone you set rates: free, a flat rate, or calculated rates that depend on weight and address. Start with places you can reliably ship to.
Packaging and weight
Weigh items packed, including the box and padding, and enter the weight in each product. Wrong weights mean wrong shipping charges. Fragile items like vintage dolls need extra padding. Packing supplies are a real cost to include in prices.
Local pickup and delivery
Shopify lets you offer local pickup and local delivery. Pickup works well for market sellers. Set clear pickup instructions and hours, and think about safety: meet in a public place or your business location, not your home if you are not comfortable.
Shipping labels and tracking
In many areas you can buy shipping labels from inside Shopify. Tracking lets you and the buyer see where the package is. Mark orders as fulfilled when shipped so the customer gets an update.
A real-world example
A candle maker offers a flat rate for her state, calculated rates elsewhere, and free local pickup on Saturdays at her studio. She weighs each candle packed and updates the product weights.
Steps to take
- Decide where you will ship.
- Weigh packed products and enter weights.
- Choose rate types for each zone.
- Set up local pickup or delivery if offered.
- Ship a test package to yourself or a friend.
Shipping check
This checklist is optional and not saved. Copy it to keep a personal note. Do not enter sensitive information.
Go deeper in related modules
Not sure what a word means? Check Business Words Made Simple.
Official guidance
Use these official sources for current rules and details. They do not replace advice for your particular business.
- Shopify Help: Shipping and fulfillment setup (opens in a new tab)
Official setup for zones, rates, pickup, and labels.
- Shopify Help Center (opens in a new tab)
Official how-to articles for every part of the store admin.