# Quick Setup Guide
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/getting-started/quick-setup
Get Smart Shipping running in 5 minutes
# Quick Setup Guide
Get your shipping rates live in 5 minutes with these simple steps.
**Shopify Plan Requirements**
Before you can start using the Smart Shipping app you need to make sure that your Shopify Store plan supports the features the app requires.
Your Shopify store will require **Carrier Calculated Shipping** to use the Smart Shipping app. This feature is by default included on the Shopify 'Advanced' and 'Plus' plans, and you can also request it to [Shopify Support](https://help.shopify.com/en) if you're on the 'Shopify' plan.
## Step 1: Create a Zone
1. Go to **Zones** → **Create Zone**
2. Enter zone name (e.g., "United States")
3. Select countries for this zone
4. Click **Save**
## Step 2: Add Shipping Rates
1. In your zone, click **View Rates** → **Create Rate**
2. Enter rate name (e.g., "Standard Shipping")
3. Choose rate type:
* **Flat Rate**: Fixed price like \$9.99
* **Weight Based**: Base price + cost per kg
* **Free**: \$0 (can set minimum order value)
4. Set your pricing
5. Click **Save**
## Step 3: Test Your Rates
1. Go to **Rate Sandbox**
2. Select your country and add test products
3. Click **Calculate Shipping Rates**
4. Verify your rates appear correctly
## Step 4: Go Live
Your rates are now active! Customers will see them at checkout.
## Quick Examples
**Simple Store**: One zone (US), flat \$10 shipping, free over \$75
**International Store**: Two zones (Domestic \$8, International \$15)
That's it! Your shipping rates are ready. Use the other guides to learn about product groups and advanced features.
# Manage Product Groups
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/groups/manage-groups
How to create and manage product groups for special shipping rates
# Manage Product Groups
Product groups let you apply special shipping rates to specific products (e.g., heavy items, fragile goods).
## Creating a Product Group
1. Go to **Product Groups**
2. Click **Create Group**
3. Enter group name (e.g., "Heavy Items")
4. Select products to include in the group
5. Click **Save**
## Editing a Product Group
1. Go to **Product Groups**
2. Click **Edit** on the group
3. Add/remove products or change the name
4. Click **Save**
## Deleting a Product Group
1. Go to **Product Groups**
2. Click **Delete** on the group
3. Confirm deletion
## Using Product Groups with Rates
When creating a shipping rate:
1. Create your rate normally
2. In the "Product Group" section, select your group
3. Optionally set a rate modifier (multiply rate by X)
4. Optionally add a flat rate addon (add \$X to the rate)
**Example**: Heavy items get standard rate × 1.5 + \$5 extra
## How It Works
* Products in groups get their group's special rates
* Products not in any group get the default "All Products" rates
* Each product can only be in one group
# Introduction
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/index
Smart shipping rate calculator for Shopify stores. Set up shipping zones, rates, and test them easily.
## Welcome to Smart Shipping
Smart Shipping helps you set up flexible shipping rates for your Shopify store. Create zones, configure rates, and test everything before going live.
Get your shipping rates configured in under 5 minutes
Create and manage your shipping zones
Test your shipping rates before going live
## Why Choose Smart Shipping?
### Powerful Features
Create unlimited shipping zones with country, state, and postal code precision. Perfect for businesses with complex geographic requirements.
Choose from multiple rate types including flat rate, weight-based, quantity-based, and percentage-based calculations.
Apply different shipping rules to different product categories. Perfect for stores with diverse inventory.
Test your rates instantly with our Rate Sandbox before your customers see them.
## Perfect For Every Business
Simple flat rates and free shipping thresholds. Set up in minutes.
Scale with zone-based rates and product groups as you expand.
Complex rules, API access, and unlimited configurations.
## Quick Stats
Active Stores
Shipping Calculated Daily
Average Response Time
Uptime SLA
## Getting Started is Easy
Add Smart Shipping from the Shopify App Store to your store
Define where you ship with our intuitive zone builder
Create flexible shipping rates for each zone
Use the Rate Sandbox to verify everything works perfectly
## Popular Use Cases
**Perfect for:** Stores with straightforward shipping needs
* Single domestic zone
* Flat rate or free shipping
* Simple weight-based rates
* Free shipping thresholds
**Perfect for:** Stores with diverse product types
* Different rates for different products
* Fragile item surcharges
* Oversized product handling
* Product-specific shipping rules
**Perfect for:** Global businesses
* Multiple currency support
* Regional zone management
* Country-specific rules
* International shipping rates
**Perfect for:** Wholesale operations
* Volume-based discounts
* Customer-specific rates
* Complex business rules
* Bulk order shipping
## Need Help?
Comprehensive guides for every feature
Answers to common questions
Get help from our expert team
## Stay Updated
Join thousands of merchants optimizing their shipping with Smart Shipping.
[Install now from the Shopify App Store →](https://apps.shopify.com/smart-shipping)
***
Trusted by 10,000+ Shopify stores worldwide
# What is Carrier Shipping and which Shopify plan has it?
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/miscellaneous/carrier-shipping-plans
Understanding Carrier-Calculated Shipping requirements for Smart Shipping
# What is Carrier Shipping and which Shopify plan has it?
**Carrier Shipping** (also called "Carrier-Calculated Shipping") is a Shopify module that facilitates your store's ability to retrieve rates from an external shipping app like Smart Shipping.
**Important**: Carrier Shipping is NOT the same as traditional shipping carriers like FedEx or UPS. It's a Shopify feature that allows third-party apps to provide shipping rates.
