Separate processing time from transit time
If your team needs one business day to prepare an order, include that in the delivery promise.
Do not advertise a carrier transit estimate as the total customer delivery time.
Start with a small set of fulfillment options
Store pickup, local delivery and one or two carrier services can be enough at the beginning.
Add more zones and service levels when real order volume justifies the complexity.
Measure total delivered cost
Include packaging, labels, carrier charges, failed delivery, replacements and returns when calculating fulfillment cost per order.
Free shipping is a pricing decision, not actually free fulfillment.
Related guides
View all →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a carrier integration to launch?
No. A low-volume store can start with manually managed rates and fulfillment, then automate when there is a clear need.
Can I offer store pickup?
Yes. Pickup can reduce fulfillment cost when the business has a suitable physical location.
Should I offer free shipping?
Only if your margin, average order value and customer acquisition economics support it.
Sources
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