Flat Rate Shipping Configuration Settings in WooCommerce
The Flat Rate Shipping Plugin by Dotstore allows you to create custom shipping methods with fixed or dynamic pricing based on cart contents, customer location, product type, and more. These rules help store owners provide accurate, location-based, or condition-based shipping charges for better flexibility and transparency.
In This Article
1. How to Configure Flat Rate Shipping
To set up a flat rate shipping method, follow these general steps:
Go to Dotstore > Flat Rate Shipping > Manage Rules in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Add New Flat Rate Shipping Method
Click the "Add New" button to begin creating a new shipping rule.
3. Configure Flat Rate Settings
Shipping Title: Enter the name (e.g., "Fast Delivery", "Holiday Shipping").
Base Shipping Fee: Add a fixed amount to charge for this shipping method.
Apply per Quantity: Enable this if you want to increase the base fee by quantity. Example: $10 base + $2 per item.
Shipping Category/Product Rules: Choose specific products, categories, SKUs, or tags to restrict this method.
Customer Location: Set country, state, or ZIP code filters for regional shipping charges.
Shipping Tooltip: Add a short description that appears on hover during checkout.
4. Dynamic Shipping Cost Settings
Dynamic Fee Formula Support: Use variables like:
[qty]— Total items in cart[cost]— Cart subtotal[fee percent=10 min_fee=20]— 10% of subtotal, min $20
Examples:
10 * [qty]= $10 per item[fee percent=10 min_fee=20]= 10% of subtotal, min $20
5. Advanced Shipping Options
Start Date / End Date: Schedule your method for a specific timeframe (e.g., for a holiday or limited offer).
Days of the Week: Restrict the method to apply only on selected weekdays.
Time Range: Define a time window during which the shipping rule is active daily.
Estimated Delivery Time: Display shipping time (e.g., “3–5 business days”) to build trust.
Default Selected Shipping: Set this method to be selected by default on cart/checkout.
Logged-in Users Only: Show this method only for logged-in customers.
Is the Amount Taxable?: Choose whether tax should apply to the shipping fee.
6. Other Shipping Method Settings
Each Quantity Rule: Apply extra fees per quantity for specific products/categories (e.g., $5 per bag over 2 items).
Each Weight Rule: Apply extra charges per weight bracket (e.g., $10 per 2kg above 10kg).
Allow Free Shipping: Enable free shipping if a specific product is added or subtotal exceeds a threshold.
7. Save Your Shipping Configuration
Once you've filled in all settings, click "Save Shipping Method" to activate the rule.
8. Apply Shipping on Cart & Checkout
Once saved, your shipping method will appear on the cart and checkout pages if all conditions are met. You can test different cart scenarios to ensure proper behavior.