## Which Shopify plans support Carrier Shipping?
**✅ Supported Plans:**
* **Advanced Shopify** - Included by default
* **Shopify Plus** - Included by default
**⚠️ Limited Support:**
* **Shopify Plan** - Can request access from Shopify support
**❌ Not Supported:**
* **Starter Plan** - Not available
* **Basic Shopify** - Not available (removed January 1, 2024)
## Legacy Access
Some stores may still have access if they:
* Were granted access before January 1, 2023
* Haven't changed their Shopify plan since then
## How to check if you have access
1. Go to **Settings** → **Shipping and delivery** in your Shopify admin
2. Try to create a new shipping zone
3. Look for **"Use carrier or app to calculate rates"** option
4. If available, your plan supports carrier shipping
## What if my plan doesn't support it?
**For Shopify Plan stores:** Contact Shopify support and request Carrier-Calculated Shipping access.
**For Basic/Starter stores:** You'll need to upgrade to Advanced or Plus, or contact Shopify support to explore options.
## Smart Shipping compatibility check
Smart Shipping automatically detects your plan compatibility during installation and will show warnings if your plan doesn't support carrier-calculated shipping.
**Need help?** Contact [Shopify Support](https://help.shopify.com/en/questions) for official plan information, or reach out through the Smart Shipping app for installation assistance.
# Shopify Setup
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/miscellaneous/shopify-setup
Enable your Smart Shipping zones and rates in Shopify admin
# Shopify Setup
After creating zones, regions, and rates in Smart Shipping, you need to enable them in your Shopify admin for customers to see them at checkout.
**Important: Complete This Step**
Your Smart Shipping rates won't appear at checkout until you enable them in Shopify's shipping settings. This is a required step after configuring your zones and rates.
## Step-by-Step Setup Process
### Step 1: Access Shipping Settings
1. Go to your Shopify admin dashboard
2. Navigate to **Settings** → **Shipping and delivery**
3. You'll see your current shipping setup
### Step 2: Create Matching Shipping Zones
For each zone you created in Smart Shipping, you need to create a corresponding zone in Shopify:
1. Click **Create shipping zone**
2. Enter the **same zone name** you used in Smart Shipping
3. Add the **same countries/regions** you configured in Smart Shipping
4. Click **Done** to save the zone
**Zone Matching is Critical**
Your Shopify zones must exactly match your Smart Shipping zones (same name and countries) for rates to work properly.
### Step 3: Add Rates to Your Shipping Zone
For each shipping zone you just created, you need to add Smart Shipping as the rate provider:
1. Click **Add rate** in the shipping zone
2. Select **Use carrier or app to calculate rates**
3. Choose **Smart Shipping** from the available apps list and click **Done**
This tells Shopify to use Smart Shipping to calculate rates for this zone.
## Complete Setup Summary
1. Access your Shopify shipping settings
2. Create shipping zones that match your Smart Shipping configuration
3. Add Smart Shipping as the rate provider for each zone
4. Test your setup at checkout
## Common Setup Scenarios
### Single Zone Setup (e.g., US only)
1. Create one Shopify zone called "United States"
2. Add United States as the country
3. Enable Smart Shipping for this zone
### Multi-Zone Setup (e.g., Domestic + International)
1. Create "Domestic" zone → Add your home country → Enable Smart Shipping
2. Create "International" zone → Add other countries → Enable Smart Shipping
### Regional Setup (e.g., North America, Europe, Rest of World)
1. Create each regional zone with appropriate countries
2. Enable Smart Shipping for each zone separately
## Verification Steps
After completing the setup:
1. **Test at checkout**: Add items to cart and go to checkout
2. **Enter different addresses**: Test addresses from different zones
3. **Verify rate names**: Ensure your Smart Shipping rate names appear
4. **Check calculations**: Confirm prices match your Smart Shipping configuration
## Troubleshooting
### Rates Not Showing
* ✅ Verify your Shopify plan supports Carrier Calculated Shipping
* ✅ Check that zone names and countries match exactly
* ✅ Ensure Smart Shipping is selected as rate provider
* ✅ Test in [Rate Sandbox](/sandbox/testing-rates) first
### Wrong Rates Appearing
* ✅ Disable other shipping apps or manual rates
* ✅ Check for overlapping zones
* ✅ Verify rate rules and conditions
## Need Help?
* **Shopify Plan Issues**: Contact [Shopify Support](https://help.shopify.com/en) to enable Carrier Calculated Shipping
* **Smart Shipping Setup**: Use our [Rate Sandbox](/sandbox/testing-rates) to test your configuration
* **General Support**: Contact us through the Smart Shipping app
## What's Next?
Once your zones are enabled in Shopify:
* Your rates are live and customers will see them at checkout
* Monitor your shipping performance in Smart Shipping analytics
* Adjust rates as needed based on customer feedback
# Manage Rates
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/rates/manage-rates
How to add, edit, and delete shipping rates
# Manage Rates
Shipping rates determine what customers pay for shipping. Each zone can have multiple rates.
## Adding a Rate
1. Go to **Zones** → Select your zone → **View Rates**
2. Click **Create Rate**
3. Enter rate name (shown to customers)
4. Choose rate type:
* **Flat Rate**: Fixed price (e.g., \$10 for all orders)
* **Weight Based**: Base price + cost per kg (e.g., $5 + $2/kg)
* **Price Based**: Percentage of order total (e.g., 3% of order value)
* **Quantity Based**: Base price + cost per item (e.g., $3 + $1.50/item)
5. Set your pricing
6. Click **Save**
## Editing a Rate
1. Go to your zone's rates page
2. Click **Edit** on the rate you want to change
3. Update the settings
4. Click **Save**
## Deleting a Rate
1. Go to your zone's rates page
2. Click **Delete** on the rate
3. Confirm deletion
## Rate Options
**Free Shipping Minimum**: Offer free shipping above a certain order value
**Rate Limits**: Set minimum and maximum shipping costs
**Status**: Toggle rates active/inactive
## Testing Rates
Use the [Rate Sandbox](/sandbox/overview) to test how your rates appear to customers before going live.
