Shopify just released some very useful updates to how you set up shipping (they’re calling them “shipping options” now instead of “rates,” by the way) why not). Now you’ve got more ways to tell customers exactly what they’re paying for, when they’ll get it, and how to unlock free shipping. All of which can contribute to higher average order values.
Let’s jump into the three big updates you’re going to want to consider right away:
- Weight OR price conditions in one option – Now you can set either weight-based or price-based conditions within a single shipping option for cleaner rate organization.
- Custom descriptions at checkout – Add a custom description to each shipping option that shows up right when customers are deciding which option to choose.
- Automatic free shipping thresholds – If you offer it, now customers can unlock free shipping when they hit a minimum order value. All you need to do is set it and forget it.
How These Updates Help Your Customers (and Your Bottom Line)
Update #1: Cleaner Rate Organization with Weight OR Price Conditions
Before, if you wanted to offer both weight-based and price-based shipping, you’d need multiple separate shipping options which was a bit on the clunky side. Now you can set either weight-based OR price-based conditions easily within a single option without making the backend a mess.
For example, you might have:
- Option 1: Weight-based shipping ($4 for 0-1lb, $8 for 1-2lb, etc.)
- Option 2: Flat-rate shipping for orders over $100
Instead of having these as separate entries, the updated interface combines them so you have better organization and more flexibility in how you set them up.
Update #2: Custom Descriptions + Transit Time = A Major Win
When customers see your shipping options at checkout, you want them to make a fast decision and finish the checkout. Having confusing shipping method names, or ones with no detail can lead to abandonment. The new custom descriptions let you tell them why they should pick each option. Combined with transit time, here’s what that looks like:
Before:
- Standard Shipping – $5.99
- Express Shipping – $12.99
After:
- Standard Shipping (5-7 business days) – $5.99 – “Perfect for everyday purchases.”
- Express Shipping (2-3 business days) – $12.99 – “Rush delivery. Great for gifts!”
That second version answers the questions before the customer even thinks to ask them. Transit time helps customers understand the value of selecting faster and more expensive shipping options.
Update #3: Automatic Free Shipping Thresholds = AOV Boost
We all know that free shipping on orders over a set amount are the single most effective shipping strategy for increasing AOV. Stores that offer this typically see AOV increases of 15-25% as customers add items to reach the threshold.
Shopify made this simple. You don’t have to create a separate “free shipping” rate anymore. Just set a minimum order value on any existing shipping option, and just like that free shipping kicks in automatically at that threshold.
No extra setup, no confusion.
Real-World Example: A Snack Retailer
Let’s say you’re selling snacks online. Here’s how you might structure shipping using the three new updates:
Shipping within the USA
- Standard Shipping – $5.99
- Condition: Price-based (applies to orders under $100)
- Transit Time: 5-7 business days
- Description: “Standard delivery. Free shipping on orders over $60.”
- Free shipping threshold: $60
- Express Shipping – $14.99
- Condition: Price-based (applies to all orders)
- Transit Time: 2-3 business days
- Description: “Rush delivery. Perfect for last-minute gifts. Includes ice packs for meltable items.”
- No free shipping threshold
- Local Pickup – FREE
- Condition: Flat rate (specific to Miami area customers)
- Transit Time: Same day
- Description: “Order by 2pm EST, pick up today at our Miami warehouse.”
This setup uses all three new features: weight/price conditions for organizing your rates, custom descriptions that sell each option, and a free shipping threshold that encourages customers to spend more.
What You Should Do Right Now
Setting up shipping options within Shopify is pretty straightforward and all their documentation has been updated to include these new updates. If you read this and instantly thought to yourself, “this is something we need to really consider doing,” we’ve got some next-steps for you:
- Audit your current shipping options. Are they confusing? Are they in need of a refresh?
- Identify your free shipping threshold. What order value makes sense for your margins? Start there to see if you can offer it.
- Write descriptions. Treat them like sales copy. They’re on the checkout page – make them count.
- Test transit times. Make sure the times you’re showing are ACTUALLY accurate. Nothing kills trust like a delayed package. When calculating don’t just include transit time, if it takes 2 days to get orders out of your warehouse BEFORE they even get loaded on to a truck, that time needs to be included.
- Check your product weights. Weight-based shipping is only as good as your data. Spend an hour auditing this if you haven’t lately.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Your Store Wizards builds custom Shopify tools and integrations that are designed to save you time and streamline your operations. If you’re looking for help setting up these new options, are looking for help with streamlining parts of your operation with custom tools, or are considering moving to Shopify from another platform, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at support@yourstorewizards.com to set up a time to talk about how we can help.
Scott Sanfilippo began his eCommerce journey in 1994 by co-founding one of the Internet’s first online retailers, TheFerretStore.com, which was acquired by PetCo in 2006. In 2001, he co-founded the eCommerce design and marketing firm Solid Cactus, which was acquired by web.com in 2009. Today, Scott is the General Manager of Your Store Wizards and lives in Delray Beach, FL. Scott can be contacted at scott@yourstorewizards.com.