{"id":28472,"date":"2023-04-12T20:51:12","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T19:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/localhost:10003\/a-guide-to-crafting-a-great-shipping-policy\/"},"modified":"2024-07-24T12:51:45","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T11:51:45","slug":"a-guide-to-crafting-a-great-shipping-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecommercefulfilment.com\/en_US\/resources\/shipping\/a-guide-to-crafting-a-great-shipping-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Crafting a Great Shipping Policy: Templates & Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"

We take a look at the importance of a good shipping policy, what to include, where to put it on your website, and some great examples of existing shipping policies. We’ve even thrown in a free shipping policy template to get you started!<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is a Shipping Policy and why do you need one?<\/h2>\n

A shipping policy <\/strong>is a set of guidelines – usually on your website – that details important shipping information for customers who make a purchase with you. A good shipping policy will contain everything your customers need to know in regards to shipping options and price, estimated delivery time, returns information, and more. Basically, everything your customer might need to know about your shipping policies in order to make an informed purchase.<\/p>\n

Comprehensive shipping policies are important. Every eCommerce store should have one. Not only does a shipping policy create a better experience for your customers, it also establishes trust between businesses and customers. A detailed shipping policy improves your credibility, and makes customers more likely to buy from you.<\/p>\n

Over 50% of shoppers will only buy goods online if delivery information is clear. (ReadyCloud<\/a>, 2021)<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Today, we\u2019ll show you how to create a professional shippihttps:\/\/www.readycloud.com\/info\/your-guide-to-ecommerce-shipping-in-2021-2ng policy, where to place it on your website, show you some great shipping policy examples, and answer some of the common questions we get about them. We\u2019re even throwing in a free shipping policy template to get you started on the right track!<\/p>\n

How to write a shipping policy for your business<\/h2>\n

Once you know what to include, writing a good shipping policy isn\u2019t particularly difficult. Let\u2019s take a look at some components of a good shipping policy.<\/p>\n

Order processing times<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Customers are going to want to know how long it will take for you to process their order. For small items and orders, you should try and have processes in place that ensure all items get dispatched within a defined time frame.<\/p>\n

Some items, such as furniture, might take a long time to process, or it might be difficult to give an exact timeframe. In this case, give your customers an estimation, but don\u2019t overpromise. It\u2019s much better to receive an order earlier than expected, rather than later!<\/p>\n

Shipping options including costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Not everyone can offer next-day delivery, but having multiple shipping options creates more flexibility for your customers and gives them a better experience shopping with you. Include shipping rates for each carrier\/ service, and provide an estimation of shipping timelines so your customers can choose the best shipping method for them.<\/p>\n

You might offer free shipping to certain locations, or if a customer spends a certain amount. If so, be sure to highlight them, as it can benefit both your company and the customer!<\/p>\n

Tip: Once an order is ready to be shipped, send your customers a shipping confirmation email. You can include all the relevant shipping details such as the estimated delivery date and tracking number.<\/strong><\/p>\n

National vs International shipping<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you offer international shipping, you should have a clear shipping policy for both national and international orders. Overseas and local shipping options will of course differ, both in terms of shipping rates and delivery times, so it\u2019s important to cover both on your shipping policy page.<\/p>\n

70% of online buyers already purchase from foreign sites. (eMarketer<\/a>, 2022)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For multiple international shipping options, try and cover all the countries you sell to, with details of individual shipping charges, shipping methods, and shipping processes. It can be time-consuming if you sell to a lot of countries, but it’s worth it as it shows every customer you care. Similarly, if a new customer stumbles across your products and cannot find their specific country, it will likely discourage them from buying from you.<\/p>\n

Tip: International shipping can be confusing. There\u2019s no need to get into the nitty-gritty details on your shipping policy page, all your customers need to know is how long shipping will takes, shipping fees, and return shipping information. Check out our shipping policy template for examples.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Returns & exchanges<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Offering returns will automatically make a customer more interested in your products. It provides a somewhat risk-free way for them to buy from you, knowing that they can return the product if it\u2019s not quite right, or if they change their mind.<\/p>\n

Your returns policy should be clearly presented on your shipping policy page. Having a returns policy in place probably won\u2019t have its desired effect if you give your customers a tonne of hoops to jump through to return an item, or if it isn\u2019t clear under what circumstances an item can or cannot be returned.<\/p>\n

You should let your customers know how long they have to return an item, details of return shipping, and when they can expect to receive a refund once you\u2019ve received their return.<\/p>\n

Some businesses may opt to have an exchange policy, in addition to, or instead of, a returns policy. Whatever the case, include your exchange policy under the same heading as your returns policy.<\/p>\n

Click & Collect<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some eCommerce businesses are in a position to offer a click-and-collect service on their orders. This can be beneficial to customers as it will usually be cheaper, with many companies offering free local pickup to reduce the burden of having it shipped out. It can be convenient for local customers to use click-and-collect to cut down the time it takes to receive an order.<\/p>\n

If you offer click and collect, make sure to boast about it on your shipping policy page!<\/p>\n

Cancellations<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Similar to returns, customers will feel reassured when buying from you if you have an easy to understand cancellation policy. You may decide to offer free cancellations before the order has been dispatched, or before it\u2019s begun being processed.<\/p>\n

Whatever your cancellation policy may be, make sure your cut off times are clearly written into your policy to avoid any confusion or resentment.<\/p>\n

Be sure to download our shipping policy template for further guidance on each of these sections.<\/p>\n

Where to put your shipping policy<\/h2>\n

The most important thing about the location of your shipping policy is ensuring it\u2019s easy to find. When building your website, you should build a specific page for your own shipping policy before the website goes live. Here are some tips to ensure your customers don\u2019t get stuck when searching for your shipping policy:<\/p>\n