Your shipping policy is one of the most consequential pages on your Shopify store, yet most merchants treat it as legal boilerplate. The reality is that unclear or missing shipping information is responsible for 22% of cart abandonments — the third highest reason shoppers leave without purchasing. A well-written shipping policy is both a trust-building tool and a conversion optimization asset.
The templates in this guide have been refined based on analysis of hundreds of high-performing Shopify stores. Each template covers the essential elements that customers look for and that payment processors and advertising platforms require. Simply copy the template that matches your shipping model, customize the bracketed fields with your specific details, and paste it into your Shopify admin.
Why Shipping Policy Matters for Conversions
| Factor | Impact | Data Point |
|---|---|---|
| Unexpected shipping costs | #1 reason for cart abandonment | 48% of abandoned carts (Baymard) |
| Unclear delivery times | Reduces purchase confidence | 45% want delivery date before checkout |
| Free shipping threshold | Increases AOV | 15-30% higher average order value |
| Visible shipping policy | Builds trust | 68% check shipping before buying |
| Delivery speed options | Captures urgent buyers | 25% will pay more for faster shipping |
Free Shipping Policy Template
Free shipping policies are the most conversion-friendly. If you can absorb shipping costs into your product pricing, this template maximizes trust and simplicity.
Shipping Policy — [Store Name]
We offer FREE standard shipping on all orders within [country]. No minimum purchase required.
Processing Time: All orders are processed within [1-2] business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). You will receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking number once your order ships.
Delivery Time: Standard shipping typically takes [3-7] business days after processing. Delivery times may vary based on your location.
Order Tracking: Once your order ships, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking link. You can also track your order at [tracking URL].
International Shipping: We currently ship to [countries/regions]. International shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination and order weight. Delivery typically takes [7-21] business days. Customers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or brokerage fees charged by their country.
Lost or Damaged Packages: If your order arrives damaged or is lost in transit, please contact us at [email] within [7] days of the expected delivery date. We will ship a replacement or issue a full refund at no cost to you.
Flat Rate Shipping Policy Template
Flat rate shipping is simple for customers to understand and predictable for your margins. This template works well for stores with consistent product sizes and weights.
Shipping Policy — [Store Name]
We offer flat rate shipping on all orders:
- Standard Shipping (domestic): $[X.XX] — Delivers in [3-7] business days
- Express Shipping (domestic): $[X.XX] — Delivers in [1-3] business days
- International Shipping: $[X.XX] — Delivers in [7-21] business days
Processing Time: Orders are processed within [1-2] business days (Monday-Friday). Orders placed after [time] or on weekends will be processed the next business day.
Free Shipping: Orders over $[amount] qualify for free standard shipping within [country].
Order Tracking: A tracking number will be emailed to you once your order ships. Track your order anytime at [tracking URL].
Customs & Duties: International orders may be subject to customs duties and import taxes. These fees are the responsibility of the recipient and are not included in the shipping price or product cost.
Shipping Issues: Please contact [email] for any shipping-related issues. We resolve all claims within [X] business days.
Tiered Shipping Policy Template
Tiered shipping rewards larger orders and encourages higher cart values. This model balances margin protection with customer incentives.
Shipping Policy — [Store Name]
Shipping rates are based on your order total:
- Orders under $[25]: $[X.XX] standard shipping
- Orders $[25]-$[74.99]: $[X.XX] standard shipping
- Orders $[75]+: FREE standard shipping
Express Shipping: Available on all orders for an additional $[X.XX]. Delivers in [1-3] business days.
Processing: Orders placed before [2 PM EST] Monday-Friday ship the same day. Orders placed after [2 PM] or on weekends ship the next business day.
Delivery Estimates: Standard shipping: [3-7] business days. Express shipping: [1-3] business days. Delivery times begin after the order has been processed and shipped.
Tracking: Every order includes a tracking number, emailed to you automatically when your order ships.
Problems with Your Order: If your package is lost, damaged, or delayed beyond [X] business days past the estimated delivery, contact us at [email] and we will make it right — guaranteed.
International Shipping Policy Template
International shipping adds complexity around customs, duties, and longer transit times. This template sets clear expectations for international customers.
International Shipping Policy — [Store Name]
We proudly ship to [number]+ countries worldwide.
International Shipping Rates: Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your destination, order weight, and selected shipping speed. Rates typically range from $[X] to $[X].
Delivery Times by Region:
- Canada: [5-10] business days
- Europe (UK, EU): [7-14] business days
- Australia/New Zealand: [10-18] business days
- Asia: [10-21] business days
- Rest of World: [14-28] business days
Customs, Duties & Import Taxes: International orders may be subject to customs duties and import taxes determined by your country's customs office. These fees are NOT included in our product prices or shipping costs. [Store Name] is not responsible for delays caused by customs processing.
Tracking: All international orders include tracking. Tracking information may have limited updates once the package leaves [origin country] and enters the destination country's postal system.
Returns: International customers are responsible for return shipping costs. We recommend using a tracked shipping method for all returns.
Express & Priority Shipping Template
For stores that cater to time-sensitive purchases like gifts, events, or perishable goods, this template highlights expedited options.
