How to offer multiple shipping options in WooCommerce: A complete 2025 guide

How to offer multiple shipping options in WooCommerce: A complete 2025 guide

The e-commerce world is shifting with new shipping requirements from both the customer's and the store owner's end. Shipping options have become a deal-maker when it comes to satisfying customers during the checkout process. 

Around 48% of shoppers abandon their carts due to unsatisfactory WooCommerce shipping options and inaccurate costs. Therefore, your store must have multiple shipping options that show accurate costs. Otherwise, you will be losing sales without even realising it. 

The good news is, Multiple shipping methods = happier customers + higher conversions. In short, you can set different shipping rules for various shipping zones.

This guide will walk you through the process of setting up multiple WooCommerce shipping options. Ultimately, you will be able to set shipping fees in different zones according to flat rate, cart total, weight, class, and more.

Why Multiple WooCommerce Shipping Options Matter in 2025

Modern customers are more aware of how an online store delivers its products. However, you can meet their expectations with the help of WooCommerce and a plugin like Shipping Manager. Multiple WooCommerce shipping options can boost your store’s performance in key areas like: 

Meeting Customer Expectations

Modern-day shoppers want a transparent, flexible, and quick shopping experience. This is where multiple WooCommerce shipping options come in to offer flexibility and clarity during checkout. 

The Baymard Institute study found that 70% of clients expect different WooCommerce shipping options. This happens even before a product is added to their cart.  Additionally, 40% of them won't purchase if they cannot find their preferred shipping option. 

What you can offer: 

  • Flat rate shipping fee

  • Weight-based shipping fee

  • Free shippnig optinos

  • Same or next day delivery 

  • Economy shipping, and more   

More option means you are satisfying more customers who are looking for different shipping options. This also increases customer loyalty as they prefer your store over others.

Lowering Cart Abandonment

Customers rarely expect surprises, such as high fees or limited delivery options. These are the top reasons behind cart abandonment. According to research, stores offering multiple WooCommerce shipping options achieve a 35% higher conversion rate. 

This is because shoppers expect transparency in price and variety in WooCommerce shipping options. They feel confident in spending and avoiding last-minute cart abandonment. 

Getting a Competitive Edge

Giants like Amazon are focusing on standard shipping fees with a fast and free shipping option. However, you can offer more flexible shipping fees, such as:

  • Free shipping thresholds 

  • Reduced shipping fees 

  • Cart total based fee 

  • Weight-based feeEco-friendlyy shipping 

  • Multiple Class-based fee

These personalized shipping approaches enhance the buying experience and encourage customers to return. 

Future Proofing Your Store 

Same-day shipping via drones, AI-driven logistics, and carbon-neutral WooCommerce shipping options are getting popular every day. So, you can stay ahead by applying innovative shipping solutions now. This will lead your store to be prepared for future shipping methods in advance.   

Improving Operational Flexibility 

Different WooCommerce shipping options based on product type, order weight, or customer location can give you more control over logistics. This means you can optimize fulfillment workflows by reducing shipping errors and delays.

Now, we will show you how to set multiple WooCommerce shipping options for your online store. 

Steps to Set Up Multiple WooCommerce Shipping Options in WooCommerce

Offering multiple WooCommerce shipping options is more than just satisfying the customers. It's about providing them with a unique experience that motivates them to return.

WooCommerce offers default options to apply multiple shipping methods. However, it's a complex process, as it involves some manual approaches. We will make your process easier with the help of the Shipping Manager. This plugin halves your effort when it comes to setting up and configuring various shipping methods.

Here’s your step-by-step playbook to offer multiple WooCommerce shipping options:

Configure Different Shipping Zones

The first step is to create shipping zones, allowing you to set shipping rules for each zone. Follow these steps to set shipping zones: 

  • Go to: WooCommerce Settings Shipping Shipping Zones

WooCommerce shipping settings

  • Click Add Zone now, then enter the Zone Name. Since we are establishing shipping charges for Florida, we have set the zone name to Florida.

Setting zone name to Florida

  • After that, click on the Zone regions menu, put your preferred zone region in the box, and then click next to the zone region.

 

Selecting zone region

  • To keep the changes that you just made, click Save Settings.

  • Next, click "Add Shipping Method" and select "Shipping Manager" from the available shipping methods. 

Selecting Shipping Manger as shipping option

  • Now, click the Continue button.

 Click continue after selecting WooCommerce shipping options

  • The Shipping Manager is now accessible through the Shipping Method. To view it, click Edit.

Created WooCommerce shipping options

In the next step, we will be adding shipping methods to this specific zone. 

