Holiday Flat rate Shipping

Use Advanced Flat Rate Shipping Method for WooCommerce to create a holiday-only flat rate (e.g., “Holiday Express $14.99”) that’s available only between specific dates and only for chosen locations.

This helps you drive urgency, protect margins, and set clear expectations for on-time delivery.

What this is

A time-boxed shipping method that appears during a Start–End window (e.g., Dec 10–Dec 23) and applies only to customers in eligible regions (country, state/province, ZIP/postcode).

Perfect for: Christmas, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Diwali, Singles’ Day, Boxing Day, local festivals, and store anniversary sales.

Why use it

• Urgency that converts: “Order by Dec 23 for delivery by Dec 24.”
• Targeted coverage: Limit to regions you can truly serve on time.
• Simple pricing: One clear holiday rate—no guesswork at checkout.
• Stackable rules: Add cutoffs by time, subtotal thresholds, weight caps, user roles, coupons, etc.

Setup — Holiday flat rate (date + location rules)

1. Name & Price
   • Method name (label): “Holiday Express (Arrives by Dec 24)”
   • Cost: e.g., $14.99

   • (Optional) Tooltip: “Available until Dec 23, 11:00 PM PT.”

     Schedule

   • Start date: e.g., Dec 10
   • End date: e.g., Dec 23 (set the last day you’ll show this rate)

   • (Optional) Day/Time window: Add a daily cutoff (e.g., show 09:00–23:00).

     Location

   • Add Country, State/Province, or ZIP/Postcode filters to limit eligibility (e.g., US only, CA & NV, ZIPs 900**, 941**, 100**).

     Optional conditions

   • Weight cap: Hide for heavy carts (e.g., > 20 lb).
   • Subtotal threshold: Show only for orders ≥ $50.
   • Coupon: Show only with HOLIDAY code (or exclude when coupon applied).

   • User role / Logged-in only: Limit to loyalty members.

     

2. Save and test.

   

Example — Christmas

• Dates: Dec 20–Dec 23
• Time window: 09:00–23:00 (Pacific Time)
• Regions: CA, OR, WA (state filter)
• Label: “Holiday Express (Arrives by Dec 24)”
• Cost: $14.99
• Weight cap: ≤ 15 lb
• Subtotal: ≥ $35

Expected behavior

• Dec 22, 5 pm PT, CA address, 10 lb cart: Method shows at $14.99.
• Dec 24, 10 am PT: Method hidden (outside end date).
• Dec 22, 5 pm PT, NY address: Hidden (outside region).
• Dec 22, CA address, 22 lb cart: Hidden (exceeds weight cap).

Best practices

• Be realistic: Only offer “guaranteed” arrival where carriers can deliver on time.
• Communicate clearly: Put cutoff dates/times in the method label or tooltip.
• Fallback ready: Ensure a standard method shows when the holiday rate hides.
• No overlaps: Avoid conflicting rules that show two holiday methods at once.

Optional FAQ

Q1: Can I run different holiday rates for different regions?

Yes. Duplicate the method and adjust the Location and Cost per region.

Q2: How do I show the method only above a certain order value?

Add a Subtotal ≥ condition (before or after discount).

Q3: Can I pair this with free shipping?

Yes. For example, show Holiday Express $14.99 under $100 and Free Shipping ≥ $100.

Q4: How do I handle timezone differences?

Set the store timezone in WordPress and write the cutoff (e.g., PT) in the label/tooltip.

Q5: What about very heavy or oversized carts?

Add a Weight condition to exclude them or route to a separate “Oversize” method.