Offering free shipping is a popular and effective way to boost conversions in an eCommerce store. In fact, many online shoppers are drawn to stores that offer free shipping options, especially when it’s available after spending a certain amount. For WooCommerce store owners, setting up free shipping over a specific purchase threshold can be a strategic way to increase average order value and enhance customer satisfaction.
This guide walks you through the benefits of offering free shipping over a specific amount, steps to set it up in WooCommerce, and tips for making the most out of this promotional feature.
Why Offer Free Shipping Over a Certain Amount?
Introducing a free shipping threshold can encourage customers to add more items to their cart, effectively increasing the average order size. Here are some key reasons why setting up a minimum-spend free shipping option can benefit your WooCommerce store:
- Encourage Larger Orders: When customers are close to the free shipping threshold, they’re more likely to add extra items to qualify, increasing your sales per transaction.
- Improve Customer Satisfaction: Offering free shipping, even with a minimum purchase amount, makes your store more appealing and enhances the overall shopping experience.
- Stay Competitive: Many online retailers offer free shipping, making it a customer expectation in eCommerce. By providing a threshold-based free shipping option, you keep your store competitive.
- Simplify Shipping Options: With clear criteria for free shipping, you streamline your shipping choices and avoid complex calculations or configurations.
Steps to Set Up Free Shipping Over a Certain Amount in WooCommerce
WooCommerce provides an easy way to create a free shipping option based on a minimum order amount. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set it up effectively:
Step 1: Access Shipping Settings in WooCommerce
- In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to WooCommerce > Settings.
- Click on the Shipping tab at the top of the page.
Step 2: Add or Edit a Shipping Zone
Shipping zones allow you to offer different shipping methods based on the location of the customer. For instance, you may want to offer free shipping within a certain country but charge for international shipping.
- Under the Shipping Zones section, you’ll see a list of existing zones. You can either edit an existing zone by clicking Edit or create a new one by clicking Add Shipping Zone.
- Define the zone by naming it and selecting the regions where you’d like the free shipping option to apply.
Step 3: Add the Free Shipping Method to Your Zone
Once your zone is set up, you can add the free shipping option:
- Inside the selected zone, click on Add Shipping Method.
- From the dropdown, select Free Shipping and click Add Shipping Method.
Step 4: Configure the Free Shipping Requirements
Now that the free shipping option is added, it’s time to set the minimum amount requirement:
- Click Edit next to Free Shipping in your chosen zone.
- In the Free Shipping Requires section, select A Minimum Order Amount. You can also choose other conditions, like a valid coupon code if you want to combine offers.
- Enter your minimum order amount in the designated field.
- Save the changes to apply the settings.
Your WooCommerce store is now set to offer free shipping to customers who meet the minimum spending requirement for the specified zone.
Customize Your Free Shipping Message
Once your free shipping threshold is active, it’s a good idea to promote this offer throughout your store. Customizing the way you announce free shipping can attract attention and remind shoppers of the added value.
1. Display a Free Shipping Banner
Add a banner to your homepage or at the top of your shop page highlighting the free shipping offer. Phrases like “Enjoy Free Shipping on Orders Over $50!” can draw customers’ attention immediately and set the stage for more shopping.
2. Show Progress to Free Shipping in the Cart
Consider using a plugin to display a “Progress to Free Shipping” notice in the shopping cart. For instance, if the threshold is $50 and a customer has added $30 worth of products, the message could read, “Add $20 more to your cart to qualify for free shipping!” This motivates customers to add more items, boosting their cart total.
3. Add Information on Product Pages
Include a reminder about the free shipping threshold on individual product pages. By placing it near the “Add to Cart” button, you make sure customers know about the offer while browsing.
WooCommerce Plugins to Enhance Free Shipping Over Amount
While WooCommerce’s built-in free shipping option is straightforward, using additional plugins can enhance functionality and provide more control. Here are some recommended plugins to help you get more out of your free shipping offer:
- WooCommerce Advanced Free Shipping: This plugin allows you to set free shipping conditions based on more specific criteria, like user roles, categories, and shipping classes.
- Cart Notices for WooCommerce: Display notices in the cart about how much more customers need to spend to qualify for free shipping.
- Conditional Shipping and Payments: This plugin lets you hide or display certain payment and shipping methods based on complex conditions, such as order subtotal or user location.
Best Practices for Implementing Woocommerce free shipping over amount
To ensure that your free shipping promotion has the desired impact, keep the following best practices in mind:
1. Choose a Realistic Threshold
Set a minimum order amount that strikes a balance between increasing average order value and remaining achievable for customers. Analyze your average order value and set a threshold slightly above it to motivate customers to add more to their cart without making the target feel unattainable.
2. Keep the Offer Visible
The more visible your free shipping offer, the more likely customers are to notice and act on it. Display it prominently on your homepage, product pages, cart, and checkout pages to maximize its influence on purchasing decisions.
3. Test Different Thresholds
If you’re unsure about the right free shipping threshold, experiment with different amounts to find what works best for your store. Adjusting the threshold based on customer behavior and seasonal trends can keep your offer appealing over time.
4. Combine Free Shipping with Discounts or Coupons
Combining your free shipping offer with other promotions can encourage customers to spend even more. For instance, offer a discount for orders that exceed the free shipping threshold to maximize its impact.
5. Highlight the Offer in Marketing Campaigns
Promote your free shipping threshold across all marketing channels, including email, social media, and ads. Customers are often looking for free shipping opportunities, so mentioning it in your marketing can help attract new customers and re-engage existing ones.
Benefits of Offering Free Shipping Over a Certain Amount
The “free shipping over amount” strategy benefits both customers and store owners. For customers, it makes purchases more attractive and offers added value. For store owners, it’s a way to increase sales, reduce cart abandonment, and build customer loyalty. Here’s a quick overview of the main advantages:
- Higher Average Order Value: Setting a minimum spend for free shipping encourages customers to buy more to reach the threshold.
- Reduced Cart Abandonment: Shipping costs are a common reason for cart abandonment. Offering free shipping with a minimum spend can lower this risk.
- Enhanced Brand Perception: Free shipping is often associated with value and generosity, helping create a positive brand image.
Conclusion
Adding a free shipping threshold in your WooCommerce store is a simple yet effective way to boost sales and improve customer satisfaction. By setting up the option in your shipping settings, you can strategically encourage customers to spend more, resulting in a higher average order value.
Promoting the free shipping threshold throughout your site and marketing channels ensures that customers are aware of the offer, increasing its effectiveness. With careful planning and the right setup, offering free shipping over a certain amount can be a powerful tool in your WooCommerce store’s success strategy.