Free shipping has become one of the most powerful conversion drivers in eCommerce. In fact, multiple studies show that unexpected shipping costs are the #1 reason for cart abandonment. For Shopify merchants, offering free shipping strategically can significantly increase conversion rates, average order value (AOV), and customer satisfaction.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to set free shipping on your Shopify store, different methods to offer it, best practices, real examples, and common mistakes to avoid in 2026.

Method 1: How to Set Free Shipping on All Orders

This is the simplest option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to Shopify Admin → Settings

2. Click Shipping and delivery

3. Under Shipping, click Manage rates

4. Select a shipping zone

5. Click Add rate

6. Choose Free shipping

7. Set rate price to $0

8. Save changes

✅ Now all orders in that zone qualify for free shipping.

Best for:

• High-margin products

• Digital-friendly or lightweight items

Method 2: Set Free Shipping Over a Minimum Order Value

This is the most popular and profitable strategy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to Settings → Shipping and delivery

2. Click Manage rates

3. Choose a shipping zone

4. Click Add rate

5. Select Free shipping

6. Set a minimum order price (e.g. $50)

7. Save

Now customers must reach the threshold to get free shipping.

Example

• Orders under $50 → Paid shipping

• Orders $50+ → Free shipping

Why it works:
It increases AOV while maintaining profitability.

Method 3: Offer Free Shipping Using Discount Codes

This method gives you more control.

How to Create a Free Shipping Discount Code

1. Go to Shopify Admin → Discounts

2. Click Create discount

3. Select Free shipping

4. Name your code (e.g. FREESHIP)

5. Set conditions:

   • Minimum order value

   • Specific products

   • Customer segments

6. Save

Best for:

• Campaigns

• Influencer promotions

• Email & SMS marketing

Method 4: Free Shipping for Specific Products

Some products are cheaper to ship than others.

How to Set It Up

1. Go to Settings → Shipping and delivery

2. Create a new shipping profile

3. Assign specific products to that profile

4. Add a free shipping rate for those products

5. Save

Example Use Cases

• Accessories

• Digital + physical bundles

• Promotional products

Method 5: Free Shipping by Location or Zone

You can offer free shipping only in certain countries or regions.

Examples

• Free shipping in the US

• Paid shipping internationally

• Free shipping for local customers

This is done by configuring shipping zones in Shopify.

Method 6: Free Local Pickup

Free shipping doesn’t always mean delivery.

How to Enable Local Pickup

1. Go to Settings → Locations

2. Select your store location

3. Enable Local pickup

4. Customize pickup instructions

Customers can choose free local pickup at checkout.