Adding Different WooCommerce shipping options to a Zone 

You can now configure Zone-specific shipping methods. It's only applicable for the Florida region. 

Zone specific WooCommerce shipping options via shipping manager

  • Set the Method Name, Method Description, and Tax Status (if necessary) from this page. 

Setting shipping method information

  • You can also customize your WooCommerce store's shipping rules and conditions.

Customizing shipping rules in shipping manager

  • From the Shipping Rules, set the Flat Rate and cost as $10

  • Then click Save Changes.

Set shipping option and price at shipping manager

  • Click the Zone name (Florida), which will redirect you to the zone-specific shipping method. 

Going to specific shipping zone

  • Then, click the Edit button next to the second shipping method, labeled "Shipping Manager." 

Edit the created shipping method

  • Now, select the Flat Rate and put the cost value as $20

  • Then click Save Changes.  

Setting a different shipping rule and price

  • You’ve successfully set two different shipping methods or rules for the Florida zone. So, go back to WooCommerce > Shipping.  

  • As you can see, there are two shipping methods available for the Florida region. 

Viewing different shipping methods

Setting Up Shipping for Another Shipping Zone 

Let’s create another shipping zone and set WooCommerce shipping options for that zone. Follow these steps:

  • Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping.  

  • Click the Add Zone button.

Setting another shipping zone

  • Now, set the zone name as Canada 

  • Next, select the entire country of Canada 

Selecting zone name as Canada

  • Up next, click the Add Shipping Method button.

  • Then select Shipping Manager

  • Next, click the Continue button. 

Selecting a shipping method and continue

  • This time, click the edit button beside the created shipping method named Shipping Manager. You can change this shipping method name at any time. 

Edit a shipping method

Now we will set a different shipping option for the selected shipping method. 

  • This time, a different shipping rule will be set up for this shipping method and will be applicable to the entire zone. 

Setting different shipping rules for the zone

  • Now, click "Save changes" and then click "Shipping Zones.

  • You can now view two different Shipping Zones

  • One is based in Florida and the other in the Canadian region.

Two different shipping zones in WooCommerce

Now we will check the shipping cost in action at the checkout page. 

Testing The Shipping Cost at Checkout 

At this stage, we will verify the shipping cost on the checkout page to ensure accuracy. 

  • First, go to the shop page and click the "Add to cart" button on your preferred product.

The shop page in WooCommerce

  • Then go to the checkout page.

  • Let’s say someone is checking out from Florida by providing the shipping address for that zone. 

  • As you can see, the shipping fee for that zone is $20. 

 

Shipping fee for Florida region

  • However, when someone checks out from Canada, the shipping fee becomes $30

 

Shipping fee for the Canada region

Let’s explore the WooCommerce shipping options that the shipping manager offers. 

WooCommerce Shipping Options Available in Shipping Manager

The shipping manager currently offers six unique WooCommerce shipping options. The pro version extends its current features. Let’s learn briefly about the available WooCommerce shipping options in Shipping Manager: 

Available WooCommerce shipping options in Shipping manager plugin

  • Flat Rate: This shipping option charges a fixed amount. It's a fixed shipping fee that ignores the product's weight, size, or distance.

  • Subtotal: This method calculates the shipping cost based on the total value of products added to the cart. 

  • Total: This method calculates the shipping fee based on the total value, including the product price and tax. 

  • Per Unit Weight (kg): In this method, the shipping fee is calculated according to the weight of each item.

  • Total Weight: This approach calculates the shipping cost based on the total weight of the products in the cart.

  • Shipping Class: This method enables you to categorize products with varying shipping requirements, such as fragile or heavy items, or those requiring express delivery. Then you can apply a custom shipping fee to each group.

The shipping manager also allows you to add a New Row, duplicate a shipping option, and delete a selected row. However, the shipping manager is continuously upgrading and working on adding more WooCommerce shipping options. 

Advanced Shipping Strategies 

WooCommerce enables you to add additional WooCommerce shipping options, catering to diverse business and customer preferences. Applying these options will enhance the checkout experience of your customers. Here are some popular WooCommerce shipping options that you should implement on top of existing methods: 

Advanced Shipping Strategies 

Free Shipping 

The free shipping option is an effective conversion tool. You can enable this feature for specific items in the store. Besides, you can use thresholds on a certain order amount or offer coupons to redeem free shipping. 

Use Case: Promote exclusive deals like "Free shipping on orders over $50" or encourage higher cart sizes.

Real-time Carrier Shipping (Live Rates)

This shipping option shows real-time shipping costs and probable delivery dates. Then it connects your WooCommerce store with shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, or USPS. 

