Trying to figure out how to add shipping costs that don't become too restrictive

[Applegarth1]

I'm trying to get my brick & mortar store online but I'm having trouble with the shipping costs.  As far as I can tell there are only two ways to add shipping on Square, weight or price.  Some small items are expensive but weigh very little, so charging shipping by price would be too steep.  Some heavy items are inexpensive but cost a lot to ship.  To top it off, if the order is for multiple items there is no way to reconcile price/weight costs so shipping doesn't become restrictive.  I thought about just having the customer order and advising them of the shipping costs when the order is received, but if I were a customer I wouldn't give a credit card to place the order unless I know exactly what the charges will be.  And no one will go through the trouble of just sending an email letting me know what they want and asking for the shipping cost.

I know I'm not alone with this problem, and I know that there is a solution, but I just can't find it!  Can anyone help?

Thanks!

[MayaP]

Hello @Applegarth1 – Thanks for reaching out! I know setting up shipping can feel a bit overwhelming, and I’m happy to help. Check out this support article for more details on how to get everything set up. 

I’ve also tagged a few Super Sellers ( @Callee1945 @Abigails_stl @sugarlab @timberhillwine @TheRealChipA ) who might have some helpful tips from their own experience!

[Callee1945 · Accepted solution]

Hey @Applegarth1 ! I have the same situation as you with products that vary in weight, size, price, and shipping complexity (we are a cheese shop so many of our products need to be shipped with ice packs). 

What I've done is create custom rates for large/difficult items. You can do this in the "shipping rate profiles" under Fulfillment Methods. 

You can select by item. So for us, our refrigerated items are one rate, large/bulky items are another rate, and then we have a standard rate for all other items. I hope this helps!

[MayaP]

Thank you for this. I appreciate you helping! 😊

 @Callee1945