As an online retailer, offering free shipping is a proven way to drive sales and increase customer loyalty. According to a study by eMarketer, nearly half of US online shoppers add items to their cart to qualify for free shipping. With this in mind, can you offer free shipping in WooCommerce and still maintain profitability? In this article, we will explore the benefits of offering free shipping and how to offer it in WooCommerce effectively.
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The Benefits of Offering Free Shipping
Offering free shipping has proven to be an effective way to increase sales and customer loyalty. Here are some of the key benefits of offering free shipping:
Increased Sales
Offering free shipping can increase your sales by reducing cart abandonment rates, increasing conversions, and encouraging larger purchases. According to a study by UPS, 88% of shoppers are more likely to shop online if free shipping is offered.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Offering free shipping can enhance the customer experience and increase customer satisfaction. Shoppers are more likely to complete their purchase and become loyal customers when free shipping is offered.
Increased Brand Awareness
Offering free shipping can help increase brand awareness and attract new customers. Shoppers are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family, which helps increase brand awareness and drive more sales.
How to Offer Free Shipping in WooCommerce
Now that we’ve established the benefits of offering free shipping, it’s time to explore how to offer it in WooCommerce effectively. Here are some of the key steps to offer free shipping in WooCommerce:
Step 1: Configure WooCommerce Shipping Settings
The first step to offer free shipping is to configure your WooCommerce shipping settings. Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping and select your shipping zone. Click on “Add Shipping Method” and select “Free Shipping” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Configure Free Shipping Method
After selecting “Free Shipping” as your shipping method, you should configure the settings. You can specify the minimum order amount required for free shipping, whether or not to apply free shipping to virtual/digital/downloadable products, and the countries or regions eligible for free shipping.
Step 3: Communicate Free Shipping to Customers
After enabling free shipping, it’s important to communicate it to your customers effectively. You can display banners or popups on your website, send emails to customers, or display a message at checkout.
Considerations When Offering Free Shipping
While offering free shipping can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Here are some of the key considerations when offering free shipping:
Shipping Costs
Offering free shipping means absorbing the cost of shipping yourself. You should consider the cost of shipping and factor it into your profit margins before deciding whether to offer free shipping.
Minimum Order Amounts
Setting a minimum order amount for free shipping can encourage customers to make larger purchases, but it can also deter small purchases. You should consider the impact on your average order value and overall profitability before setting a minimum order amount.
International Shipping
Offering free international shipping can be costly, and there may be customs duties and taxes to consider. You should calculate the costs and determine whether offering free international shipping is feasible for your business.
Conclusion
Offering free shipping is a proven way to increase sales and customer satisfaction. In WooCommerce, it’s easy to offer free shipping by configuring your shipping settings and communicating it to your customers. However, you should also consider the costs and impact on your profitability before deciding whether to offer free shipping. By carefully considering the benefits and challenges of offering free shipping, you can make an informed decision that benefits your business and your customers.