How to Set Up Free Shipping on Shopify

Unexpected shipping costs are one of the most common reasons people abandon a checkout. Free shipping, or a clear threshold for it, removes that surprise and gives shoppers a reason to add one more item. Shopify offers three ways to set it up.

Method 1: A free shipping rate for everyone

1. Go to Settings → Shipping and delivery.
2. Open your General shipping rates profile (or the profile you want).
3. In the zone you want, click Add rate.
4. Name it clearly, for example "Free standard shipping (3–5 days)", and set the price to 0.
5. Save.

Keep a paid express rate alongside it if you offer faster delivery.

Method 2: Free shipping above an order value

1. In the same zone, add a rate with price 0.
2. Click Add conditions and choose Based on order price.
3. Set the minimum, for example 75.00.
4. Keep your normal paid rate for orders below that amount, with a matching maximum if you want the paid rate to disappear above the threshold.

Rates can also be based on weight. If you sell in several currencies with Shopify Markets, check how the threshold appears in each market.

Method 3: A free shipping discount

1. Go to Discounts → Create discount → Free shipping.
2. Choose a code or an automatic discount.
3. Set the countries, the minimum purchase or quantity, and any rate limit (for example, exclude rates above a certain price so express shipping isn't free).
4. Choose which other discounts it can combine with, and set dates if it's a campaign.

This suits time-limited promotions, specific customer segments or email campaigns.

Choosing a threshold

A common starting point is a little above your current average order value, so many customers need only one more item to qualify. Then check the numbers:

• What does shipping cost you on an order at the threshold?
• What is your gross margin on that order after shipping?
• Did average order value and conversion rate change after you introduced it?

Our profit calculator helps you see the margin on a typical order.

Make sure shoppers see it

• An announcement bar with the threshold
• A line near the price on product pages
• A progress message in the cart: "You're 12.00 away from free shipping"
• Clear terms on your shipping policy page

The cart is also a good place for a small add-on that helps customers reach the threshold; see cross-selling on Shopify.

Exceptions and special cases

• Bulky items: use a separate shipping profile with their own rates.
• International orders: set thresholds per zone, as costs differ greatly. See selling internationally.
• Local pickup and delivery: set them up in the same shipping settings if you have a physical location.

Need help with shipping profiles, carriers or the whole store setup? See our Shopify store setup service.