This video will discuss how to create Real Time Shipping Quotes for your customers.
Real time Quoting means another service creates the charges, so you don’t have to set them manually.
This is the most accurate method to charge for shipping, and this transparency can improve customer confidence.
BigCommerce features built-in, real-time quote integrations with major shipping providers.
The shipping charges are dynamically calculated from:
the ship-from location, the weight and physical dimensions of the customer’s order, and
the shipping destination.
If you are interested in setting up static shipping quotes or want to learn more about
what a shipping zone is, watch the Shipping: Zones & Charges video.
The very first thing you want to do is make sure you have weight and Physical dimensions
on all of your products.
You can find this setting within each Product’s edit page.
If you have a lot of products you may want to Export your Products, edit the CSV document and re-import.
For more information on exporting and importing CSVs, check out the support portal.
To begin setting up real time shipping quotes, in your control panel go to store setup, then shipping.
The first thing you’ll see is the shipping origin.
This determines where your business ships its products from, such as your local post
office or your warehouse.
It also determines which real time shipping carriers are available.
To ensure your shipping quotes are accurate, take a moment to adjust as needed.
Click edit or configure to set up shipping charges for a zone.
The options here are services available for your origin address.
Since the shipping origin is based in the United States, the shipping carriers are FedEx, USPS powered by Endicia and UPS.
This means you won't be able to see and set up Canada Post unless your "origin" address is in Canada.
Internationally Bigcommerce offers Royal Mail, Canada Post, and Australia Post.
You have the ability to offer different shipping methods in different zones.
For example, you can offer USPS in the United States and offer FedEx to Canada.
No matter which carrier you select, they will all have very similar setups.
You'll need to have an account in order to connect.
Check the resources below to find links on how to connect to each one.
Once connected to your carrier of choice, you'll have the option to set a display name,
select delivery services, and choose the packaging type or method.
Some carriers will also have the option to Show the estimated delivery date, set a handling
fee, choose the drop-off type or destination type.
Remember, to get the most accurate quotes, you want to make sure your products have the
correct shipping weight and dimensions.
This example will set up USPS powered by Endicia for the United States zone.
Click “Connect” to get started.
You will need to either create an Endicia account or connect your existing account here.
After you’ve logged in, you’ll need to configure your USPS settings.
First, enter a Display name customers will see at checkout.
Then decide if you want to show the estimated delivery date that will display how many business
days a particular service will take.
Next, choose the delivery services you want to offer.
Certain delivery services have weight and dimension limits.
Choose multiple services to accommodate for your customer’s orders.
Then, select the packaging types you will use to ship your orders.
Choose “Parcel” if you are using your own packaging materials.
Click here when you are finished configuring your settings.
If you want to test your connection and get a quote, click edit to get back to the settings.
Click on the quote tab.
Enter your destination country, state, and zip code, followed by your package weight, value, and dimensions.
Click “Get Quote”, and you will see a shipping quote for all valid services.
If you are using USPS by Endicia, you have the option to print shipping labels directly
from within the BigCommerce control panel.
The postage Balance tab will allow you to add a balance to your account.
Go back when you are finished configuring your USPS settings.
It’s not necessary to have more than one real time shipping option in a zone, but you
can enable additional real time options or static quotes if your business needs them.
Make sure you test your shipping charges on your storefront by making a test order.
Here are the shipping options available for this customer’s order.
There are both static and real time shipping quotes.
Only the services that this order qualifies for are being displayed.
Even though first class mail is enabled, it’s not an option for this order because it exceeds
the 13oz weight limit for First Class Mail.
If the customer’s address falls outside of one your zones OR exceeds the shipping
service limits they will see an out of delivery zone message.
You can edit this message to suit your needs in the shipping manager.
If you want to calculate shipping quotes from multiple points of origin or need other advanced
shipping features, we recommend using our integration with ShipperHQ.
To find additional information about setting up real time shipping quotes for your store, visit the support portal.