# Testing Rates
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/sandbox/testing-rates
How to use the Rate Sandbox to test your shipping rates
# Testing Rates
The Rate Sandbox lets you test how your shipping rates will appear to customers without making real orders.
## Using the Rate Sandbox
1. Go to **Rate Sandbox**
2. Select a destination country
3. Enter postal code (optional)
4. Add test products:
* Choose products from your store
* Set quantities
5. Click **Calculate Shipping Rates**
## What You'll See
The results show:
* **Available rates**: All rates that match the destination
* **Rate details**: Price breakdown and calculation method
* **Zone matched**: Which shipping zone was selected
* **Rules applied**: Any conditional rules that affected pricing
## Testing Tips
**Test Different Scenarios**:
* Various countries and postal codes
* Different product combinations
* Orders of different values and weights
**Check Your Setup**:
* Are rates showing for the right zones?
* Do prices calculate correctly?
* Are product group rules working?
**Common Issues**:
* No rates showing? Check if the destination matches a zone
* Wrong price? Verify rate calculation settings
* Missing products? Ensure products have weight/price data
## Going Live
Once your rates work correctly in the sandbox, they're ready for customers at checkout.
# Global International Store
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/scenarios/international-store
Set up worldwide shipping with regional pricing
# Global International Store
## The Challenge
**Meet Alex's Tech Gadgets Store** - He ships high-tech accessories worldwide and needs different rates for different regions:
* **North America** (US, Canada): \$12 standard shipping
* **Europe** (UK, Germany, France, etc.): \$18 shipping
* **Asia-Pacific** (Australia, Japan, Singapore): \$22 shipping
* **Rest of World** (Everywhere else): \$28 shipping
Alex wants customers to see appropriate rates based on their location, with express options for urgent orders.
## Smart Shipping Solution
### Step 1: Create Regional Zones
**Zone 1: North America**
* Countries: United States, Canada
* Name: "North America"
**Zone 2: Europe**
* Countries: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium
* Name: "Europe"
**Zone 3: Asia-Pacific**
* Countries: Australia, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea
* Name: "Asia-Pacific"
**Zone 4: Rest of World**
* Type: "Rest of World" (catches all other countries)
* Name: "Rest of World"
### Step 2: Set Up Regional Rates
**North America Rates:**
1. **Standard**: Flat rate \$12 (5-7 business days)
2. **Express**: Flat rate \$24 (2-3 business days)
3. **Free shipping**: Over \$150 orders
**Europe Rates:**
1. **Standard**: Flat rate \$18 (7-10 business days)
2. **Express**: Flat rate \$35 (3-5 business days)
3. **Free shipping**: Over \$200 orders
**Asia-Pacific Rates:**
1. **Standard**: Flat rate \$22 (10-14 business days)
2. **Express**: Flat rate \$42 (5-7 business days)
3. **Free shipping**: Over \$250 orders
**Rest of World Rates:**
1. **Standard**: Flat rate \$28 (14-21 business days)
2. **Express**: Flat rate \$55 (7-10 business days)
3. **Free shipping**: Over \$300 orders
### Customer Experience Examples
**Customer in New York, USA:**
* Standard Shipping: \$12
* Express Shipping: \$24
* Free shipping on orders over \$150
**Customer in London, UK:**
* Standard Shipping: \$18
* Express Shipping: \$35
* Free shipping on orders over \$200
**Customer in Sydney, Australia:**
* Standard Shipping: \$22
* Express Shipping: \$42
* Free shipping on orders over \$250
**Customer in Brazil:**
* Standard Shipping: \$28
* Express Shipping: \$55
* Free shipping on orders over \$300
**Result**: Alex's international customers see regional-appropriate rates with clear delivery timeframes. No confusion about shipping costs, and automatic free shipping incentives based on their region!
# Local Delivery + National Shipping
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/scenarios/local-delivery
Set up discounted local delivery with standard national rates
# Local Delivery + National Shipping
## The Challenge
**Meet John Doe** - He runs a boutique store in Vancouver, Canada and wants to offer:
* **LOCAL** (Within Vancouver): \$5 discounted shipping to support local customers
* **REST OF CANADA** (Everywhere else in Canada): \$15 standard shipping
John needs a way to automatically detect if customers are local (Vancouver postal codes) versus elsewhere in Canada.
## Smart Shipping Solution
### Step 1: Create the Zone
1. Go to **Zones** → **Create Zone**
2. Name: "Canada"
3. Select country: Canada
4. Click **Save**
### Step 2: Set Up Regions
1. In your Canada zone → **Manage Regions**
2. **Add Region #1:**
* Name: "Vancouver Local"
* Postal codes: `V5*, V6*, V7*` (covers Vancouver area)
3. **Add Region #2:**
* Name: "Rest of Canada"
* Postal codes: Leave empty (catches everything else in Canada)
### Step 3: Create the Rates
**For Vancouver Local region:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Local Delivery"
2. Rate type: Flat Rate
3. Price: \$5.00
4. Select region: "Vancouver Local"
**For Rest of Canada region:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Standard Canada Shipping"
2. Rate type: Flat Rate
3. Price: \$15.00
4. Select region: "Rest of Canada"
### How It Works
* Customer in Vancouver (V6B 1A1) → sees "Local Delivery: \$5"
* Customer in Toronto (M5V 3A8) → sees "Standard Canada Shipping: \$15"
* Smart Shipping automatically matches postal codes to the right region and rate!
**Result**: John's local customers get the \$5 discount automatically, while other Canadian customers pay the standard \$15 rate.
