How to set up a user or user role-specific shipping in WooCommerce

User or user role-specific shipping allows you to create different shipping methods for different customers based on their account or assigned role.

For example:

• Offer free shipping to VIP members.
• Add discounted rates for subscribers.
• Restrict certain shipping options for guest users.

This is made possible using the Dotstore Flat Rate Shipping Plugin for WooCommerce.

Why use user or user role-specific shipping?

• Reward loyalty: Give perks like free or cheaper shipping to your most valued customers.
• Encourage registrations: Offer exclusive shipping benefits for registered users instead of guests.
• Business flexibility: Adjust shipping for wholesale vs retail customers.
• Reduce fraud/risk: Restrict COD or sensitive shipping options to trusted user groups.

Configuration steps

1. Add a shipping method

• Go to Dashboard → Dotstore → Flat Rate Shipping.
• Click Add New Shipping Method or edit an existing one.

2. Create a user role-specific rule

• Open the shipping method and go to the Shipping Rules tab.
• Click Add New Rule.
• From the Condition dropdown, select User Role.
• Choose a role (e.g., Customer, Subscriber, VIP, Wholesaler).

• Set the shipping fee for that role.

  

3. Create a user-specific rule (optional)

• If you want to target specific users, select User from the condition dropdown.
• Enter the username or email ID.
• Assign a shipping fee or discount for that user.

4. Save changes

• Click Save Changes.

• Test at checkout by logging in with a user account under that role.

  

Two real examples

Example 1: Free shipping for VIP members

• Product: Premium Coffee Pack ($50)

  Rule: If User Role = VIP Member → Shipping = Free

  Checkout Result:

  • Subtotal: $50
  • Shipping: Free
  • Total = $50

Example 2: Discounted shipping for Subscribers, higher rate for Guests

• Product: Yoga Mat ($40)

• Rule 1: If User Role = Subscriber → Shipping = $3 Flat Rate

  Rule 2: If User Role = Guest → Shipping = $8 Flat Rate

  Checkout Result:

  • Subscriber total = $43
  • Guest total = $48

Expected outcome

Once configured, WooCommerce will automatically apply the correct shipping cost based on the user or user role. This ensures a personalized checkout experience that rewards loyalty and gives store owners greater flexibility.