How to Add Free Shipping on Shopify: Apps That Make It Even Easier
Covering the Cost: How to Offer Free Shipping Without Losing Profit
Why Free Shipping Still Works in 2025
"Free shipping is dead" — some marketers love to say that. But the numbers say otherwise.
73% of consumers say free shipping is what makes them buy.
It’s one of the few tactics that consistently lifts average order value.
It's also the easiest way to reduce friction at checkout.
And no, you don’t have to give it to everyone. Smart Shopify stores use rules and thresholds to make it profitable (more on that below).
When Not to Offer Free Shipping
Before you jump in, ask yourself:
Do your profit margins allow it? If you’re working with slim margins (like on electronics or heavy goods), free shipping might burn you.
Are you already competing on price? If yes, you may need to build the shipping cost into your product price instead of lowering both.
Are your customers impatient? For some niches — think urgent gifting or medical supplies — speed trumps free.
📌 Pro tip: If you’re not sure, test it for 30 days. Compare cart abandonment rates and average order values with and without free shipping.
The 3 Smartest Ways to Offer Free Shipping on Shopify
You don’t have to go all in. These are the most common (and most effective) ways to offer it:
Free Shipping Over X Threshold
Example: “Free shipping on orders over $100”
This not only softens the cost blow but also encourages upsells. It’s a win-win.
Free Shipping on Select Products
Want to push a bestseller? Add free shipping just to that product. Highlight it with a badge like “Free Shipping” to make it pop.
Free Shipping as a Limited-Time Promotion
Nothing lights a fire under buyers like a countdown banner: “Free shipping ends in 48 hours!”
Free Shipping on Certain Products in Shopify
Sometimes, offering free shipping on everything isn't sustainable. Instead, apply it strategically to specific high-margin or best-selling items.
How to do it:
Go to Shipping and Delivery
Under your Shipping Zone, click Manage
Create a new rate and assign it only to selected products or collections
Step-by-Step: How to Add Free Shipping on Shopify
You can set this up in 5 minutes. Here’s how:
Go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery
Under “Shipping”, click Manage
Choose your shipping zone (e.g. Australia, US, etc.)
Click Add Rate, name it “Free Shipping”
Set conditions:
Based on order value (“Free for orders over $50”)
Or apply to specific products
Click Save
Done. Now test it!
Shopify Promo Code for Free Shipping
Want to create urgency or reward loyal customers? Use Shopify promo codes that unlock free shipping at checkout.
To set one up:
Go to Discounts > Create Discount
Choose Free Shipping
Apply to specific countries, products, or order values
Set an expiration date or usage limit to drive FOMO
Tip: Combine it with email marketing flows to drive repeat sales.
Automatic Free Shipping Discount on Shopify
If you prefer a hands-off, seamless experience for your shoppers, go for an automatic free shipping discount.
How to set it up:
In Shipping and Delivery, set a free rate for orders over a certain value
No codes required — Shopify applies it automatically at checkout
Customers love it when there’s no guesswork involved.
Going Pro: Advanced Free Shipping Tactics
If you’re ready to scale, these are the expert plays:
Show a Free Shipping Progress Bar
Use an app like Hextom Free Shipping Bar to say:“You’re only $80 away from free shipping!” It works really well.
Use Location-Based Rules
Offer free shipping only to local zones where it’s cheaper (e.g. metro areas).
Create VIP Shipping Clubs
Like Sephora or ASOS. Offer free 2-day shipping only to loyalty members. It creates exclusivity.
How to Do Free Shipping Over $100 on Shopify
This is one of the most popular and effective strategies out there.
Navigate to Settings > Shipping and Delivery
Click Manage Rates under your shipping zone
Add a new rate:
Name: Free Shipping
Price: $0
Condition: Order value is greater than or equal to $100
Save and test at checkout
How to Add Free Shipping on Shopify: Apps That Make It Even Easier
Need more control? These apps can help:
Hextom Free Shipping Bar – Add urgency with smart progress bars
Better Shipping – Set different rates for different products or zones
ShipStation – Sync shipping with your fulfilment team and print labels faster
How to Promote Free Shipping Effectively
If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it… you get the idea. Promote your offer like it’s part of the product.
Add a sticky banner at the top of your store
Mention it in your product descriptions
Push it via email flows: “This week only: Free shipping on orders $50+”
Use exit popups offering free shipping for first-time customers
Covering the Cost: How to Offer Free Shipping Without Losing Profit
Here’s what the smartest merchants do:
Bump product prices slightly
A $1–$3 increase often goes unnoticed if it means free shipping.
Set minimums
Don’t offer it on $15 orders. Push people toward higher-value checkouts.
Negotiate with carriers
If you're shipping 10+ orders per day, you probably qualify for better rates. Don’t be shy — ask.
Bundle items
“Buy 2, get free shipping”. Now your AOV goes up, and your margin helps absorb the shipping.
Alternatives to Free Shipping: Other Incentives That Work
If free shipping isn’t feasible, try these proven alternatives:
Free local pickup
Gift with purchase
$1.99 shipping on your first order
Express shipping at standard rates
How to Add Free Shipping on Shopify – Scale Your Store
Free shipping isn’t just a perk. It’s a conversion tool, a growth hack, and a loyalty magnet. But only when used with intention.
If you want to test it, start small:
Try a 7-day free shipping promo
Use a progress bar to raise AOV
Monitor profit per order
It might just be the easiest conversion boost you implement this year.
