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How to Configure Shipping Zones

YouCan Success
Updated

Overview

Define shipping rates by geographic zone to offer different rates for domestic and international orders. Customers automatically see applicable shipping costs at checkout based on their delivery address.

When to Configure Shipping Zones

Use shipping zones if: - You want to offer different rates for domestic versus international shipping - You ship to multiple countries with varying costs - You want to offer free shipping in certain regions - You prefer not to use YouCan Ship's default rates - You have negotiated custom rates with carriers

Accessing Shipping Zone Settings

  1. Log into your seller area at seller-area.youcan.shop
  2. Navigate to Settings > Shipping zones
  3. Your current zones will display in a list

Creating a Shipping Zone

Step 1: Add a New Zone

Click the "Add a shipping zone" button.

Step 2: Name Your Zone

Give your zone a descriptive name: - "Domestic (Morocco)" - "International" - "Europe" - "United States" - "MENA Region"

This name is for your reference only and won't be shown to customers.

Step 3: Define Zone Coverage

Select the countries and regions included in this zone:

Option A: Single Country - Select one specific country (e.g., Morocco)

Option B: Multiple Countries - Select multiple countries to group them in one zone - Example: Group all European countries together

Option C: Region/Continent - Some zones may allow selection by region (e.g., "Europe", "Africa")

Step 4: Set Shipping Rates

Choose your rate calculation method:

Flat Rate

A fixed shipping cost regardless of order weight or value.

Example: - Zone: "Domestic (Morocco)" - Rate: 35 MAD per order

Pros: - Simple for customers to understand - Easy to calculate and manage - Good for most product types

Weight-Based Rate

Shipping cost calculated based on package weight.

Example: - Zone: "International" - Base rate: $10 for first kilogram - Add $2 per additional kilogram

Formula: - 1 kg package: $10 - 3 kg package: $10 + ($2 x 2) = $14

Pros: - More accurate for heavy items - Scales with order size - Fair to customers

Value-Based Rate

Shipping cost based on order total (percentage or minimum/maximum).

Example: - Free shipping on orders over $100 - $5 shipping for orders under $100

Step 5: Assign Rates to Zone

  1. Enter your chosen rate (flat amount, weight multiplier, etc.)
  2. Set currency (USD, EUR, MAD, etc.)
  3. Optional: Set minimum or maximum shipping costs

Example configuration: - Flat rate: 50 MAD - Minimum: 30 MAD (never charge less) - Maximum: 200 MAD (never charge more)

Step 6: Save the Zone

Click Save or Create zone to add the zone to your shipping configuration.

Managing Multiple Zones

Viewing All Zones

  1. Navigate to Settings > Shipping zones
  2. All configured zones will display in a list
  3. See the countries/regions included in each zone
  4. View the rates for each zone

Editing a Zone

  1. Click the Edit button on any zone
  2. Change the name, countries, or rates
  3. Click Save to apply changes

Note: Changes take effect immediately for new orders. Customers at checkout will see updated rates.

Deleting a Zone

  1. Click the Delete button on any zone
  2. Confirm the deletion
  3. The zone is removed and customers won't see it as an option

Warning: Make sure at least one zone covers your checkout regions. If all zones are deleted, customers won't be able to select shipping.

How Customers See Shipping Zones

At checkout, customers will: 1. Enter their delivery address 2. See the shipping zone they qualify for (based on country/region) 3. See the shipping rate for that zone 4. Automatically have shipping calculated before payment

Example customer experience: - Customer in Morocco selects Moroccan address - System identifies "Domestic (Morocco)" zone - Shipping cost shows as 35 MAD - Total order includes 35 MAD shipping

Checkout Display

The shipping zone is typically displayed as: - Shipping method or Shipping type dropdown (if multiple options available) - Shipping cost clearly shown before final payment

Customers cannot manually select a zone; the system automatically matches their address to the applicable zone.

Best Practices

  • Keep zones simple: Use 2-3 zones (domestic + international) for simplicity
  • Offer competitive rates: Research competitor rates to stay competitive
  • Consider free shipping: Offer free shipping above a certain order value
  • Test rates: Place test orders from different locations to verify rates display correctly
  • Update regularly: Adjust rates based on carrier pricing changes
  • Communicate clearly: If rates change significantly, notify existing customers
  • Offer alternatives: Consider using YouCan Ship for better rates

Common Zone Configurations

Configuration 1: Simple Domestic + International

  • Zone 1: "Domestic" - Morocco only - 35 MAD flat
  • Zone 2: "International" - All other countries - $15 USD flat

Configuration 2: Regional Rates

  • Zone 1: "Morocco" - Morocco - 35 MAD flat
  • Zone 2: "MENA" - Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia - 75 MAD flat
  • Zone 3: "Europe" - All European countries - $20 USD flat
  • Zone 4: "Rest of World" - All other countries - $30 USD flat

Configuration 3: Weight-Based

  • Zone 1: "Domestic" - Morocco - $5 base + $1.50 per kg
  • Zone 2: "International" - All other countries - $15 base + $3 per kg

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