# Luxury Percentage-Based Shipping
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/scenarios/luxury-products
Percentage-based rates for high-value luxury items
# Luxury Percentage-Based Shipping
## The Challenge
**Meet Emma's Luxury Jewelry Store** - She sells high-end jewelry with orders ranging from \$500 to \$50,000:
* **Domestic (US)**: 2% of order value for insured shipping (minimum \$15, maximum \$200)
* **International**: 4% of order value for insured shipping (minimum \$50, maximum \$500)
* **Local pickup**: Free in NYC area
Emma needs shipping costs that scale with the value of expensive items while keeping reasonable limits.
## Smart Shipping Solution
### Step 1: Create Zones
**Zone 1: New York Local**
* Country: United States
* Create region: "NYC Area"
* Postal codes: `100*, 101*, 102*` (Manhattan area codes)
**Zone 2: United States**
* Country: United States (excluding NYC region)
**Zone 3: International**
* Type: "Rest of World" (all other countries)
### Step 2: Set Up Percentage-Based Rates
**NYC Local (Free Pickup):**
1. **Create Rate** → "Local Pickup - NYC"
2. Rate type: **Flat Rate**
3. Price: \$0.00
4. Select region: "NYC Area"
**United States Rates:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Domestic Insured Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Percentage of Order**
3. Percentage: 2%
4. Minimum rate: \$15.00
5. Maximum rate: \$200.00
**International Rates:**
1. **Create Rate** → "International Insured Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Percentage of Order**
3. Percentage: 4%
4. Minimum rate: \$50.00
5. Maximum rate: \$500.00
### Real Examples
**\$800 Necklace Order:**
* NYC customer: \$0 (free pickup)
* US customer: \$16 (2% of \$800 = \$16)
* International: \$32 (4% of \$800 = \$32)
**\$5,000 Ring Order:**
* NYC customer: \$0 (free pickup)
* US customer: \$100 (2% of \$5,000 = \$100)
* International: \$200 (4% of \$5,000 = \$200)
**\$15,000 Luxury Set:**
* NYC customer: \$0 (free pickup)
* US customer: \$200 (2% would be \$300, but capped at max \$200)
* International: \$500 (4% would be \$600, but capped at max \$500)
**\$200 Small Item:**
* NYC customer: \$0 (free pickup)
* US customer: \$15 (2% would be \$4, but minimum is \$15)
* International: \$50 (4% would be \$8, but minimum is \$50)
**Result**: Emma's shipping costs automatically scale with order value while maintaining reasonable minimums and maximums. High-value orders get proportional insurance costs, while small orders aren't penalized with tiny shipping fees!
# Product Category Shipping
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/scenarios/product-categories
Different shipping rates for different product types
# Product Category Shipping
## The Challenge
**Meet Mike's Multi-Category Store** - He sells various product types that need different shipping approaches:
* **Regular items** (clothing, books): Standard \$8 shipping
* **Fragile items** (glassware, electronics): Extra careful handling, \$8 + \$5 fragile fee = \$13
* **Heavy items** (furniture, appliances): Weight-based shipping \$15 base + \$3/kg
* **Digital products** (software, ebooks): No shipping needed - \$0
Mike needs different shipping rules for different product categories without confusing customers.
## Smart Shipping Solution
### Step 1: Create Product Groups
**Group 1: Regular Products**
1. Go to **Product Groups** → **Create Group**
2. Name: "Regular Items"
3. Select products: clothing, books, accessories, etc.
**Group 2: Fragile Products**
1. **Create Group** → Name: "Fragile Items"
2. Select products: glassware, electronics, ceramics
**Group 3: Heavy Products**
1. **Create Group** → Name: "Heavy Items"
2. Select products: furniture, appliances, exercise equipment
**Group 4: Digital Products**
1. **Create Group** → Name: "Digital Downloads"
2. Select products: software licenses, ebooks, digital courses
### Step 2: Create Zone and Base Rates
**Create Zone**: "United States" - Select US
**Base Rate (for products not in any group):**
1. **Create Rate** → "Standard Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Flat Rate**
3. Price: \$8.00
4. Product group: "All Products" (default)
### Step 3: Set Up Product Group Rates
**Regular Items Rate:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Regular Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Flat Rate**
3. Price: \$8.00
4. Product group: "Regular Items"
**Fragile Items Rate:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Fragile Item Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Flat Rate**
3. Price: \$8.00
4. Product group: "Fragile Items"
5. **Flat rate addon**: \$5.00 (adds fragile handling fee)
**Heavy Items Rate:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Heavy Item Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Weight Based (Per Unit)**
3. Base price: \$15.00
4. Price per unit: \$3.00 per kg
5. Product group: "Heavy Items"
**Digital Products Rate:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Digital Delivery"
2. Rate type: **Flat Rate**
3. Price: \$0.00
4. Product group: "Digital Downloads"
### Customer Experience Examples
**Order with regular t-shirt:**
* Shows: "Standard Shipping: \$8"
**Order with wine glasses:**
* Shows: "Fragile Item Shipping: \$13" (\$8 base + \$5 fragile fee)
**Order with 5kg table:**
* Shows: "Heavy Item Shipping: \$30" (\$15 + 5kg × \$3)
**Order with ebook:**
* Shows: "Digital Delivery: Free"
**Mixed cart (t-shirt + wine glasses):**
* Shows: "Fragile Item Shipping: \$13" (most expensive rate applies)
**Result**: Mike's customers see appropriate shipping costs based on what they're buying. Fragile items get extra care, heavy items are priced fairly by weight, and digital products ship free - all automatically!
