Shipping Policy Generator: Free Template for Shopify 2025
Shipping costs and delivery times are major concerns for online shoppers. More than 90% of consumers say they will likely abandon an online purchase for high shipping costs. Additionally, due to tariffs, six in ten U.S. consumers are unwilling to absorb more than a 10% price increase. These concerns can lead to cart abandonment if customers don't have clear shipping information.
Providing a clear and concise shipping policy as a Shopify merchant can help address these concerns. A well-crafted shipping policy sets expectations about shipping costs, delivery times, and return procedures, reducing customer uncertainty and support inquiries.
Creating a shipping policy from scratch can be time-consuming. That's where a shipping policy generator comes in handy. It simplifies the process, ensuring you include all necessary details to keep your customers informed.
In this guide, you'll learn what a shipping policy is, what to include in it, access a free shipping policy template, see examples, and understand where to communicate your policy to customers.
What Is a Shipping Policy?
A shipping policy is a written document that explains how your store manages the delivery of orders. It provides essential information to your customers and helps set expectations from the moment they place an order.
A well-crafted shipping policy:
- Builds customer trust by offering transparency
- Reduces support requests related to delivery times, costs, and delays
- Protects your business by clearly outlining terms and responsibilities
A good shipping policy doesn't just support your customers; it also protects your store. With a shipping policy generator, you can create one quickly while covering all the essentials. It all starts with knowing what to include.
What to Include in Your Shipping Policy?
A clear shipping policy sets the right expectations and reduces post-purchase confusion. Whether you're writing from scratch or using a shipping policy generator, these are the essential sections to include:
- Order processing times
Let customers know how long it takes to prepare an order for shipping. Be specific about working days and mention if orders received after a specific time (e.g., 5 pm) roll over to the next business day.
- Domestic and international shipping
List the countries or regions you ship to. Mention delivery time estimates and highlight any shipping restrictions. If you offer options like standard or express delivery, present them clearly; tables will help.
- Shipping costs
Break down your shipping fees. If you offer free shipping above a certain value, promote that. Mention extra charges like customs duties for international deliveries.
- Local delivery or pickup
If you offer same-day delivery, local drop-off, or collection in-store, explain how it works. Include your coverage area and what customers should expect after checkout.
- Returns, changes, and cancellations
Briefly outline how you handle returns or order changes. Explain what happens if a parcel is damaged or lost during delivery. Ensure your customers feel supported and protected post-purchase.
With Return Prime, you can build custom return and exchange policies as per your business needs. Easily define rules based on product categories, order value, time windows, or customer segments, all while ensuring the process remains smooth and transparent on your Shopify store.
- Possible delays or service interruptions
Be upfront about conditions that may delay deliveries, such as holidays, sales periods, or courier issues. It builds trust and reduces enquiries.
- Order tracking
Let customers know when they'll receive tracking information and how to stay updated. With Return Prime, you can send automated notifications for every stage of the post-purchase journey, including returns, exchanges, and refunds, through preferred channels like WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
Integrated with platforms such as Interakt, Limechat, Spur, and Klaviyo, Return Prime ensures timely updates, reduces support tickets, and improves overall customer satisfaction.
A good policy keeps things clear and avoids confusion. But, how to create a shipping policy that reduces complaints and avoids confusion? Let’s have a look.
How to Structure Your Shipping Policy: Understand with Examples
Even with a shipping policy generator, the way you present your information matters. Good structure, clarity, and tone can make a huge difference in how customers understand and trust your delivery process.
Here are some smart ways to make your policy more effective:
✅Create a local shipping process for nearby customers
If you serve a local area, outline a separate process for local delivery or pickup.
- For example, a London-based Shopify store might offer same-day delivery within zones 1–3.
- You could say: “Local delivery is available Monday to Saturday, between 2 pm and 7 pm, for customers within 10 miles of our warehouse.”
Make sure you list delivery windows and eligibility by postcode or radius to avoid confusion.
✅Break down your shipping policy across multiple pages
Long policies can swamp customers. If your policy covers local, national, and international shipping, split them into separate, clearly labelled sections or dedicated pages.
- For example, your main shipping page could link to “US Shipping Info" and "International Delivery Times."
