How do I set up shipping profiles, weights and prices so that my customers don't get overcharged...?

[LotsaHeartToys]

HI! I have just set up our online store and am stuck on the shipping portion. I've set up two shipping profiles which most of my items will fall under for now. The tricky thing is that I cannot figure out how my customers shipping rates will be accurately calculated if they purchase more than one item. If I set the shipping cost to "per order", than it may not cover the cost to ship USPS, and if I set shipping to "per item", than they may get overcharged, neither of which is good for either end of the deal. 

I am using the free plan and do not have real-time shipping as an option for now. This is my first online marketplace and I do not want to mess this up. Thank you all for your support! 

[JK_Fiber_Art · Accepted solution]

Hello LotsaHeartToys,

Assuming you're a small business as many of us are here and like me, using the free plan - there is no one solution that is ideal.  For example, in the past we chose to offer Free Shipping - on the backside, we increased our prices to cover the costs.  Doing so allows us to determine the best shipping method or service after receiving the order.  It can be USPS, UPS or FedEx - it just depends on the address.  It's not perfect but, since our items are unique, the price of the item is not an issue and the phrase "Free Shipping" is inviting.  (USPS Flat Rate Shipping for customers who have PO Boxes has also worked well.)   Don't worry about messing things up - as you mentioned this is your first online business and things happen - you will learn to adapt from experience.  Down the road, when your comfortable with your business, then taking advantage of real-time shipping options is worth the expense.  I'm sure that other Community members will offer some advice as there is a lot of experience here.

[LotsaHeartToys]

Thank you so very much for the help and personal suggestions. I have decided to offer free shipping, and have adjusted my prices to reflect the approx. expenses of that. I appreciate the support and look forward to seeing this business grow 🙂 

[Candlestore]

@LotsaHeartToys ;

If you can Figure out how to get the EXACT shipping for multiple Different Items for all your different items that are different sizes and weights when in 1 or a few different boxes, you would have a gold mine of a product formula to sell to shipping companies and websites.  As was mentioned by @JK_Fiber_Art , the easiest way is to inflate your prices and offer free shipping on every  item.   When you have an item calculate the size box, weight of box including protective supplies, and then figure out an average shipping cost to ship your product where you want to sell.  The issue is local people would be paying Higher than actual shipping, People accross the country would be getting savings and the ones half way would be getting fair shipping.  What I have done is made it that once someone orders over $XX.XX they get free shipping.   This way the profit of my items combined can help offset the shipping.  I tried to do exact calculations and it drove me crazy because of adding small items and large items in one order messes it all up since sometime the small item can be shiped in the same box as the larger item.  

[LotsaHeartToys]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yeah, I can't imagine trying to do all that and not lose my mind in the process haha. I have decided to just offer free shipping and adjust my prices accordingly to cover approx shipping rates across the country and my time and packing materials. That being said, you make a valid point about the distance they are shipping to and the prices it'll cost me. I'm sure I will upgrade to the premium membership eventually, but for now, I'm going to stick to the free platform. Thanks again and cheers to success in all that we do!