# Weight-Based Shipping Business
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/scenarios/weight-based-business
Handle varied product weights with smart weight-based rates
# Weight-Based Shipping Business
## The Challenge
**Meet Sarah's Fitness Equipment Store** - She sells everything from small accessories to heavy gym equipment:
* **Light items** (resistance bands, gloves): Should be cheap to ship
* **Medium items** (dumbbells, yoga mats): Moderate shipping cost
* **Heavy items** (barbells, machines): Expensive shipping but fair pricing
Sarah needs shipping rates that automatically adjust based on the total weight of the customer's order.
## Smart Shipping Solution
### Step 1: Create Your Zones
1. **Zone 1**: "United States" - Select US
2. **Zone 2**: "Canada" - Select Canada
3. **Zone 3**: "International" - Select UK, Australia, Germany (or use Rest of World)
### Step 2: Set Up Weight-Based Rates
**For United States Zone:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Standard US Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Weight Based (Per Unit)**
3. Base price: \$8.00 (handling fee)
4. Price per unit: \$1.50 per kg
5. Example calculation: 5kg order = \$8 + (5 × \$1.50) = \$15.50
**For Canada Zone:**
1. **Create Rate** → "Canada Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Weight Based (Per Unit)**
3. Base price: \$12.00
4. Price per unit: \$2.00 per kg
5. Example: 5kg order = \$12 + (5 × \$2.00) = \$22.00
**For International Zone:**
1. **Create Rate** → "International Shipping"
2. Rate type: **Weight Based (Per Unit)**
3. Base price: \$25.00
4. Price per unit: \$4.00 per kg
5. Example: 5kg order = \$25 + (5 × \$4.00) = \$45.00
### Real Examples
* \*\*Customer buys resistance bands \*\*(0.5kg): US = \$8.75, Canada = \$13, International = \$27
* **Customer buys dumbbells** (10kg): US = \$23, Canada = \$32, International = \$65
* **Customer buys full gym set** (50kg): US = \$83, Canada = \$112, International = \$225
### Bonus: Free Shipping Threshold
Add free shipping for large orders:
* Set "Free shipping minimum" to \$200 for customers who buy bulk equipment
**Result**: Sarah's shipping costs are always fair and automatically calculated. Light orders are cheap, heavy orders cost more, but customers know exactly what to expect!
# Contact Support
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/support/contact
Get help from our expert support team
## We're Here to Help
Our support team is dedicated to helping you get the most out of Smart Shipping. Whether you need setup assistance, have technical questions, or want to explore advanced features, we're here for you.
## Contact Options
**[support@smartshipping.app](mailto:support@smartshipping.app)**
* Response within 24 hours
* Business days (Mon-Fri)
* Detailed assistance
* Best for complex issues
**For Annual Subscribers**
* Same-day response
* Setup assistance included
* Configuration review
* Best practices guidance
## Before You Contact Us
To help us resolve your issue quickly, please:
## What to Include in Your Support Request
### Essential Information
**Always Include:**
* Your Shopify store URL
* Description of the issue
* When the issue started
* Steps you've already tried
**If Applicable:**
* Screenshots or screen recordings
* Error messages (exact wording)
* Zone and rate configurations
* Example order details
### Issue Templates
**Subject:** Shipping rates not appearing at checkout
**Include:**
* Customer shipping address used
* Products in cart (names, weights, prices)
* Active zones and their configurations
* Rate Sandbox test results
* Screenshot of checkout page
**Subject:** Incorrect shipping rate calculations
**Include:**
* Expected rate vs actual rate
* Cart details (items, quantities, total)
* Shipping destination
* Zone and rate configuration
* Product group settings (if used)
**Subject:** Slow shipping rate calculations
**Include:**
* How long rates take to appear
* Number of zones and rates
* When issue occurs (always/sometimes)
* Browser and device used
* Network speed test results
**Subject:** Need help with configuration
**Include:**
* Your shipping requirements
* Current setup (if any)
* Specific challenges faced
* Business type and shipping model
* Countries you ship to
## Response Times
Response times are based on your subscription plan and issue severity.
| Plan | First Response | Resolution |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- |
| Monthly | Within 24 hours | 1-3 business days |
| Annual (Priority) | Same business day | 1-2 business days |
| Critical Issues\* | Within 4 hours | Same day |
\*Critical issues: Complete service outage affecting all customers
## Support Hours
**Monday - Friday**
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST
Closed on major holidays
**Critical Issues Only**
24/7 monitoring
Email with "URGENT" in subject
## Other Resources
### Self-Service Options
Comprehensive guides and tutorials
Answers to common questions
Step-by-step problem solving
### Community Resources
Join discussions with other merchants using Smart Shipping in the Shopify Community forums.
Read experiences from other users and share your own feedback on the Shopify App Store.
## Feature Requests
Have an idea to improve Smart Shipping? We'd love to hear it!
**Email:** [features@smartshipping.app](mailto:features@smartshipping.app)
**Include:**
* Feature description
* How it would help your business
* Use case examples
* Priority level for you
## Bug Reports
Found a bug? Help us fix it quickly:
**Email:** [bugs@smartshipping.app](mailto:bugs@smartshipping.app)
**Include:**
* Steps to reproduce
* Expected behavior
* Actual behavior
* Screenshots/recordings
* Browser and OS info
## Feedback
Your feedback helps us improve:
**Email:** [feedback@smartshipping.app](mailto:feedback@smartshipping.app)
We appreciate:
* User experience feedback
* Documentation suggestions
* Performance observations
* General comments
## Service Status
Check current system status and subscribe to updates:
**Status Page:** status.smartshipping.app
* Current system health
* Incident history
* Scheduled maintenance
* Subscribe to notifications
## Legal & Compliance
For legal, privacy, or compliance inquiries:
**Email:** [legal@smartshipping.app](mailto:legal@smartshipping.app)
* Privacy policy questions
* Data processing inquiries
* Terms of service
* GDPR/CCPA requests
**Pro Tip:** The more information you provide in your initial request, the faster we can help resolve your issue. Use the templates above for best results.
