A shipping policy can be one of the most read documents on an eCommerce website, and for good reason. They’re pretty important! So what should a shipping policy include and how do you get one?
In this post, we’ll look at a shipping policy example and how to create one.
Short on time? Jump to 👉 Shipping policy template
A shipping policy is a document that allows you to define your terms in regard to shipping products to customers.
Shipping policies usually include information about delivery times, cost of shipping, or any restrictions or limitations on shipping to certain locations.
So basically, a shipping policy can help you address any issues that may arise with the shipment of your products.
A shipping policy should be tailored to the store’s specific needs. However, there are a few elements that you can find in every policy:
If you run an e-commerce, it’s also useful to have a return and refund policy to help you manage return shipping costs. So don’t forget to link to your refund policy within your shipping policy!
E-commerces usually have a specific page for their shipping policy, linked to the website’s footer. For example, here’s Zalando UK.
It’s also a good practice to add all the main details regarding the delivery time and shipping costs at checkout and in your Terms and Conditions document.
Here’s a template that you can follow to write your own shipping policy:
Mention that processing times and shipping times are different, so that your customers have a clearer idea of the wait.
Example → All orders are processed within X-X business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the order is placed. Please note that during high-volume periods, processing time may take longer than usual.
List all the types of shipping you offer (standard, express, overnight, etc.), their cost and expected delivery time. Don’t forget to mention whether a certain type of shipping only applies to a specific location.
Example →
Overnight shipping is available only for orders within the United States.
Explain how shipping costs are calculated and added to the order total. If you offer a flat rate shipping cost, or a free shipping threshold, add them here.
Example →
Define all the limitations regarding your shipping.
Example →
Include the details about the tracking of the order.
Example → Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can track your order using the tracking number on the carrier’s website.
Explain how you will address any damaged or lost items.
Example → If you receive a damaged item or your order is lost in transit, please contact us. We will work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, which may include providing a refund or replacement.
If you ship internationally, explain that there may be additional costs due to customs and import taxes. Usually, it’s the customer who pays them.
Example → Please note that customers may be responsible for paying any customs or import taxes that may be applied to international orders.
While a template can be really helpful to draft your shipping policy, you should always be careful with mindless copy and paste. Each e-commerce has its specific needs, and you have to be sure you’re addressing your major concerns.
No. If you run an e-commerce, you also need a proper Terms and Conditions document.
Terms and Conditions are often mandatory for online stores because they contain all the information about the conditions of sale and disclosures on methods of payment, shipping, delivery, withdrawals, cancellation conditions, etc. – as commonly required by consumer protection regulations.
iubenda’s Terms and Conditions Generator helps you to create a Terms and Conditions document for your e-commerce in just a few minutes. You can also add all the details related to shipping, such as delivery limitations, guarantees, payments, etc.
The solution to draft, update and maintain your Terms and Conditions. Optimised for eCommerce, marketplace, SaaS, apps & more.
