How to configure and display flat rate shipping in a WooCommerce store

Create a flat rate shipping method, control who sees it, schedule when it applies, and set dynamic charges based on cart quantity, subtotal, weight, or time windows.

Configure shipping method

1) Open the plugin setting page

1. In WordPress Admin, go to Dotstore → Flat rate Shipping.

2. Choose a Shipping method or create one.

   Click Add New Shipping Method to open the method creation page.

2) Configure basic details (Fee Configuration Form)

• Status: Enable the method to make live. Disable to hide it.
• Unique Shipping Title (Admin only): Internal name to identify this method in the dashboard.
• Shipping Method Name (Customer-facing): Clear label shown on Cart and Checkout.

• Base Shipping Charge: Enter the flat amount.

  

3) Free shipping controls

• Allow Free Shipping: Offer free shipping when any of these are true:
  • Order total reaches a set amount
  • A specific coupon is applied

  • A special product is in the cart

    

4) Advanced rule options

• Each Weight Rule: Add extra charges for weight ranges.

• Each Quantity Rule: Add extra charges based on product or cart quantity.

  

5) Display and behavior options

• Tooltip Description: Short message shown when customers hover over the method name in the cart.
• Show only for logged-in users: Limit the method to signed-in customers.
• Default selected shipping: Preselect this method on Cart and Checkout.
• Is the amount taxable?: Choose whether tax applies to this shipping fee.

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6) Schedule availability

• Start Date: Date from which the method becomes active. Optional.
• End Date: Date when the method stops. Optional.
• Days of the Week: Show this method only on selected days.
• Time: Set daily start time and end time during which the method should apply.

• Estimated Delivery Time: Text shown to customers to set expectations.

  

7) Dynamic Shipping Cost (optional)

Use placeholders and formulas to make the fee dynamic.

Placeholders

• [qty] → total number of items in cart
• [cost] → cart subtotal (items)
• [fee percent=10 min_fee=20] → a percentage fee with an optional minimum

Examples

• 10.00 → flat $10.00 charge
• 10 * [qty] → $10 per item; if Qty = 5, charge is $50
• [fee percent=10 min_fee=20] → 10% of cart subtotal, minimum $20

Showcase

1. Per-quantity charge
   • Quantity-based dynamic shipping charge
   • Qty = 1 → 10 * [1] = $10
   • Qty = 4 → 10 * [4] = $40
2. Percentage with minimum

   • Cart subtotal–based dynamic shipping

     If 10% of the subtotal is $16.80, it is less than the min $20, so charge $20.

     • 0% is below $20 → shows $20

       If 10% exceeds $20, charge the calculated amount.

     • 10% is greater than $20

       

8) Save and test

1. Click Save changes.

2. Add products to the cart and confirm the label, tooltip, tax behavior, and fee calculations match your rules.

   

Expected outcome

• The flat rate method appears on the Cart and Checkout with your chosen name.
• Fees are calculated correctly based on base charge, quantity, weight, subtotal, or schedule.
• Free shipping triggers when conditions are met.
• Customers see accurate delivery estimates and charges before paying.

Notes and tips

• Start with a simple flat fee. Add dynamic formulas only after you confirm the base flow.
• Use the Default selected shipping carefully to avoid surprising customers with higher costs.
• When testing dynamic rules, try multiple cart quantities and different subtotals.
• Keep customer-facing labels short and clear, for example: “Standard Shipping (3–5 days)”.