Shipping cost calculation
Q-Shop offers multiple ways to automatically calculate shipping costs at checkout, from the simple flat rate to real-time UPS cost calculation(*). The systems available are:
- Based on total cost:
This method calculates the cost based on the total order cost before taxes. It uses a table of cost ranges like like the one shown in the example. The cost applied is different for national and international shipping.
Example:
| Order Total |
National |
International |
| up to $100 |
$5 |
$20 |
| $101-$200 |
$10 |
$25 |
| $201-$300 |
$15 |
$30 |
| $301-$400 |
$20 |
$35 |
| more than $400 |
$25 |
$40 |
- Based on total weight:
In an equivalent way to the total cost system this method uses the total order weight to calculate the shipping cost using a table of ranges.
- Based on a percentage of the order cost:
This method will add as shipping cost a percentage of the order cost.
For example, for a 10% charge on an order of $100 will create a shipping cost of $10.
- Proportional to total order weight:
Using this method it is possible to calculate the total cost using a defined cost per unit of weight.
Example: $1 per pound or €1.5 per Kg.
- Proportional to number of products in the order:
Using this method it is possible to calculate the total cost proportionally to the number of products ordered.
Example: $1.5 per unit.
- Flat rate shipping cost:
Adds a fixed cost per order. This system can be used together with any of the other systems.
- Free Shipping for orders over a value:
You can have free shipping for all the order over a limit. This is a very popular way of encouraging higher order totals. This system can be used together with any of the other systems.
Example: Free shipping for orders over $50.
- List of options:
You can also provide a drop down menu with a list of available options to be chosen by the customer.
The system used to calculate shipping costs is very flexible allowing easy modifications to any of these methods. For example you can combine a cost per product plus a flat base fee and free shipping when the order cost is higher than a specific amount.
(*): QuadComm Inc. provides the module to interface with UPS for free for its customers. You will need to obtain a free license from UPS directly to use their real-time e-commerce system, please, consult UPS about terms and conditions.
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