How to configure a postcode or zipcode-based shipping zone in WooCommerce

WooCommerce allows store owners to set up shipping zones so customers see the right shipping options based on their location.

A postcode/zipcode-based shipping zone ensures shipping methods and rates are applied only to specific areas within a country.

Overview

With postcode or zipcode-based zones, you can:

• Target delivery areas more precisely.
• Charge custom rates for certain postcodes.
• Restrict or allow shipping methods to specific regions.

This is especially useful for businesses that:

• Deliver only within limited city areas.
• Have higher shipping costs for remote zones.
• Want to provide special shipping offers in selected locations.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Navigate to the plugin settings page

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Go to Dotstore → Flat Rate → Manage Zone

2. Add a New Shipping Zone

1. Click Add Shipping Zone.
2. Enter a Zone Name.

3. Select the Zone Region (e.g., United States → California).

   

3. Set Zone Type as Postcodes/Zips Based

1. Under Zone Type, choose “Postcodes/zips based”.
2. In the Postcodes field, enter the postcodes you want to target.

Examples of input formats:

• Single postcode: 900015
• Multiple postcodes: 900015, 900016, 900017
• Range: 900015...900020

• Wildcard: 90* (applies to all postcodes starting with 38)

  

4. Add Shipping Methods for the Zone

1. Click Add Shipping Method.

   Choose a method such as:

   • Flat Rate (custom rate for this zone)
   • Free Shipping (special offer for selected areas)
   • Local Pickup (if customers from those postcodes can collect)
2. Configure each method’s settings as needed.

5. Save the Zone and Test

1. Click Save Changes.
2. Your new postcode/zipcode-based zone is now active.
3. Customers whose addresses match these postcodes will only see the methods you configured.

Expected Outcome

When customers enter their address at checkout:

• The system will check the entered postcode/zipcode.
• If it matches the configured zone, the assigned shipping methods and rates will appear.
• Customers outside this zone will not see these methods.