***
Ready to reach out?
Email us at [support@smartshipping.app](mailto:support@smartshipping.app)
We typically respond within 24 hours during business days
# Frequently Asked Questions
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/support/faq
Quick answers to common questions about Smart Shipping
## General Questions
Smart Shipping is an advanced shipping rate calculator app for Shopify stores. It allows you to create complex shipping rules based on zones, weight, price, quantity, and product groups, giving you complete control over your shipping strategy.
Smart Shipping offers two pricing plans:
* **Monthly Plan**: \$10/month with a 7-day free trial
* **Annual Plan**: \$100/year (save 17%)
Both plans include all features, unlimited zones, and unlimited rates.
Yes! All new installations include a 7-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start the trial.
Smart Shipping works with all Shopify plans that support carrier-calculated shipping:
* Shopify Basic
* Shopify
* Shopify Advanced
* Shopify Plus
## Installation & Setup
1. Visit the [Smart Shipping page](https://apps.shopify.com/smart-shipping) on the Shopify App Store
2. Click "Add app"
3. Review permissions and click "Install app"
4. Choose your subscription plan
5. Start configuring your zones and rates
No! Smart Shipping is designed to be user-friendly. The interface is intuitive, and you can set up basic shipping rates in just 5 minutes. For complex configurations, our documentation provides step-by-step guides.
Yes, you can switch from another shipping app to Smart Shipping. However, you'll need to manually recreate your zones and rates as there's no automatic import feature. We recommend:
1. Document your current setup
2. Install Smart Shipping
3. Recreate zones and rates
4. Test thoroughly before removing the old app
Smart Shipping creates a new carrier service that works alongside your existing Shopify shipping settings. Your current settings remain intact, and you can choose which zones use Smart Shipping rates.
## Features & Functionality
Unlimited! You can create as many zones as needed for your business, whether that's 2 zones or 200.
Smart Shipping supports multiple rate types:
* **Free Shipping**: With optional thresholds
* **Flat Rate**: Fixed price regardless of order details
* **Weight-Based**: Rates based on total order weight
* **Price-Based**: Percentage of order value
* **Quantity-Based**: Rates based on number of items
Yes! You can set free shipping thresholds for any rate. For example, "Free shipping on orders over \$75" or "Free shipping for orders over 5 items."
Product Groups allow you to apply different shipping rules to different types of products. For example:
* Fragile items can have a handling surcharge
* Oversized items can use different rates
* Digital products can be excluded from shipping
Yes! The Rate Sandbox feature lets you test your shipping configuration with sample orders before customers see them. You can verify rates for different destinations, cart values, and product combinations.
## Shipping Zones
Zones define geographic areas where specific rates apply. You can create zones based on:
* Countries (e.g., US, CA, GB)
* States/Provinces (e.g., California, Ontario)
* Postal codes (including wildcards like 902\*)
Yes! When zones overlap, the most specific zone takes priority. For example, a postal code zone will override a country zone for addresses in that postal code.
Create an international zone by:
1. Adding specific countries to a zone, or
2. Creating a zone with no country restrictions (acts as a catch-all)
Then add appropriate international rates to that zone.
Yes, by not including those areas in any zone. If an address doesn't match any active zone, no shipping rates will be offered for that destination.
## Troubleshooting
Common causes:
* The customer's address doesn't match any active zone
* All rates in the matching zone are inactive
* The carrier service is disabled
* Product restrictions are blocking the rates
Use the Rate Sandbox to test the specific address and cart combination.
Slow calculations can be caused by:
* Complex rate rules with many conditions
* Too many active rates (try to keep under 20 per zone)
* Network latency
Contact support if rates consistently take over 2 seconds to calculate.
Yes! Use Product Groups to:
1. Create a group for products that shouldn't use Smart Shipping
2. Set the group modifier to exclude from shipping
3. Assign products to that group
Smart Shipping has 99.9% uptime. In the rare event of downtime:
* Shopify will fall back to your backup shipping rates (if configured)
* Our status page will show current system status
* Priority support is available for urgent issues
## Billing & Account
Billing starts after your 7-day free trial ends. You'll receive an email reminder before the trial expires.
Yes! You can switch between monthly and annual plans at any time from the Billing section. When upgrading to annual, you'll receive a prorated credit for any unused monthly time.
Uninstalling will:
* Cancel your subscription immediately
* Remove the carrier service from your store
* Delete all your zones and rates (cannot be recovered)
* Stop all shipping calculations
No pause feature is available. However, you can:
* Deactivate all zones to stop calculations
* Keep the app installed without active zones
* Reactivate zones when ready
## Advanced Features
While Smart Shipping doesn't directly support customer-specific rates, you can:
* Use Shopify's native customer tags
* Create product groups for wholesale items
* Offer discount codes for specific customers
Yes! You can add fees by:
* Including handling in your base rates
* Using product groups to add surcharges for specific items
* Setting minimum rate amounts
Smart Shipping is designed to work through the Shopify admin interface. Direct API access is not currently available, but all features are accessible through the app dashboard.
## Getting Help
You can reach our support team:
* Email: [support@smartshipping.app](mailto:support@smartshipping.app)
* Response time: Within 24 hours (business days)
* Priority support for annual subscribers
Yes! You're reading it now. Our documentation includes:
* Step-by-step setup guides
* Feature explanations
* Troubleshooting guides
* Best practices
Yes! Annual plan subscribers get priority support which includes:
* Setup assistance via email
* Configuration recommendations
* Best practices for your use case
We love feedback! Send feature requests to:
* Email: [feedback@smartshipping.app](mailto:feedback@smartshipping.app)
* Include your use case and how it would help your business
Can't find your answer? [Contact our support team](/support/contact) for personalized help.
