Editor’s Note: Magento has transitioned to Adobe Commerce. For expert consultation on optimizing your shipping strategy on this dynamic platform, reach out to Coalition Technologies.
The landscape of commerce encompasses digital goods, brick-and-mortar storefronts, and the intermediary world of e-commerce. Among the intricacies of e-commerce, shipping stands out as particularly challenging. Post-pandemic disruptions in the supply chain have exacerbated this issue, with shipping becoming a significant pain point for businesses. It’s often slow, costly, complex, and beyond control, yet customer expectations for swift delivery are stringent—within 48 hours or less.
Selecting the appropriate e-commerce platform is pivotal in shaping a small business’s shipping strategy. Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is a top choice due to its robust features and adaptable options. However, the multitude of shipping methods available in Adobe Commerce can be daunting for new users. This guide will illuminate all you need to know to commence shipping with Adobe Commerce, maximizing your time and investment.
In the absence of efficient and cost-effective shipping, even the most impressive products can lead to lost sales. The “Amazon effect” has set a high bar for customers, expecting a vast array of in-stock items and rapid shipping from any e-commerce outlet. The average shopping cart abandonment rate, at 70 percent, is frequently linked to shipping costs and additional fees. Customers react negatively when faced with high shipping fees and extended delivery times.
In today’s market, customers increasingly expect low-cost or even free shipping, and businesses risk losing sales if they cannot meet these expectations. Many e-commerce stores, therefore, leverage shipping integrations with platforms like Adobe Commerce to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
Adobe Commerce offers flexibility in shipping, enabling businesses to tailor options to their customers’ needs. Here are some core shipping options to consider:
A staggering 75% of customers expect free shipping when making an online purchase. Free shipping is a popular choice for store owners, as it positively impacts sales. Research indicates that free shipping can increase the average order value by 97% and reduce shopping cart abandonment by 18%.
Adobe Commerce allows the creation of free shipping coupon codes, enabling selective promotions. This can be tailored to specific campaigns, seasons, or customer segments.
Despite the free shipping perception for customers, businesses must bear the actual costs. Before implementing this option, assess the feasibility of covering these expenses.
Flat-rate shipping is another favored method due to its straightforward pricing. A pricing table can display various rates for economy and expedited shipping, regardless of order size.
Some e-commerce stores combine free and flat-rate shipping with promotions like free shipping for orders over a certain amount.
True cost shipping is the most practical option for small businesses. Adobe Commerce enables selecting a carrier to pass on actual shipping costs to the customer. International shipments are particularly suited to this method, as costs can be unpredictable.
Small businesses should account for additional costs such as packaging, duties, and taxes when setting prices and scaling.
After choosing the most suitable shipping option for your business, configure your Adobe Commerce store by navigating to Stores > Configuration > Sales > Shipping Settings.
Ensure your shipping origin and policy parameters are correctly set. For Adobe Commerce shipping methods, consider free shipping, flat-rate, and true cost options.
Implementing free shipping with a minimum order threshold is an effective strategy. Adobe Commerce allows configuring carriers and setting up handling fees.
Flat-rate shipping is straightforward, with options for per item or per order pricing. Be mindful of how you advertise flat-rate shipping to avoid perceived hidden costs.
Table rates in Adobe Commerce enable charging shipping fees based on product weight. Magento’s multi-carrier AI fulfillment option, available under “table rates,” requires a Magento account.
Monitor and adjust your shipping options and rates regularly as your business grows and market conditions change.
Adobe Commerce is a powerful shipping tool. Coalition Technologies, a leader in Magento web design, can assist with audits, overhauls, and optimization to enhance efficiency and revenue, while delivering an exceptional customer experience.
