Shipping costs are one of the biggest factors that influence customer purchasing decisions. According to recent Shopify data, over 60% of online shoppers abandon their carts because of unexpected or high shipping fees.
That’s where Shopify flat shipping rates come in — a simple, predictable pricing model that helps you build trust with customers, reduce confusion, and increase conversions.
What Is a Flat Shipping Rate on Shopify?
A flat shipping rate means charging customers a fixed amount for shipping, regardless of the weight, size, or destination of the order.
For example:
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$5 shipping fee for all U.S. orders
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$10 for international orders
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Free shipping on orders over $50
This approach keeps things simple and transparent for both you and your customers. They know what to expect before checkout, and you can better predict your fulfillment costs.
How to Set Up Flat Shipping Rates in Shopify (Step-by-Step)
Setting up a flat shipping rate in Shopify is easy. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Your Shipping Settings
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Log into your Shopify admin dashboard
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Navigate to Settings → Shipping and Delivery
Step 2: Create or Edit a Shipping Profile
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Click on Manage Rates next to your shipping profile
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You can create separate profiles for specific products or regions
Step 3: Add a Flat Shipping Rate
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Click Add Rate under your chosen zone
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Name your rate (e.g., “Flat Rate – U.S.”)
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Select Set up your own rate
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Enter a fixed price (e.g., $5.00)
Step 4: Save Your Settings
Click Save, and your flat shipping rate will now apply at checkout.
Example Flat Shipping Rate Scenarios
| Region | Flat Rate | Delivery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $5.00 | 3–7 days | Free over $50 |
| Canada | $8.00 | 5–10 days | Based on USPS/Canada Post |
| Europe | $10.00 | 7–14 days | Tracked delivery |
| Australia | $12.00 | 10–15 days | Flat rate international |
| Rest of World | $15.00 | 15–20 days | May vary by supplier |
In 2025, where shoppers crave convenience and transparency, Shopify flat shipping rates remain one of the most effective strategies to simplify operations and enhance the buying experience.
By combining flat rates with free shipping thresholds, automation tools, and regional optimization, you can reduce friction, build customer trust, and ultimately boost sales.
So whether you’re a new dropshipper or an experienced brand owner, now is the perfect time to rethink your shipping strategy — and let flat-rate shipping work for you.
FAQs About Shopify Flat Shipping Rates
1. Can I set different flat rates for different products?
Yes. Create multiple shipping profiles and assign flat rates to specific items or collections.
2. Does Shopify automatically calculate flat rates?
No. Flat rates are manually set by the store owner. You control the price completely.
3. Can I offer free shipping and flat shipping together?
Yes. Many merchants use free shipping for higher-value orders and flat rates for smaller ones.
4. How often should I update my rates?
Review every 3–6 months to account for carrier cost changes or supplier fees.
5. Are flat shipping rates good for international orders?
They can work, but it’s better to set regional variations or use carrier-calculated rates for better accuracy.