# Privacy Policy
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/support/privacy-policy
SmartShipping's privacy policy - how we collect, use, and protect your data
***
# Privacy Policy
**Last updated: 27/August/2025**
This Privacy Policy describes how SmartShipping ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our Shopify app and services.
## Information We Collect
### Store Data
* Store configuration and settings
* Shipping zones, regions, and rate configurations
* Product information for shipping calculations
* Order data for rate calculations
### Usage Data
* App usage analytics and performance metrics
* Shipping calculation requests and responses
* Error logs and diagnostic information
### Contact Information
* Email address for support communications
* Support ticket correspondence
## How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information to:
* Provide shipping rate calculations for your store
* Maintain and improve app functionality
* Provide customer support
* Ensure app security and prevent abuse
* Comply with legal obligations
## Data Storage and Security
* All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
* We use industry-standard security measures
* Data is stored on secure servers with regular backups
* Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel only
## Data Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share data only in these circumstances:
* **With your consent** - When you explicitly authorize sharing
* **Legal requirements** - When required by law or to protect our rights
* **Service providers** - With trusted partners who help us operate the app (under strict confidentiality agreements)
## Data Retention
* Active store data is retained while you use the app
* Data is deleted within 30 days after app uninstallation
* Support communications are retained for 2 years
* Analytics data may be retained in anonymized form
## Your Rights
You have the right to:
* Access your personal data
* Correct inaccurate information
* Request data deletion
* Withdraw consent
* Data portability
## Shopify Integration
As a Shopify app, we operate under Shopify's privacy framework:
* We access only the data necessary for app functionality
* All data access complies with Shopify's API terms
* Store owners control what data is shared through Shopify's permission system
## Cookies and Tracking
We use minimal cookies and tracking:
* Session cookies for app functionality
* Analytics cookies to improve performance (anonymized)
* No third-party advertising cookies
## Children's Privacy
Our app is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
## Changes to Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
## Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or requests:\\
* **Email**: [support@smartshipping.app](mailto:support@smartshipping.app)
## Compliance
This privacy policy is designed to comply with:
* GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
* CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
* Shopify's Privacy Requirements
* Other applicable data protection laws
***
\[[*For general support questions, visit our support page or email support@smartshipping.app*](mailto:support@smartshipping.app)]\(/support/contact)
# Troubleshooting Guide
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/support/troubleshooting
Solutions to common issues and how to resolve them quickly
## Quick Diagnostics
Before diving into specific issues, run through this checklist:
## Common Issues
### No Shipping Rates at Checkout
This is the most common issue and usually has a simple fix.
Check if the customer's address matches any zone:
* Go to **Shipping Zones**
* Review zone countries, states, and postal codes
* Ensure the destination is included
Ensure rates are active:
* Click **Manage Rates** on the zone
* Verify at least one rate shows "Active"
* Toggle inactive rates to active if needed
Reproduce the issue:
* Go to **Rate Sandbox**
* Enter the exact address and cart details
* Click **Calculate Rates**
* Review any error messages
Check Shopify settings:
* Go to Shopify Admin → Settings → Shipping
* Look for "Smart Shipping" carrier service
* Ensure it's active
### Wrong Shipping Rates
**Possible Causes:**
* Product group surcharges applied
* Weight calculations incorrect
* Min rate limits set too high
**Solution:**
1. Review product group modifiers
2. Check product weights in Shopify
3. Adjust rate configuration
**Possible Causes:**
* Free shipping threshold triggered incorrectly
* Percentage rates misconfigured
* Max rate limits capping prices
**Solution:**
1. Verify threshold amounts
2. Check percentage calculations
3. Review max rate settings
**Possible Causes:**
* Threshold not met
* Wrong calculation basis (subtotal vs total)
* Rate conditions blocking free shipping
**Solution:**
1. Verify cart value meets threshold
2. Check if taxes/discounts affect calculation
3. Review rate conditions
### Performance Issues
**Symptoms:** Rates take > 3 seconds to appear
**Solutions:**
1. Reduce number of active rates (keep under 20 per zone)
2. Simplify complex conditional rules
3. Remove unused product groups
4. Contact support for optimization help
**Symptoms:** "Unable to calculate shipping" message
**Solutions:**
1. Check system status page
2. Reduce complexity of rate rules
3. Verify internet connectivity
4. Contact support if persistent
**Symptoms:** Different rates for same cart
**Solutions:**
1. Clear browser cache
2. Check for time-based rules
3. Verify no A/B testing active
4. Test in incognito/private mode
## Zone Issues
### Zone Not Matching
**Diagnostic Steps:**
1. **Check Country Code Format**
* Use 2-letter ISO codes (US not USA)
* Verify spelling (GB not UK)
2. **Verify State Format**
* Use proper format: US-CA not California
* Check abbreviations are correct
3. **Test Postal Codes**
* Remove spaces from postal codes
* Verify wildcard patterns (902\* not 902\*\*)
4. **Zone Priority**
* Remember specific zones override general ones
* Postal > State > Country priority
### Multiple Zones Matching
When multiple zones match an address, Smart Shipping uses the most specific one. This is normal behavior.
