Sample Shipping Policy Template and Examples

A shipping policy is a document that acts as a bridge between your online store and your customers. It clarifies what they can expect in terms of shipping costs and delivery times, eliminating surprises and building trust throughout the buying journey.

Without a clear policy, customers might hesitate to complete their purchases, which can then lead to lost sales. The good news is that crafting a clear and informative shipping policy doesn’t have to be a headache.

In this guide, I’ll list what to include in a shipping policy, explore different ways to create one and showcase real-world examples from successful online stores. I’d even include a sample shipping policy template that you can use!

By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to craft a shipping policy that reduces order cancellations and keeps your customers happy.

Free Shipping Policy Template

Not everyone has the time to write a shipping policy from scratch. To get you started quickly, here’s a free shipping policy template to help you create a clear and informative document for your e-commerce website.

This template covers all the essential elements and can be easily customized to fit your specific business needs.

A Better Way to Create a Shipping Policy to Attract Customers

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of crafting your shipping policy from start to finish? Consider using a professional shipping policy generator.

This powerful tool can effortlessly create a comprehensive shipping policy tailored to your specific business needs and operational style in just minutes.

With a generator, you can easily produce a solid, customized shipping policy that attracts customers and leaves you worry-free, allowing you to focus on other areas of your business.

12 Key Components to Include in Your Shipping Policy

A well-thought-out shipping policy should inform customers about every step of their order’s journey, from your warehouse to their doorstep.

To ensure clarity and avoid confusion, here are the essential details you should always include in your shipping policy:

1. Shipping Costs

No one likes surprises at checkout, especially when it comes to the cost of shipping. This is why your policy should clearly outline how you calculate domestic and international shipping rates.

Do you offer a flat rate shipping or charge based on weight and destination? If you offer free shipping, clearly communicate the minimum free shipping threshold customers need to reach to qualify.

This way, customers can make informed decisions about their purchases and potentially add extra items to their cart to unlock free shipping.

A clear explanation of shipping costs can incentivize customers to spend more in your store, effectively turning a routine purchase into an opportunity for increased sales.

2. Order Processing Times

Specify how many business days it takes to process an order before it’s shipped. This transparency allows customers to have realistic expectations about when their purchases will arrive.

Detailing whether you process orders the same day, within 24 hours, or use a different timeline shows that you respect your customer’s time and are committed to efficient service.

As Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, famously said in a TIME interview,

“We exist to make customers’ lives better.”

Keeping your customers informed about processing times is a small but significant way to live up to that motto.

3. Shipping Methods Offered

To show you understand your customers’ diverse needs, ensure your shipping policy details the various shipping methods you offer.

Will you provide a standard shipping option with a longer delivery timeframe but a lower cost? How about expedited shipping for customers who need their items faster and are willing to pay a bit more?

Since people appreciate having choices that fit their budget and timeline, that can lead to increased customer satisfaction. To give you a clearer view of how to do this, here’s a screenshot from Lovepop’s shipping policy:

Lovepop’s approach to providing detailed shipping options ensures that customers can choose a method that best suits their urgency and budget. This helps increase satisfaction and trust in the brand’s services.

4. Estimated Delivery Times

Your shipping policy should clearly outline estimated delivery times for each shipping method you offer. This can help you avoid order cancellations due to unrealistic delivery time assumptions.

According to a 2021 survey, a significant portion of U.S. consumers have high expectations for fast delivery, with over 40 percent expecting their online purchases to be delivered within two to three days.

If your customers are aware of the expected delivery timeline, they can make informed decisions based on when they need the items. This reduces the likelihood of dissatisfaction due to unexpected delays.

5. Domestic and International Shipping Options

Does your business cater to a global audience? If you offer international shipping, be sure to include that in your policy. List the different shipping options available, considering factors like cost, speed, and potential customs delays.

Be transparent about potential variations in delivery times compared to domestic orders. After all, international shipments can involve customs processing, which can add days or even weeks to the delivery timeframe.

6. Customs and Import Duties Information

To prevent any surprises, include detailed international shipping information in your policy, particularly regarding customs and import duties.