It keeps the content scannable and easy to navigate.
✅Use tables to manage customer expectations
Tables help simplify complex details like delivery speed and pricing. You can use one to compare different delivery methods. The layout makes it easy for shoppers to weigh their options at a glance.
For example:
✅Personalize your international shipping policy
Rather than offering a generic message like "We ship worldwide," personalize your policy by country or region.
- For example: "We currently ship to the US, Canada, and most of Europe. Orders to Germany typically arrive in 5–7 business days."
This level of detail helps reduce delivery questions and creates a more trustworthy experience.
✅Upsell free shipping offers on your policy page
Use your policy to promote free shipping thresholds.
- For example, "Spend over $50 and enjoy free US standard delivery."
- Place this message near the top of the page and highlight it in bold.
You can also mention it again during checkout or through a banner, creating multiple touchpoints that drive higher order values.
A shipping policy should be easy to read, practical, and designed around how your customers shop. With the right template, you'll deliver both clarity and confidence.
Free Shipping Policy Template for Your Shopify Store
There's no single format that works for every store. A good shipping policy should reflect how your business operates. Whether you're shipping locally, internationally, or both, it's important to adapt your policy to fit your logistics, fulfilment times, and customer expectations.
The free shipping policy template gives you a solid starting point. You can cut, rearrange, or expand the sections to suit your brand and workflow. A shipping policy generator helps speed up the process, but a customized policy keeps customers better informed. Make your policy easy to read, accessible, and relevant to your audience with this simple template.
Sample Shipping Policy Template
1. Order Processing Times
We aim to process all orders within 1–2 business days. Orders placed after 5:00 PM local time will be processed on the next business day. During peak times (such as holidays or sales), processing may take slightly longer, but we’ll always do our best to keep you informed.
2. Domestic and International Shipping
We currently ship to the following regions:
- Domestic: All states within [your country]
- International: [List countries or regions]
Estimated delivery times:
Please Note: International deliveries may be subject to customs processing and additional charges based on your country’s regulations.
3. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout and depend on the destination and chosen delivery method.
- Free shipping on orders over $75 (domestic only)
- Flat rate shipping of $5.99 for standard delivery
- Express options are available at an additional cost
- International customers are responsible for customs duties or import taxes
4. Local Delivery or Pickup
We offer the following local options in selected areas:
- Same-day delivery within [city/region] for orders placed before 2:00 PM
- In-store pickup available at [store location] during business hours
Customers choosing local delivery will receive a notification when the order is out for delivery. Pickup orders will be ready within 1 business day and held for 7 days.
5. Returns, Changes, and Cancellations
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. Products must be unused and in original condition.
- To request a return, exchange, or order cancellation, please contact us at [support email/contact form]
- If an item arrives damaged or is lost in transit, we’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible
Our return process is simple and transparent, with clear steps provided after your request is approved.
6. Possible Delays or Service Interruptions
Shipping times may be affected by external factors such as:
- National holidays or public observances
- High order volumes during sales or promotional periods
- Courier disruptions due to weather or regional issues
We’ll notify you of any expected delays and always aim to keep you updated.
7. Order Tracking
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information. You can follow your shipment through the link provided.
If you haven't received tracking details within 3 business days of placing your order, please reach out to us at [support email/contact form].
Have questions about shipping, returns, or delivery timelines, feel free to contact our support team.
Need help getting started? Click here to build your custom shipping policy.
With your template in place, it helps to see how other brands approach their policies for added inspiration. A clear policy means nothing if your customers can't find it.
Now, let's discuss where to display it for maximum visibility.
Where to Share Your Shipping Policy for Maximum Impact?
Creating a clear shipping policy is only half the job; the other half is making sure people see it. Even the best shipping policy generator can’t help if your customers can’t find the information.
Make your policy easy to access at every step of the buying journey. Here's how you can do it:
- Update a website announcement bar
Use a banner at the top of your site to highlight key shipping messages, such as free delivery thresholds or delays.
- For example, "Free US delivery on orders over $50 – See full shipping policy."
It makes it visible as soon as someone lands on your site and links them directly to the full policy.
