Shipping

Accurately configuring shipping and setting appropriate fees are vital aspects of launching your pledge manager. Shipping can be set up after a successful crowdfunding campaign, or immediately if you are running a pledge manager for a project imported from an external platform. The system allows you to calculate shipping costs in two primary ways: by weight or by quantity. Regardless of the chosen method, you must always start by configuring the fundamental components: Shipping Models and Shipping Zones.

To begin editing your shipping settings, navigate to "Project" -> "Settings" and then click "Shipping & taxes".

Below, you will find an extensive list of tools and features that are readily available for your use when setting up the shipping in your project:

Part 1: Establishing Shipping Models (The Foundation)

A Shipping Model is a set of settings that defines the shipment options available to backers. It can represent a shipping method, such as a courier, post service, a specific shipping hub, or even local pickup. You can have as many models as you need, and shipping prices for each model may be different.

Part 2: Defining Geographic Availability (Locations and Shipping Zones)

Shipping zones determine the geographic areas where your shipping models are offered. They are the necessary next step after creating your models.

Part 3: Shipping Mode Configuration: By Weight

The By Weight mode calculates shipping costs based on the total weight of the entire order. This mode requires configuring weight ranges within your zones.

Part 4: Shipping Mode Configuration: By Quantity (Shipping Cost Rules)

The By Quantity mode is used when you want to calculate shipping based on the number of products ordered rather than the weight of the package. This setting uses the same Shipping Models and Shipping Zones you have already defined.

Part 5: Optional Setup: Shipping Stages (Multi-Wave Shipping)

Shipping stages are an optional setup used to define and manage how pledges will be sent, allowing for multi-wave fulfillment.

Part 6: Optional Setup: Shipping Hubs

Detailed information regarding shipping hubs and how to use them can be found here.

Part 7: Final Verification of Costs

After setting up all locations, shipping models, and shipping zones/cost rules, you need to ensure the costs are calculated correctly.

1. Go to Project Settings > Shipping & Taxes > Shipping Calculation.
2. Use the Shipping Calculation tool by entering the products you wish to check in the field at the top, imitating the contents of an order.
3. Click calculate.

The system will then show you the resulting shipping prices for each zone in each model according to your current settings.

Alternatively, you can also use the tester mode to verify your shipping setup.