While you can’t control these fees, you can be transparent with your customers.  Explain in your policy that customs duties and import taxes may be applied by the receiving country’s customs agency upon arrival.

PRO TIP: These fees vary depending on the destination country, so you can’t provide specific costs. Direct customers to the customs agency website of the destination country for more information.

7. Shipping Restrictions or Limitations

Not all items can be shipped everywhere. So, be sure to include a clause within your shipping policy outlining any restrictions or limitations.

I’m talking about oversized items that require special handling, perishable goods with limited shipping windows, or products with legal restrictions on international shipping (like certain aerosols or liquids).

Take a look at Vinebox’s shipping policy, a company that specializes in delivering curated wine selections, to see an example of how they handle these restrictions:

By adding this section to their shipping policy, Vinebox ensures clarity and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Additionally, it streamlines the ordering process by minimizing the likelihood of orders being placed from locations they cannot service. This can save the company time and resources in handling such situations.

8. Tracking Options and Details

Many carriers provide online tracking tools, allowing customers to monitor the whereabouts of their purchases. Within your shipping policy, explain how they will receive tracking information, whether via email notification or directly on your website.

Specify how soon after shipment tracking information becomes available. You can also mention the estimated timeframe for tracking updates, letting them know how often they can expect to see the package’s location reflected in the tracking system.

Providing clear details on tracking options and timelines reduces anxiety and minimizes order inquiries. In turn, you can focus more on what matters most – running your business.

9. Handling Fees, if Any

When drafting your shipping policy, it’s important to address any handling fees that might be imposed during or after shipping. These fees cover the costs associated with preparing and packing an order for shipment.

Clearly state whether these fees are included in the shipping cost or charged separately. This clarity helps customers understand the total cost of their purchase upfront.

10. Return and Refund Policy Link or Details

Incorporating a link to your return and refund policy or detailing it within your shipping policy can help customers understand their options if they need to return a product.

It is crucial to specify who bears the cost of return shipping and under what circumstances a return or refund is permissible. By transparently outlining these details, you empower customers to feel more secure in their purchasing decisions.

To illustrate how businesses can detail their return and refund policies within their shipping guidelines, here’s a practical example from Love Good Fats.

By clearly outlining its process and the fees associated with returns, Love Good Fats is able to set clear expectations for its customers.

11. Information on Lost or Damaged Items

Your shipping policy should include information on how your business handles items that are lost during shipping or arrive damaged. Outlining the procedures for reporting and resolving these issues reassures customers that they are protected in such events.

In this section, mention who to contact, the timeframe for reporting problems, and the steps your company will take to address them, whether it’s sending a replacement or issuing a refund.

12. Contact Information for Shipping-Related Inquiries

Even the most comprehensive shipping policy might leave some room for questions.  That’s why it’s important to include clear and easily accessible contact information for shipping-related inquiries.

Let your customers know exactly where to turn if they have questions about their order or require additional support. This could be a dedicated email address, a phone number for customer support, or a live chat option on your website.

Offering multiple contact methods demonstrates your commitment to exceptional customer service, which ultimately boosts business success.

Where to Display a Shipping Policy on Your Website?

It’s crucial to make your shipping policy easily accessible by providing a direct link in prominent areas. Below are the key locations where you should display it so it’s easy for customers to find:

Main Shipping Page

Ideally, you’ll want to create a dedicated Shipping page on your website. Survival Frog, an online store selling survival and preparedness products follows this approach.

By having a dedicated page to house their complete shipping policy document, their customers can explore all the details in one place.

Checkout Page

Don’t leave customers guessing about shipping costs at checkout! Include a summary of your shipping options and estimated delivery times during checkout. This helps them make informed decisions about their purchases and avoids surprises at the final step.

Take Skullcandy, for example. Clicking on Shipping (?) in the Checkout Page opens a pop-up window where you can conveniently review all their shipping details without leaving the checkout flow.

Return Policy

Combining your return policy and shipping policy into a single document can improve user experience. This reduces the need for customers to navigate multiple pages and ensures all relevant information about getting and returning items is readily available.

Well Life Medical exemplifies this approach:

Their “Shipping & Return Policy” page clearly outlines both shipping costs and timeframes alongside their return process and timelines. This makes it easy for customers to find everything they need in one convenient location.

