Shipping policy generator

Shipping policy FAQ

What should a shipping policy include?

A good shipping policy sets expectations before checkout so customers do not have to email you. Cover the essentials: how long orders take to process, which carriers you use, what shipping costs (including any free-shipping threshold), where you ship to, whether expedited options exist, how tracking is delivered, and what to do if a package is delayed, lost, or damaged. The generator builds all of these sections for you from a few inputs.

What is the difference between processing time and transit time?

Processing time is how long it takes you to pick, pack, and hand the order to the carrier — usually 1–2 business days. Transit time is how long the carrier takes to deliver once it has the package. Total delivery time is the two added together, so an order with 1–2 day processing on a 3-day ground service can take up to a week. State both separately so customers do not assume a fast carrier means a fast ship-out.

Should I offer free shipping over a certain order value?

A free-shipping threshold is one of the most effective ways to raise average order value — customers add an extra item to cross the line. Set the threshold a bit above your current average order value so it nudges people up without eroding margin on every order. The generator lets you set the dollar amount and writes the line for you; set it to 0 if you would rather not offer one.

How do I handle international shipping in my policy?

If you ship internationally, your policy must disclaim duties and taxes. Customs duties, import taxes, and brokerage fees are charged by the destination country and are the buyer's responsibility — they are not included in the price you collect at checkout. Also note that international transit times are longer and tracking can go dark while a package clears customs. Choosing "United States + International" in the generator adds this disclaimer automatically.