Free shipping is a powerful tool to attract customers and boost sales in your WooCommerce store. Whether you offer it for all orders or tie it to specific conditions, setting it up is quick and flexible. This step-by-step guide walks you through adding free shipping to a WooCommerce shipping zone, with clear examples to ensure success.
Prerequisites
Ensure you’ve set up Shipping Zones in WooCommerce, as free shipping is applied within a specific zone (e.g., for a country or region). If you need help with zones, refer to WooCommerce’s shipping zone documentation or related tutorials.
Step 1: Access Your Shipping Zone
- Navigate to Shipping Settings:
- From your WordPress dashboard, hover over WooCommerce and click Settings.
- Select the Shipping tab.
- Choose a Zone:
- In the Shipping Zones section, locate the zone where you want to offer free shipping (e.g., “USA” or “Local Area”).
- Click the zone’s name or hover and select Edit.
Step 2: Add Free Shipping
- Add a Shipping Method:
- Inside the zone’s settings, click the Add Shipping Method button.
- In the pop-up, select Free Shipping from the dropdown and click Add Shipping Method.
- Verify the Method:
- Free shipping will appear in the zone with its title (e.g., “Free Shipping”) and status (enabled or disabled).
Step 3: Configure Free Shipping Settings
- Edit the Free Shipping Method:
- Click the free shipping title or hover and select Edit to open the configuration pop-up.
- Customize Details:
- Method Title: Keep as “Free Shipping” or customize it (e.g., “Free Standard Delivery”).
- Free Shipping Requires: Choose conditions for offering free shipping:
- N/A: Free shipping for all orders in the zone (no conditions).
- A valid free shipping coupon: Requires a special coupon (see Step 4).
- A minimum order amount: Set a cart total threshold (e.g., $50).
- A minimum order amount or a coupon: Either condition qualifies.
- A minimum order amount and a coupon: Both conditions must be met.
- Minimum Order Amount: If you selected an option requiring a minimum, enter the amount (e.g., $50).
Step 4: Set Up a Free Shipping Coupon (Optional)
If you chose A valid free shipping coupon (or an option including a coupon), you’ll need to create one:
- Navigate to Coupons:
- Hover over WooCommerce and select Coupons.
- Click Add Coupon.
- Configure the Coupon:
- Enter a Coupon Code (e.g., FREESHIP2025).
- In the General tab, check the Allow free shipping box.
- Optionally, set a discount (e.g., 10% off) if you want the coupon to combine free shipping with another offer.
- Adjust other settings (e.g., usage limits or expiry date) as needed.
- Publish and Share:
- Click Publish to activate the coupon.
- Share it via newsletters, social media, or your website to reward customers with free shipping.
Step 5: Save and Test
- Save Changes:
- Review your free shipping settings and click Save Changes in the pop-up, then save the shipping zone itself.
- Test Your Setup:
- Add items to a cart and proceed to checkout. Verify that free shipping appears when conditions are met (e.g., minimum order amount reached or coupon applied).
Pro Tips
- Boost Sales: Use free shipping as a marketing tactic by promoting thresholds (e.g., “Free shipping on orders over $50!”) or exclusive coupons.
- Combine Methods: Offer free shipping alongside other methods (e.g., flat rate or local pickup) in the same zone for customer flexibility.
- Zone Specificity: Apply free shipping to targeted zones (e.g., local areas or specific countries) to control costs.
- Explore Documentation: For advanced setups, check WooCommerce’s free shipping resources for tips on coupon strategies or integrations.
Congratulations!
You’ve successfully set up free shipping in WooCommerce! Whether you’re offering it for all orders, above a minimum amount, or via a coupon, your store is now equipped to delight customers with cost-free delivery. As your business grows, experiment with conditions to balance profitability and appeal.