Website Footer

Many websites include a link to their shipping policy within the website footer. The footer is visible on every page of your site, making it one of the best places to ensure your policy is accessible from anywhere on your website.

V-Belt Guys, a store specializing in replacement belts, keeps things simple with a clear “Shipping Policy” link nestled within their website footer.

Clicking this link directs customers to a dedicated page outlining their shipping costs, processing times, and other relevant information.

How Often Should You Update Your Shipping Policy?

You should update your shipping policy every year or whenever there are significant changes to your shipping and delivery processes or external factors affecting them. Regular updates ensure all information about your shipping times and options remains current and accurate.

Keeping your shipping policy updated is crucial for both your customers and your business:

PRO TIP: Carriers may adjust shipping rates, delivery timeframes, or service areas. Be sure to reflect these updates in your policy.

Effective Shipping Policy Examples You Can Learn From

Now that you’ve got the tools and knowledge to craft a stellar shipping policy, let’s take a look at some successful eCommerce businesses that are doing it right. By dissecting these examples, you can glean valuable insights and inspiration for your own policy.

1. Swiss Knife Shop

If you’re looking for a great shipping policy example, check out Swiss Knife Shop. What makes their approach so effective is the fact that they used a table to showcase various shipping methods, estimated delivery times, and costs.

Rather than having to go through paragraph after paragraph of information, this visual presentation makes it simple for customers to grasp their options at a glance.

Furthermore, the shipping information is presented in bullet points, ensuring clarity and ease of reading without overwhelming customers with legal jargon.

Swiss Knife Shop takes customer service a step further by incorporating Returns & Exchanges and Manufacturer Repairs & Warranties information on the same page. This creates a centralized hub for all order-related details, streamlining the customer experience.

2. Move Bumpers

Move Bumpers’ shipping policy is another excellent example of a customer-centric policy. Here’s what makes their approach stand out:

By prominently displaying the current lead times for bumper kits at the top of their shipping policy page, Move Bumpers ensures that customers are immediately informed of expected wait times before making a purchase.

This transparency is essential in managing customer expectations and reducing potential dissatisfaction caused by unforeseen delays.

Additionally, the detailed explanation of varying shipping times for different products during regular and peak periods further enhances the clarity.

Doing this not only helps in setting the right expectations but also shows the company’s commitment to transparency by acknowledging that custom-made products like theirs might have variable shipping times.

Offering customers the option to contact them for an estimated shipping timeline provides a personalized touch, encouraging engagement.

3. SportStop

SportStop’s shipping policy serves as another excellent example, employing a question-and-answer format that makes the policy easy to understand and navigate.

This format breaks down complex shipping details into manageable, digestible pieces, allowing customers to find specific information relevant to their concerns. Plus, they go the extra mile by incorporating shipping information directly on each product page.

This shipping information example allows customers to see exactly how quickly an item will ship, along with the specific warehouse and state it ships from.

4. Splash Wines

Splash Wines provides a unique example of a shipping policy that caters to a specific industry with complex regulations. Their policy uses clear and approachable language, acknowledging the limitations due to state-by-state alcohol beverage regulations.

A visual map immediately informs customers whether Splash Wines can ship to their state. This shipping details example saves time and frustration by providing this information upfront.

The inclusion of a map showing transit times is another thoughtful detail.

It helps customers visualize and plan for the arrival of their orders, enhancing the overall customer experience by keeping them informed every step of the way.

5. Sheex

Sheex demonstrates a comprehensive approach in its shipping policy that caters well to both domestic and international customers.

For domestic shipping, it uses a detailed table format for each shipping method—FedEx SmartPost, FedEx 3Day, FedEx 2Day, and FedEx Standard Overnight—stating estimated ship dates and arrival times based on order placement.

This methodical presentation allows customers to easily understand and choose the shipping option that best fits their timeline, enhancing transparency and trust.

Their international shipping policy further exemplifies their commitment to customer service. They emphasize customer support by offering multiple contact channels, ensuring that international customers feel supported and valued.

This readiness to assist not only with product inquiries but also with international shipping options is crucial for building a positive brand reputation globally.