**Zone Priority Order:**
1. Exact postal code match
2. Wildcard postal code match
3. State/Province match
4. Country match
5. Catch-all zones (no restrictions)
## Product Group Problems
**Check:**
* Product tags in Shopify match group configuration
* Product types are spelled correctly
* Collections are properly assigned
* SKU patterns match if using SKU rules
**Verify:**
* Group is active
* Products are assigned to group
* Modifier type (multiply vs add) is correct
* Rate allows product group modifiers
**Review:**
* Group matching rules
* Product data in Shopify
* Use Rate Sandbox to test specific products
## Testing Issues
### Rate Sandbox Not Working
Click "Clear" button and start fresh
* Product name
* Weight (if using weight-based rates)
* Price
* Destination country
* Weight in correct units (lbs or kg)
* Price without currency symbols
* Valid country/state codes
### Live Checkout Different from Sandbox
**Possible Reasons:**
* Customer-specific discounts applied
* Shopify Scripts modifying rates
* Other apps interfering
* Cache showing old rates
**Solution:**
1. Test with a clean customer account
2. Disable Shopify Scripts temporarily
3. Check for conflicting apps
4. Clear all caches
## Integration Issues
### Conflicts with Other Apps
Some apps may interfere with shipping calculations. Common conflicts include other shipping apps, discount apps, and checkout customizers.
**Resolution Steps:**
1. Temporarily disable other shipping apps
2. Test in Rate Sandbox
3. Re-enable apps one by one to identify conflict
4. Contact support for compatibility help
### Shopify Updates
After Shopify updates their platform:
## Error Messages
### Common Error Codes
| Error | Meaning | Solution |
| ---------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| NO\_RATES\_FOUND | No rates match criteria | Check zone and rate configuration |
| ZONE\_INACTIVE | Matching zone is disabled | Activate the zone |
| INVALID\_ADDRESS | Address format issue | Verify address details |
| TIMEOUT | Calculation took too long | Simplify rate rules |
| SERVICE\_ERROR | System issue | Contact support |
## Quick Fixes
1. Deactivate all zones
2. Clear browser cache
3. Reactivate zones one by one
4. Test after each activation
1. Create simple backup zone
2. Single flat rate
3. No conditions or modifiers
4. Use while troubleshooting
## When to Contact Support
Contact support immediately if:
**Before contacting support, gather:**
* Store URL
* Screenshot of error
* Steps to reproduce issue
* Recent changes made
* Rate Sandbox test results
## Prevention Tips
* Test rates weekly
* Check after any changes
* Monitor customer complaints
* Use Rate Sandbox before going live
* Document your zone strategy
* Keep notes on rate logic
* Track changes made
* Save working configurations
* Make one change at a time
* Test after each change
* Keep backup of working setup
* Roll back if issues occur
**Need More Help?** If you can't resolve your issue, [contact our support team](/support/contact) with details about your problem.
# Manage Regions
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/zones/manage-regions
Add states, provinces, and regional coverage to your zones
# Manage Regions
Target specific states or provinces within countries instead of entire countries.
## What Are Regions?
Target specific areas within countries:
* **US states** → US-CA, US-NY, US-TX
* **Canadian provinces** → CA-ON, CA-QC, CA-BC
* **UK countries** → GB-ENG, GB-SCT, GB-WLS
**Why use regional targeting:**
* Focus on profitable regions
* Test new markets gradually
* Meet regional restrictions
## Regional Code Format
**Format:** COUNTRY-REGION
**Examples:**
```
US-CA → California CA-ON → Ontario
US-NY → New York CA-QC → Quebec
US-TX → Texas GB-ENG → England
```
## Regional Zone Examples
### West Coast Zone
```
Zone Name: "West Coast"
Countries: US
States/Provinces: US-CA, US-WA, US-OR
Status: Active
```
### Canadian Provinces
```
Zone Name: "Canada Major Markets"
Countries: CA
States/Provinces: CA-ON, CA-QC, CA-BC
Status: Active
```
## Setting Up Regional Zones
1. **Create zone** with descriptive name
2. **Add country** (US, CA, etc.)
3. **Add states/provinces** using COUNTRY-REGION format
4. **Set status** to Active
5. **Add shipping rates** to the zone
## Managing Regional Zones
**Monitor performance:**
* Check Dashboard for region request volumes
* Identify high-performing regions for expansion
* Review low-performing regions
## Troubleshooting
**Region not matching?**
* Use format: US-CA (not California)
* Check zone is Active
* Test in Rate Sandbox
**No rates showing?**
* Add shipping rates to regional zone
* Verify zone has active rates
## Next Steps
1. [Add postal codes](postal-codes) for local delivery
2. [Create rates](../rates/create-rates) for your regions
3. [Test coverage](../sandbox/test-scenarios)
# Manage Zones
Source: https://support.smartshipping.app/zones/manage-zones
How to create and manage shipping zones
# Manage Zones
Shipping zones define geographical areas where you offer shipping (e.g., United States, Europe).
## Creating a Zone
1. Go to **Zones**
2. Click **Create Zone**
3. Enter zone name (e.g., "United States", "Europe")
4. Select countries for this zone
5. Choose zone type:
* **Specific Countries**: Ships to selected countries only
* **Rest of World**: Ships to all other countries not in other zones
6. Click **Save**
## Adding Regions to a Zone
Regions let you charge different rates within the same zone (e.g., different rates for California vs Texas).
1. Go to your zone → **Manage Regions**
2. Click **Add Region**
3. Enter region name (e.g., "West Coast")
4. Add postal code patterns:
* **Exact codes**: `90210` (matches exactly)
* **Wildcards**: `902*` (matches 90200-90299)
* **Multiple**: `90210,10001,60601` (comma separated)
5. Click **Save**
## Editing a Zone
1. Go to **Zones**
2. Click **Edit** on the zone
3. Update countries or settings
4. Click **Save**
## Deleting a Zone
1. Go to **Zones**
2. Click **Delete** on the zone
3. Confirm deletion
**Note**: Zones with active rates cannot be deleted. Remove rates first.
## Next Steps
After creating zones, [add shipping rates](/rates/manage-rates) to define pricing.