Setting up an online store can be an exciting endeavor. However, when it comes to handling day-to-day logistics such as delivery, you may feel a little overwhelmed. This process can be even more challenging if you want to set up shipping rates based on weight.
Fortunately, several tools can help simplify the process. Choosing the right WooCommerce weight based shipping plugin can ensure that costs are calculated correctly for each order made in your online store.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at weight based shipping and how it works. We’ll also discuss why you should consider using a WooCommerce plugin to handle the process. Finally, we’ll explore some of the best WooCommerce weight based shipping plugins on the market. Let’s get started!
Check Out Our Video Guide to WooCommerce Weight Based Shipping Plugins
What Is Weight Based Shipping?
Some online stores charge a fixed rate for shipping. Others base their delivery costs on the recipient’s location. However, if you sell products that vary considerably in size and weight, you may want to opt for a more advanced solution.
Weight based shipping enables you to set rates according to the weight of a product. Customers who purchase heavy items will pay more for shipping than those who buy smaller products.
With weight based shipping, you can charge a fair price for large orders and small ones alike. Moreover, you can avoid undercharging or overcharging your customers with shipping costs.
Why Use a WooCommerce Weight Based Shipping Plugin?
Out of the box, WooCommerce doesn’t offer weight based shipping functionality. However, there are plenty of plugins that can set up shipping rates according to the weight of products.
A WooCommerce weight based shipping plugin enables you to create different rates and conditions for your customers. It will also help shoppers calculate the total delivery costs of their orders. Therefore, they won’t have to worry about hidden fees or exorbitant shipping rates.
Features To Look For
Fortunately, there are plenty of WooCommerce plugins that can set up weight based shipping rates. However, we recommend looking for the following features when shopping around for the best tool:
- Flexibility. To ensure fair shipping pricing, you may want to choose a plugin that lets you create several options and conditions. For instance, besides calculating rates based on weight, you might include other factors such as dimensions and quantity.
- Tracking information. This feature enables users to monitor the progress of their orders. It can therefore provide peace of mind. Users may feel safer making large purchases if they can track their shipments.
- Ease of use. Setting up multiple custom rates can be time-consuming and tedious. Therefore, it’s essential to look for a plugin with a simple interface so that you can easily calculate costs.
Some WooCommerce weight based shipping plugins are available for free. However, you might want to create multiple custom shipping methods and conditions. In that case, you may consider investing in a more advanced tool.
Top 11 WooCommerce Weight Based Shipping Plugins
Now that we understand how weight based shipping works, let’s look at some tools that can help you handle the process more efficiently. Here are some of the best WooCommerce weight based plugins on the market!
1. WooCommerce Weight Based Shipping
WooCommerce Weight Based Shipping is a user-friendly plugin that can set up multiple shipping rates based on order weights. Furthermore, you can also use the tool to create pricing rules based on other conditions.
Key Features:
- You can create multiple shipping rules for different destinations, order weights, and subtotal ranges.
- You have the option to offer free shipping based on subtotal, total weight, and other conditions.
- You can override the calculation method that is used for each shipping class.
Price: You can use the plugin for free. However, for more advanced features, you’ll need to update to the Plus version. It costs $19 and gives you one year of automatic updates and support.
2. Table Rate Shipping
Table Rate Shipping is a WooCommerce add-on that extends the platform’s default shipping options. It enables you to set up multiple shipping rates based on various factors, including weight and quantity. Moreover, it comes with an intuitive interface so that you can establish your rules without much hassle.
Key Features:
- You can create multiple table rates for each shipping zone.
- You can configure shipping rules according to order weight, the number of items, and other conditions.
- There are different calculation methods available, including rates per order and item.
Price: Table Rate Shipping costs $99 per year and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Conditional Shipping and Payments
Conditional Shipping and Payments is a WooCommerce plugin that gives store owners a lot of control over their shipping methods. You can set up various rates and conditions for a more straightforward and efficient checkout process. The plugin also enables you to restrict delivery methods based on different factors, including order weight and quantity.
Key Features:
- The ability to restrict shipping methods and live rates based on package weight and other factors
- The option to offer free shipping when a specific amount is exceeded
- A variety of actions and filters to help you set up multiple custom conditions
Price: Conditional Shipping and Payments costs $79 per year and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Multi-Carrier Shipping Plugin for WooCommerce
As the name suggests, Multi-Carrier Shipping Plugin for WooCommerce enables you to display rates of different carriers, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS. Moreover, the plugin can set up conditional shipping rules based on weight. You can also establish restrictions using other parameters, such as item quantity and product category.
Key Features:
- You have the flexibility to create separate rules for different shipping companies.
- The plugin fetches real-time rates from the shipping companies based on product weight, number of packages, total weight, and more.
