Free shipping is one of the most effective incentives that online stores can offer to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction. WooCommerce offers the flexibility to create tailored shipping rules for your store, and one of the most popular options is the “Free Delivery Over Certain Amount” strategy. This discount method helps entice customers to spend a specific amount in order to qualify for free shipping, thereby encouraging larger purchases.
In this blog, we’ll explore how WooCommerce Free Delivery Over Certain Amount works, why it’s beneficial for both customers and store owners, how to set it up, and tips for optimizing its use to increase your revenue and customer loyalty.
What is WooCommerce Free Delivery Over Certain Amount?
Free delivery over a certain amount is a promotional shipping option where customers are offered free shipping if their cart total exceeds a predefined value. This threshold can be set by the store owner, such as offering free shipping for orders over $50 or $100.
This strategy works as an effective sales booster because it encourages customers to purchase more in order to reach the threshold for free shipping. In addition, it can help differentiate your store from competitors who may not offer this incentive, giving you a competitive edge.
Why Offer Free Delivery Over a Certain Amount?
There are numerous reasons why offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount is a smart business decision:
- Increase Average Order Value (AOV)
One of the main advantages of this strategy is its ability to boost your store’s average order value. By setting a minimum purchase threshold for free shipping, customers are encouraged to add more items to their cart in order to qualify for the discount. This tactic leads to larger purchases, directly increasing your revenue.
- Reduce Cart Abandonment
Shopping cart abandonment is a significant challenge for eCommerce stores. Many customers abandon their carts due to unexpected shipping costs during the checkout process. Offering free shipping on orders over a specific amount helps eliminate this issue and encourages customers to complete their purchases.
- Enhance Customer Loyalty and Retention
Customers appreciate the value of free shipping, and when they know they can earn free delivery by meeting a certain threshold, it encourages them to return to your store. This can lead to repeat business, especially if you offer similar promotions periodically or as part of a loyalty program.
- Improve Customer Experience
Free shipping is universally popular among customers, and it’s often a deciding factor when making a purchase. By offering free shipping once a customer meets a certain purchase amount, you improve the overall shopping experience and reduce friction during checkout.
- Attract New Customers
Promotions like free shipping are appealing to new customers who may be hesitant to make a purchase due to concerns about shipping costs. Offering this incentive can help attract new shoppers who are more likely to complete their orders when they realize they can save on shipping.
How to Set Up WooCommerce Free Delivery Over Certain Amount
WooCommerce makes it easy to set up free shipping for orders over a specific amount through its built-in shipping settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to configuring this feature for your store:
- Go to WooCommerce Settings
- From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to WooCommerce > Settings.
- Click on the Shipping tab to access the shipping settings.
- Add a New Shipping Zone
- If you haven’t already set up a shipping zone for your store, you’ll need to create one. Click on Add Shipping Zone.
- Name the zone and select the countries or regions where you want to offer free shipping.
- Set up a Free Shipping Method
- Within your shipping zone, click Add Shipping Method.
- Choose Free Shipping from the list of available shipping methods and click Add Shipping Method.
- After adding it, click Edit next to the Free Shipping option.
- Configure the Free Shipping Settings
- In the free shipping settings, you’ll see a dropdown under Free Shipping Requires. Select A minimum order amount.
- Enter the required amount for customers to qualify for free shipping in the Minimum Order Amount field. For example, you could set this to $50, meaning that customers who spend $50 or more will get free shipping.
- You can also set conditions for specific products or categories, such as offering free shipping only for certain items or limiting it to specific customer roles.
- Save Changes
- After configuring the settings, click Save Changes to apply the new shipping rules.
Advanced Strategies for Using Free Delivery Over Certain Amount
While offering free delivery is a great tactic on its own, you can make it even more effective by combining it with other strategies. Here are a few advanced ways to leverage this offer:
1. Combine Free Shipping with Promotions and Discounts
You can pair free shipping with other promotions to make it even more enticing. For example, you could create a special campaign where customers receive free shipping and an additional discount, like 10% off when their cart total exceeds a specific amount. This combo can significantly boost sales and customer satisfaction.
2. Set Different Free Shipping Amounts for Different Products
You can get creative with your shipping rules by offering free delivery based on the products a customer adds to their cart. For example, you could offer free shipping on specific product categories or apply a higher threshold for premium items. This gives you the flexibility to incentivize customers to purchase high-margin or high-value items.
3. Create Time-Sensitive Offers
To encourage quicker purchases, create time-sensitive free shipping offers. For example, “Free shipping for orders over $50, valid only this weekend” creates a sense of urgency and encourages customers to place orders sooner rather than later. Time-sensitive offers can drive higher sales volumes, especially during promotional events.
4. Combine with Loyalty Programs
Integrating free shipping with a customer loyalty program can help increase repeat business. For instance, you could offer free shipping on every order for customers who have reached a certain number of points or reward high-spending customers with exclusive free shipping deals. This adds a sense of exclusivity and encourages customers to shop more frequently.
5. Use Free Shipping for Special Occasions or Events
Using free shipping during specific events like holidays, store anniversaries, or Black Friday sales can boost traffic and sales. Customers often expect special offers during these periods, and offering free shipping can help you stand out from the competition.
How Free Delivery Over Certain Amount Improves Customer Experience
Offering free delivery over a certain amount can improve customer satisfaction in several key ways:
- Eliminates Shipping Concerns: Customers often hesitate to complete a purchase when faced with unexpected shipping fees. Offering free shipping removes this obstacle and gives customers peace of mind.
- Incentivizes Larger Purchases: When customers realize that they can save on shipping by spending a little more, they’re more likely to add additional items to their cart, leading to higher sales and a better shopping experience.
- Streamlined Checkout: Free shipping is a straightforward and easy-to-understand offer. Customers can quickly see the benefits, making their checkout process smoother and faster.
- Creates Positive Associations with Your Brand: Free shipping is universally appreciated, and customers are more likely to return to a store that offers this benefit. By providing free shipping on orders over a certain amount, you show customers that you value their business and are willing to reward them for their loyalty.
Conclusion
WooCommerce Free Delivery Over Certain Amount is a highly effective way to increase your store’s sales and customer retention. By setting a minimum purchase threshold for free shipping, you encourage customers to add more items to their cart, boosting your average order value. It also eliminates a major barrier to purchase—shipping fees—and helps differentiate your store from competitors.
By combining this strategy with other promotions, loyalty programs, and time-sensitive offers, you can maximize its effectiveness and create a more compelling shopping experience for your customers. Offering free shipping over a certain amount not only improves customer satisfaction but also increases your store’s profitability.