THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SHOPIFY SHIPPING: FROM PDP TO CHECKOUT (AND BEYOND!)

Storefront: Setting Expectations from the Get-Go

Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin. The truth is, most of your customers aren’t. They’re busy, distracted, and often shopping on the go - scrolling through product pages while juggling their morning coffee, answering emails, or watching TV. The last thing they want is to go on a treasure hunt to find out when their order will arrive.

To keep them engaged and confident in their purchase, shipping information should be front and centre. With the power of Shopify, and the help of Shiptheory, here’s how:

• Delivery Timers on Product Pages – A ticking clock that tells customers how long they have to order for next-day delivery can work wonders for conversions. Urgency drives action, and clear expectations reduce cart abandonment.
• Free Shipping Thresholds – Customers love free shipping, and they’ll often add more to their cart just to qualify. Displaying this in announcement bars or cart notifications can nudge them toward a bigger spend.

Checkout: The Final Hurdle

So, your customer has filled their cart - congratulations! Now, let’s not lose them at the final hurdle. Shopify’s checkout is already best-in-class, outperforming competitors by up to 36% in conversion rates. But you can make it even better with Shiptheory’s smart shipping rules and omnichannel options:

• Smart Shipping Rules – Whether it’s simple free shipping over £50 or ultra-specific conditions like postcode-based rates, Shopify’s checkout, alongside Shiptheory’s shipping rules engine, lets you tailor shipping options to suit your business and customers.
• Local Pickup for Brick-and-Mortar Stores – Offering local pickup alongside shipping options creates a true omnichannel experience, making it easy for customers to collect their order at their convenience.
• Speedy, Conversion-Optimised Checkout – Shopify’s checkout is built for speed. With autofill, Shop Pay, and mobile-friendly design, customers can breeze through payment in seconds - minimising friction and maximising conversions.

Integrations & Automation: Working Smarter, Not Harder Behind The Scenes

It’s not just about what the customer sees, your tech behind the scenes is vital to ensure a well oiled machine too. One of Shopify’s greatest strengths is its ability to integrate seamlessly with third-party tools, giving merchants access to a world of automation that takes the headache out of logistics. Here are just a few game-changing integrations:

• ERP Integrations like Brightpearl and inventory management software like Unleashed - keeping stock levels accurate is essential for avoiding overselling. Tools like these integrate with Shopify to sync inventory in real time, ensuring you never sell what you don’t have.
• Shiptheory – connecting your Shopify store to leading carriers and automating the shipping process, Shiptheory reduces manual work and streamlines fulfilment. Automatically generate shipping labels, apply shipping rules based on weight, destination, or service preferences, and ensure every order is sent via the best carrier for the job.

Post-Purchase: The Journey Doesn’t End at Checkout

The sale might be complete, but the customer experience is far from over. Keeping customers informed post-purchase builds trust, boosts satisfaction, and keeps them coming back.

• Order Tracking & Returns – Nobody likes wondering where their parcel is. Shopify integrates with tracking providers to send real-time updates, keeping customers in the loop from dispatch to delivery. Shiptheory’s automated tracking updates ensure customers always know the status of their shipment, reducing support queries and increasing satisfaction.
• Post-Purchase Offers – The thank-you page is prime real estate. Shopify allows you to display limited-time post-purchase offers that don’t disrupt fulfilment operations but give customers another reason to buy again.

Shipping Done Right: A Shopify Merchant’s Superpower

Shipping isn’t just about getting products from A to B - it’s about delivering a smooth, transparent, and reliable experience that keeps customers happy and coming back for more. With Shopify’s powerful shipping features, smart integrations, and automation tools like Shiptheory, you can fine-tune every stage of the journey.

So, whether you’re optimising product pages, refining checkout rules, or setting up automated fulfilment workflows, you’ve got all the tools you need to ship smarter, faster, and more efficiently.