Shipping fees are one of the main reasons customers abandon their carts. Offering free shipping is a proven strategy for increasing conversion rates and encouraging customers to complete their purchases. However, offering free shipping on every order can negatively impact your bottom line. That's where the WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin comes in.

The WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin enables you to offer free shipping to customers who meet a certain purchase threshold. This threshold is customizable, allowing you to set a minimum cart total that qualifies for free shipping. By implementing this plugin, you can incentivize customers to spend more in order to receive free shipping, ultimately increasing your store’s average order value.

In this blog, we’ll explore how the WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin works, how to set it up, and why offering free shipping over a minimum order value is a smart strategy for your WooCommerce store.

What Is the WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount Plugin?

The WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin is a tool that allows you to set a minimum order value for free shipping in your store. For example, you might set a threshold of $50, so customers who spend $50 or more on their order will receive free shipping, while customers who spend less will be charged the standard shipping fee. This plugin is an effective way to drive higher sales while rewarding customers with the incentive of free shipping.

Why Offer Free Shipping Over a Minimum Order Amount?

1. Increases Average Order Value (AOV)
   By offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount, you can encourage customers to add more products to their cart in order to qualify for free shipping. This strategy helps increase your store’s average order value, which is crucial for boosting revenue and improving profitability.

2. Reduces Cart Abandonment
   Cart abandonment is a major issue for eCommerce stores, and shipping costs are often cited as one of the top reasons why customers abandon their carts. Offering free shipping over a specific order value can motivate customers to complete their purchases, reducing cart abandonment rates.

3. Attracts Price-Sensitive Customers
   Free shipping is a highly attractive offer for many online shoppers, especially those who are hesitant to pay for shipping. By setting a reasonable free shipping threshold, you can attract price-sensitive customers who may otherwise choose a competitor with lower or no shipping costs.

4. Creates a Sense of Urgency
   Offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount can create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to add more products to their cart before they complete their purchase. This can help boost sales during peak shopping periods, such as holidays or special promotions.

5. Improves Customer Loyalty
   Free shipping is a great way to reward your customers and build loyalty. By offering this incentive, you show that you value your customers and are willing to go the extra mile to provide a better shopping experience. This can lead to increased repeat business and customer retention.

How to Set Up the WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount Plugin

Setting up the WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Install and Activate the Plugin
   First, you need to install the WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin. You can download it from the official WooCommerce plugin repository or a third-party marketplace. After installing the plugin, activate it through the WooCommerce settings menu.

2. Set the Minimum Order Amount
   Once activated, navigate to the plugin settings page in your WooCommerce dashboard. You will find a section where you can set the minimum order amount required to qualify for free shipping. Enter the desired amount and save your changes.

3. Configure Shipping Zones and Methods
   You can also configure the shipping zones and methods to apply the free shipping offer. For example, you may want to offer free shipping only within specific regions or countries. Make sure to adjust the shipping settings to reflect the areas where you want to offer free shipping.

4. Customize the Free Shipping Message
   The plugin allows you to customize the message that appears on your product pages or cart pages to inform customers about the free shipping offer. Make sure the message is clear and enticing, such as “Spend $50 or more to get free shipping!”

5. Monitor Free Shipping Performance
   After the plugin is set up, monitor its performance to see how many customers are taking advantage of the free shipping offer. You can track the increase in order value and conversion rates to assess the effectiveness of your free shipping strategy.

Best Practices for Offering Free Shipping Over Amount

1. Set Realistic Minimum Order Values
   Make sure your minimum order value for free shipping is reasonable. If the threshold is too high, customers may not be motivated to spend more. If it's too low, you may lose out on potential profits. Find a balance that works for your store’s pricing structure.

2. Use Free Shipping as a Limited-Time Offer
   Offering free shipping during certain periods can create a sense of urgency. You can run limited-time promotions, such as holiday sales or special events, where free shipping is offered for orders over a specific amount. This strategy can drive higher sales and attract more customers.

3. Combine Free Shipping with Other Promotions
   Free shipping can be combined with other promotional offers, such as discounts or bundled deals. For example, you could offer free shipping for orders over $50, along with a 10% discount on select products. This can make your offer more appealing to customers.

4. Make Sure Your Shipping Costs Are Covered
   While free shipping can be a great incentive, make sure that the shipping costs are covered by your product prices or profit margins. If you’re offering free shipping at a loss, you may want to adjust your pricing strategy to compensate for the additional cost.

Conclusion

The WooCommerce Free Shipping Over Amount plugin is a powerful tool for driving more sales and reducing cart abandonment in your WooCommerce store. By offering free shipping as an incentive for customers who meet a minimum purchase threshold, you can encourage customers to spend more and complete their purchases.