- Add a link to your website footer
The footer is one of the most visited areas for support-related content. Add a link labelled "Shipping & Delivery" or “Shipping Policy” so customers can easily find it from any page. A shipping policy generator gives you the content; your footer ensures it stays accessible.
- Incorporate shipping details into product pages
Customers want to know when they’ll get their order before buying. Add a short delivery summary under your product descriptions like “Ships in 1–2 working days. Free delivery over $50.” You can link to your full policy for those who want more details.
- Feature shipping info on your FAQ page
A strong FAQ section reduces support requests. Include a question like “How long does shipping take?” and summarise your delivery options. Then link to your full shipping policy so customers can read the specifics if they choose to.
- Label your options with delivery estimates
At checkout, show estimated delivery times alongside shipping options.
- For example: “Standard (3–5 working days) – $3.99.”
This level of transparency helps customers choose with confidence and reduces “Where’s my order?” queries later on.
Publishing your policy across these touchpoints ensures your shipping terms are seen, not hidden. A shipping policy generator can help you create the right content, and placing it well ensures it works for your business.
Managing delivery expectations is just one part of the post-purchase experience. Now, let's understand how Return Prime can help simplify the entire process.
How Return Prime Can Simplify Your Post-Purchase Policy?
Return Prime, with a rating of 4.9/5 on Shopify, offers affordable returns management and order tracking in one platform. It's designed to simplify post-purchase processes while improving customer satisfaction.
A great example is Bummer, a fast-growing D2C innerwear brand. Before Return Prime, Bummer faced challenges with manual return handling, poor visibility into return statuses, and growing customer dissatisfaction. After partnering with Return Prime, Bummer:
- Reduced return processing time by 87.5%, even while managing 2x–3x higher order volumes
- Cut return requests by 74% through smart exchange workflows
For Bummer, Return Prime didn't just simplify returns; it helped create a smarter, more customer-friendly post-purchase experience that scaled with their growth.
Here is how Return Prime helps Shopify merchants:
Return Prime brings all your returns, refunds, and exchanges into one dashboard. It saves time, reduces manual work, and helps your team respond quickly to customer requests.
- Upsell Opportunities
Using Wonder Revenue Booster, you can suggest new products during the return process. For example, if someone's returning a jacket, you might offer an alternative style or matching item, turning a potential loss into a sale.
- Store Credit Incentives
Wonder Promotions lets you offer store credit instead of cash refunds. It keeps revenue in your business while giving customers a reason to return and shop again.
- Smart Exchanges
With Wonder Smart Exchange, the system automatically recommends replacements for returned items. It helps reduce refund rates and supports higher retention by guiding shoppers towards exchanges.
- Automation and Customization
Wonder Bot Automation handles the repetitive tasks, like updating return statuses or sending emails, so that you can focus on growth. Plus, you can customize return policies to match your store's terms, just like you would with a shipping policy generator.
- Integrate Seamlessly with Leading Platforms
Return Prime integrates effortlessly with popular software platforms and logistics providers like FedEx, USPS, and Easyship, simplifying return management and reducing operational complexity.
- Multilingual Support
Designed for a global audience, Return Prime supports multiple languages, ensuring your return and exchange process is accessible and user-friendly for customers across diverse regions.
Return Prime gives you the tools to align your shipping and return policies into a smooth customer experience, making both clear, effective, and easy to manage.
Conclusion
A clear and well-placed shipping policy gives customers the confidence to complete their purchase. From defining delivery times and costs to managing returns and order edits, every section should reflect how your store operates. Using a shipping policy generator makes it easier to create a policy that's both thorough and customized to your needs.
Including key details like local delivery options, return rules, and possible delays helps reduce support queries and improves transparency. Sharing the policy across your site, in banners, footers, FAQs, and product pages, ensures your customers always know what to expect.
But building trust doesn't stop at shipping. Your post-purchase experience must be just as smooth. That's where Return Prime helps by managing returns, exchanges, and refunds while increasing revenue and loyalty through automation, upselling, and custom rules.
Is your current returns process helping or hurting your customer experience? Book a free demo with Return Prime and see how you can improve your custom shipping policy and post-purchase strategy today.
.svg)
.svg)