- You can configure the plugin to automatically determine the best way to pack items, either individually or based on the box’s maximum weight.
Price: The plugin costs $89 for a single site and comes with one year of support and updates. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Flat Rate Box Shipping
Flat Rate Box Shipping works a little differently from the other WooCommerce weight based shipping plugins we’ve looked at so far. With this tool, you can set fixed shipping rates on boxes rather than individual items. The cost is based on the size and volume of the box.
Key Features:
- You can add multiple box sizes per shipping location.
- You can set a fixed rate for each box and add charges per weight unit, or a percentage cost of the items inside the box.
- You have the option to define a price for un-packable items (e.g., products that are too big to fit in a box).
Price: Flat Rate Box Shipping costs $49 (billed annually) and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. Table Rate Shipping Method by Flexible Shipping
Table Rate Shipping Method by Flexible Shipping is another powerful tool you can use for weight based shipping. This WooCommerce plugin enables you to calculate shipping costs based on cart weight and/or cart total. The pro version comes with even more options, including delivery charges based on dimensional weight and the volume of the products in the cart.
Key Features:
- Unlimited shipping methods and cost calculation rules
- The option to only display shipping methods for logged-in users
- Minimum and maximum values for cart total and/or weight
- The ability to provide free shipping when a customer reaches a certain order total
Price: You can add the plugin to your WooCommerce store for free. For more advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to Flexible Shipping PRO. Prices start at $89 per year.
7. WC – APG Weight Shipping
Another free tool you could use is WC – APG Weight Shipping. This plugin lets you add shipping costs based on weight and destination. You can also select handling fees, set a fixed price for packaging, and create rates with maximum weight and/or dimensions.
Key Features:
- Create an unlimited number of rates based on weight and location
- Set up advanced shipping rules according to different factors
- Display the estimated delivery times
- Exclude shipping for particular products, categories, product tags, or shipping classes
Price: WC – APG Weight Shipping is a free plugin.
8. ELEX EasyPost Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce
If you’re looking for an efficient way to integrate shipping rates from different companies into your WooCommerce store, look no further than this plugin by ELEX. Easy Post Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce fetches postage rates from FedEx, UPS, and other shipping companies, based on product weight, box dimensions, and other options.
Key Features:
- Show live shipping rates based on product weight and dimensions
- Print shipping labels
- Display estimated delivery times and shipment tracking information
- Set a maximum weight for the package
Price: The plugin costs $69 for a single site.
9. Flat Rate Shipping Plugin for WooCommerce
Flat Rate Shipping Plugin for WooCommerce is a simple yet flexible tool that lets you create multiple custom flat rate shipping methods. These rates can be based on various factors, including the product category, quantity, or weight. Moreover, the premium version gives you unlimited delivery methods and cost calculation rules.
Key Features:
- Create multiple shipping methods for different destinations
- Set a minimum and maximum delivery cost on product weight
- Calculate tax on the shipping method
- Enable free delivery when different conditions are met
Price: You can use the plugin for free. Meanwhile, the premium version gives you more options for configuring shipping costs. Prices start at $129 for a single site (billed annually).
10. WooCommerce Advanced Shipping
WooCommerce Advanced Shipping lets you create your shipping rates based on conditions such as volume and weight. This plugin is very easy to use, thanks to its simple interface. Moreover, you can create as many delivery methods as you want.
Key Features:
- Set up weight based shipping costs for different locations
- Provide free delivery when users spend over a certain amount
- Create multiple shipping conditions depending on your needs
Price: You can purchase WooCommerce Advanced Shipping from the Envato Market. The regular license costs $23 and comes with six months of support.
11. Custom Shipping Methods for WooCommerce
The last plugin on our list is a bit different than the rest. Custom Shipping Methods for WooCommerce has a variety of shortcodes that you can use to set up different shipping conditions. These include a shortcode for cost calculation according to the total weight of items in a cart.
Key Features:
- Set rules for each shipping method, including a minimum and maximum cart weight
- Define a minimum order amount for free shipping
- Charge delivery per class or order
- Create customized templates for icons displayed with the shipping method title
Price: You can use the free version for basic features. Pricing for the premium version starts at $29.99.
Summary
If you sell products of varying weights, it makes sense to offer weight-based shipping in your online store. You can charge a fair price for orders of all sizes with this setup. Furthermore, you can choose from several WooCommerce plugins to set up delivery costs based on weight.
For instance, Flat Rate Box Shipping enables you to set a fixed rate for each box (based on size and volume) and add charges per weight unit. Meanwhile, Table Rate Shipping lets you configure multiple delivery rates based on order weight and other factors.
Do you have any questions about using WooCommerce weight based shipping plugins? Let us know in the comments section below!
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