> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.smartshipping.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Weight-Based Shipping 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!