Shipping Options — [Store Name]
We offer multiple shipping speeds to fit your timeline:
- Standard Shipping — [3-7] business days — $[X.XX] (FREE on orders over $[amount])
- Express Shipping — [2-3] business days — $[X.XX]
- Priority/Overnight — [1] business day — $[X.XX]
Same-Day Processing: Orders placed before [12 PM EST] Monday-Friday are processed and shipped the same day. Orders placed after [12 PM] ship the next business day.
Need It by a Specific Date? Contact us at [email] before ordering and we will confirm the best shipping option to meet your deadline.
Holiday Shipping Deadlines: During peak holiday seasons, we publish shipping deadlines on our homepage to ensure your gifts arrive on time. Subscribe to our email list for deadline reminders.
Comprehensive All-in-One Template
This comprehensive template covers every shipping scenario in a single, well-organized policy. Ideal for established stores with complex shipping needs.
Shipping Policy — [Store Name]
Last updated: [Month Year]
Thank you for shopping with [Store Name]. We want you to receive your order as quickly and affordably as possible. Here is everything you need to know about our shipping.
1. Processing Time
All orders are processed within [1-2] business days (Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays). During sales events or holiday seasons, processing may take an additional [1-2] business days. You will receive a confirmation email when your order ships.2. Domestic Shipping (United States)
- Standard Shipping: [3-7] business days — $[X.XX] (FREE on orders over $[amount])
- Express Shipping: [2-3] business days — $[X.XX]
- Overnight Shipping: [1] business day — $[X.XX]
3. International Shipping
We ship to [number]+ countries. Rates are calculated at checkout. Delivery: [7-21] business days. Customs duties and import taxes are the customer's responsibility.4. Order Tracking
Every order includes free tracking. You will receive your tracking number by email within 24 hours of shipment.5. Shipping Restrictions
We currently do not ship to PO Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or the following regions: [list]. If your address is not eligible, you will be notified at checkout.6. Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Packages
Contact [email] within [14] days of the expected delivery date. We will investigate with the carrier and either reship your order or issue a full refund. For packages marked as delivered but not received, we require a [7]-day waiting period before filing a claim.7. Address Accuracy
Please double-check your shipping address at checkout. We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by the customer. If you notice an error, contact us immediately — we can update the address before the order ships.8. Contact Us
For shipping questions: [email] | Response time: within [24] hours on business days.
How to Set Up Your Shipping Policy in Shopify
Shopify provides a dedicated location for your shipping policy that automatically links to your checkout page. Here is how to set it up:
Step 1: Go to Settings > Legal in your Shopify admin panel.
Step 2: Scroll to the Shipping Policy section and paste your policy.
Step 3: Click Save. Shopify will automatically create a policy page and link it from your checkout footer.
Step 4: Add the shipping policy link to your footer navigation menu. Go to Online Store > Navigation > Footer menu > Add menu item > Link to your shipping policy page.
Step 5: Consider adding a brief shipping summary on product pages. Key information to display: processing time, estimated delivery, and free shipping threshold. This reduces the need for customers to navigate away from the product page to check shipping details.
Shipping Policy Best Practices
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use business days, not calendar days | Avoids confusion around weekends and holidays |
| Give ranges, not exact dates | Protects against carrier delays and manages expectations |
| State processing time separately | Customers confuse processing with shipping — be explicit |
| Bold the free shipping threshold | Encourages larger orders and reduces abandonment |
| Update before peak seasons | Holiday delays need advance communication |
| Link from product pages | Reduces navigation friction and answers questions in context |
Key Stat: 48% of cart abandonments are caused by unexpected shipping costs. A transparent shipping policy that sets clear expectations before checkout can recover a significant portion of these lost sales. Pair it with a free shipping progress bar to motivate larger orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shopify require a shipping policy page?
Shopify does not technically require a shipping policy page, but it is strongly recommended. Google Shopping, Facebook Ads, and many payment providers require clear shipping policies. 68% of online shoppers check shipping policies before purchasing. Shopify provides a dedicated shipping policy slot in Settings > Legal.
What should a Shopify shipping policy include?
A complete shipping policy should include processing time, shipping methods and costs, estimated delivery times, tracking information, international shipping details, customs and duties responsibility, shipping restrictions, and lost/damaged package procedures.
How do I add a shipping policy to my Shopify store?
Go to Settings > Legal in your Shopify admin. Paste your shipping policy in the Shipping Policy section. This automatically creates a page linked from your checkout. Also add the policy link to your footer navigation and FAQ page.
Should I offer free shipping on my Shopify store?
Free shipping with a minimum order threshold is the most effective strategy, increasing average order value by 15-30%. Set your threshold at 20-30% above your current average order value. Use a progress bar to show customers how close they are to qualifying.
How do I handle customs and duties for international shipping?
Clearly state whether prices include or exclude customs duties. Most Shopify stores ship DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), meaning the customer pays import fees. State this explicitly to avoid chargebacks. Shopify Markets can calculate and collect duties at checkout for DDP shipping.
Promote Free Shipping to Increase AOV
The EA Free Shipping Bar shows customers exactly how much more they need to spend to unlock free shipping — increasing average order values by 15-30%.
Install EA Free Shipping Bar Free