The Add Shipping Methods section lets you create and configure different types of shipping options for the shipping condition. Each method can be customized with its type, name, delivery time, and cost rules.
How to Add a Shipping Method (Quick Steps)
Follow these steps to add a shipping method to a shipping rule. This sets up how delivery costs are calculated for customers.
- Choose a Shipping Method Type
Select one of the following: Flexible Rate, Flat Rate, or Free Shipping. - Enter a Shipping Method Name
Type the name customers will see as a shipping option at checkout (examples: Express Delivery, Standard Delivery, Fast Delivery). - Set Expected Delivery Time (Optional)
Define delivery time by entering the minimum and maximum days. Customers will see this at checkout. - Add a Description (Optional)
Write a short description. This will also be visible at checkout. - Add Shipping Cost
- Flexible Rate: Create tiered rates based on conditions (e.g., weight, cart total).
- Flat Rate: Enter one fixed shipping cost.
- Free Shipping: Set conditions under which free shipping will apply.
You can change measurement units (weight, height, width, length, volume, and currency) in WooCommerce to match your business needs.
For product measurements:
Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Products > General > Measurements.
From here, update the Weight unit and Dimensions unit (length, width, height, and volume).For currency:
Go to WooCommerce > Settings > General > Currency options.
Select the currency that fits your store.
How Each Shipping Method Sets Up Costs
Flexible Rate uses tiered rates with ranges, Flat Rate requires one fixed cost, and Free Shipping is activated by setting one condition. The table below shows the cost setup differences and best use cases.
| Shipping Method | Criteria Requirement | Multiple Rates | Setup Process | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible Rate | Must select a criterion (e.g., cart total, subtotal) | Yes, tiered rates can be created | 1. Select one criterion 2. Set min and max values | Stores needing complex, tiered shipping costs |
| Flat Rate | No criteria required | Only one rate | Enter a single fixed shipping cost | Simple stores using one standard fixed rate |
| Free Shipping | 1. Select one criterion 2. Set min and max values | Only free shipping | 1. Select one criteria 2. Set min and max values | Store owners want to reward customers. |
✅ Key Takeaway
- Use Flexible Rate for tiered or dynamic shipping rates.
- Use Flat Rate for a simple, universal shipping charge.
- Use Free Shipping to reward customers or create a positive brand image.
Understanding the Shipping Method Variations
WowShipping supports three distinct shipping method types: Flexible Rate, Flat Rate, and Free Shipping. Each method works differently in how costs are set and displayed at checkout. Understanding these variations will help you choose the right approach for your store.
A. Flexible Rate
Flexible Rate is the most advanced shipping method. It lets you set tiered shipping costs based on specific criteria. Each rule can define a minimum value, a maximum value, and a corresponding shipping cost.
How to set it up:
- Choose a criterion (for example, Cart Weight, Cart Total, or Product Quantity).
- Enter a minimum and maximum value for that criterion.
- Add the shipping cost for that range.
- Click Add Rate if you want more ranges with different costs.
This way, customers are charged based on the range their order falls into.
Examples of Flexible Rate Shipping Method
1. Weight-Based Shipping Rates
Use this when you want costs to increase as the total order weight increases. It ensures heavy items cost more to ship than light ones.
- 0–2 kg → $5
- 2–5 kg → $10
- 5–10 kg → $15
2. Cart Total Based Rates
Use this when you want to encourage customers to spend more. The higher their cart value, the lower the shipping cost they pay.
- $0–$50 → $7
- $51–$100 → $4
- $101+ → Free
👉 These examples show how Flexible Rate adapts to different business needs, from simple tiered shipping to advanced promotions.
B. Flat Rate
Flat Rate is the simplest shipping method. It charges customers one fixed shipping cost, no matter the cart weight, total, or product quantity.
How to set it up:
- Select Flat Rate as the shipping method.
- Enter the fixed shipping cost in the cost field.
That’s it — every order will use this same rate.
Examples of Flat Rate Shipping Methods
1. Common Scenario
Use this when you want to keep things simple. All customers pay the same shipping cost.
- Flat Shipping Cost = $7
- That means every order, whether 1 item or 20, will have a $7 fee as the shipping cost.
2. Multiple Delivery Options
You can still offer multiple flat-rate methods side by side. For example:
- Express Delivery → $12
- Standard Delivery → $5
👉 Flat Rate is best when you want a quick and predictable shipping setup without complex rules.
Update to the Flat Rate Shipping Method:
Some new updates have been introduced to the Flat Rate Shipping method with v1.0.1:
- Support for WooCommerce pricing formula – Support for WooCommerce pricing formula has been added. You can check out the official doc for more information.
- Classic Cart Support – Delivery date and shipping method description support added for the WooCommerce classic cart.
Here’s a sneak peak of the updated system:
C. Free Shipping
Free Shipping lets you offer shipping at no cost to customers, but you can set conditions to control when it applies. This method is often used to increase sales by encouraging larger orders.
How to set it up:
- Select Free Shipping as the method.
- Choose a condition (for example, Cart Total, Cart Quantity, or Product Weight).
- Enter a minimum and maximum value for that condition to be met.
At checkout, customers will automatically see Free Shipping only if their order meets the required conditions.
Examples of Free Shipping Methods
1. Minimum Cart Total
Use this when you want to reward customers who spend more.
- $50 or more → Free Shipping
2. Buy More Items
Use this when you want to surprise a customer who makes bulk purchases.
- 5 or more items in the cart → Free Shipping
3. Light Weight Orders
Use this when you only want to offer free delivery for small, lightweight packages.
- Cart Weight up to 1 kg → Free Shipping
👉 Free Shipping works best as a sales incentive. It motivates customers to add more to their carts to qualify for the benefit.