Use Case: Necessary for shipment that is weight-sensitive or international. It guarantees that clients receive proper charges.

Zone-Based Shipping

Create shipping zones according to customer location, such as country, state, and postal code. Then assign different WooCommerce shipping options or methods for each zone. 

Use Case: Charge various prices for remote, domestic, and foreign locations.

Express or Same-Day Shipping

Most of the customers prefer quick delivery within a day or two, even if they have to pay more. This shipping option is offered by local delivery services or apps. 

Use Case: Gerat for taking urgent orders, event-based products, and perishable products. 

Distance-based shipping 

This kind of shipping option calculates the fees based on the distance between your store and the customer’s place. 

Use Case: This shipping option is great for local delivery businesses, restaurants, and service-based products. 

Product-Specific Shipping

This shipping option is applied to specific products and product categories. For example, you can ensure cold chain delivery for perishable products and express delivery for high-value items. 

Use Case: Some products need special handling alongside delivery methods. It's applicable for fragile, oversized, or perishable products. 

Freight Shipping Option

This shipping option is best for delivering heavy products that require delivery via freight carriers. It always requires special handling and a properly scheduled delivery. 

Use Case: Furniture, industrial equipment, or bulk wholesale items.

Subscription-Based Shipping (Recurring Delivery)

This recurring shipping option applies to subscription-based products or restockable items. It simplifies customer experience by categorizing the shipments on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. 

Use Case: Monthly product boxes, pet supplies, personal care items, etc.

Eco-Friendly or Carbon-Neutral Shipping

This shipping option offers environmental friendliness that ensures carbon-offset delivery. Environment-conscious customers prefer these WooCommerce shipping options over any other options. 

Use Case: Companies that value environmentally friendly consumers and concentrate on sustainability. 

Appointment-based Delivery

It's a premium shipping option where you give your customers the option to choose the precise data and time of delivery. It ensures customers' convenience and preparedness when it comes to delivering the product in someone's presence. 

Use Case: Home services, luxury goods, or installations. 

These are some advanced shipping methods that require third-party plugins over WooCommerce. However, these are the trending WooCommerce shipping options that can significantly improve user experience and boost conversion. 

Optimizing WooCommerce shipping options for Better Conversions

Shipping is not just a delivery process but also works as a powerful conversion ladder. You need to apply multiple WooCommerce shipping options with optimized shipping strategies. Here are some ways to fine-tune your WooCommerce shipping options for maximum output: 

Display Shipping Cost Early 

Displaying the shipping cost early means there is no surprise for your customers. 

Solution: 

  • Use Shipping Manager or WooCommerce shipping calculator to showcase real-time shipping fees at the cart page.

  • Add a shipping calculator on the product page that helps customers get an idea of the shipping fee before heading to the cart page.

  • You can showcase free shipping thresholds like - Spend $10 more to get Free Shipping!. 

Offer Shipping Upgrades at Checkout

Modern-day customers prefer faster delivery even if they have to pay a higher shipping fee. 

How you can implement: 

  • Plugins like Table rate shipping and WooCommerce conditional shipping are ideal for showing quicker delivery options only when necessary.

  • Display a side-by-side comparison of shipping speeds and prices (e.g., *"Standard (3-5 days): $5 | Express (1-2 days): $12"*).

A/B Test Shipping Strategies

Test different shipping fees and options through:

  • Free Shipping Thresholds: Does $50 work better than $75 for your audience?

  • Default vs. Expedited Shipping: Does pre-selecting "Express" increase upgrades?

  • Messaging: Test urgency-driven copy like *"Order in the next 2 hours for same-day dispatch!"*

Provide Transparency & Trust Signals

Gain customers’ trust through transparency by applying the following tactics: 

  • Show delivery date estimates. 

  • Add shipping insurance to reduce post-purchase anxiety.

  • Display carrier logos (e.g., FedEx, DHL) for credibility.

Strategic WooCommerce shipping options not only meet users’ expectations but also exceed them while boosting revenue. 

Conclusion: Master WooCommerce shipping options 

WooCommerce shipping options are not just about maintaining the logistical needs of your online store. Your store must maintain it with transparency, accuracy, customizability, and speed. 

We’ve clearly mentioned how you can set up different WooCommerce shipping options with a step-by-step approach. Additionally, we’ve noted how you can optimize your WooCommerce shipping options for improved conversion. 

Now, it's time to audit your current WooCommerce shipping options to find the missing pieces. Then implement the ones that we’ve mentioned. 

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