Overview
This article explains your shipping options in SimplePart eCommerce and points you to the right setup guide based on your situation. If you are just getting started, begin here.
How shipping works on SimplePart
When a customer places an order on your parts store, SimplePart calculates shipping based on how your rates are configured. There are three ways to charge for shipping:
- Tier-based rates — the most common setup. Shipping cost is calculated based on the total value of the customer's cart. You define the dollar ranges and a corresponding cost for each range.
- Fixed rates — a set shipping cost assigned to specific products, typically oversized or heavy items like rotors, bumpers, or transmissions. Fixed rates override tier-based rates for those products.
- Real-time rates — shipping costs calculated live at checkout using carrier APIs (UPS, FedEx, USPS). The customer sees the actual carrier rate for their order.
Most stores use tier-based rates as their primary setup, with fixed rates applied to specific products on top. Real-time rates are an alternative to tier-based rates, not an addition.
Where to go next
| I want to… | Go to… |
|---|---|
| Set up or edit my standard shipping tiers | Setting shipping rates |
| Assign a fixed rate to an oversized or heavy product | Setting shipping rates |
| Connect a carrier for real-time rate quotes at checkout | Setting up Real-Time Shipping (RTS) |
| Add a handling fee for local pickup orders | Setting a local pickup handling fee |
| Increase or decrease all my rates by a percentage | Bulk editing shipping rates |
| Learn about free shipping strategies | Free shipping strategies for your parts store |
Need help?
Our in-house Client Services team is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST to help you with any questions or issues. You can reach us in the following ways:
👉 Submit a request through this support form
📞 Call us at 1 (888) 843-0425
📧 Email us at support@simplepart.com
We’re ready to help you get the most out of your SimplePart experience!