Create a professional, comprehensive shipping policy for your online store. Define processing times, shipping methods and rates, international options, tracking, and delivery issue procedures to set clear customer expectations and protect your business.
I built this shipping policy generator to help e-commerce store owners create clear, professional shipping policies that set proper customer expectations and reduce support inquiries. A well-written shipping policy is essential for any online business, as it communicates processing times, available shipping methods and rates, delivery estimates, and procedures for handling common issues like lost or damaged packages.
This generator produces a comprehensive shipping policy that covers all critical areas: order processing and cutoff times, domestic shipping with multiple method tiers, international shipping with customs and duties disclosures, order tracking, shipping restrictions, insurance options, delivery issue resolution, return shipping procedures, and holiday shipping considerations. The document is written in a customer-friendly tone that builds trust while protecting your business interests.
Every field updates the live preview instantly, so you can see exactly how your policy will read before downloading. The generator includes conditional sections that appear only when relevant, such as international shipping details when you offer international orders, or gift wrapping information when that service is available. Whether you run a small Etsy shop or a large e-commerce operation, this tool generates a policy tailored to your specific shipping capabilities.
Key features include: configurable shipping method tiers with costs and delivery times, free shipping threshold settings, international shipping with customs duty handling, order tracking integration, detailed delivery issue procedures including reporting timelines, return and exchange policies, and holiday shipping considerations.
A comprehensive shipping policy should include order processing times, available shipping methods and rates, estimated delivery times, international shipping availability and customs information, order tracking details, shipping restrictions, procedures for lost or damaged packages, return shipping information, and contact details for shipping inquiries.
While no single federal law mandates a shipping policy, the FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule requires sellers to ship items within the stated timeframe or within 30 days. A clear shipping policy helps you comply with consumer protection laws and reduces disputes.
Your policy should outline the process clearly: specify waiting periods, documentation requirements (such as photos within 48 hours for damaged items), and whether you offer replacement, refund, or both. This sets expectations and reduces customer frustration.
Free shipping can increase conversion rates and average order values. Common strategies include setting a minimum order threshold, building costs into product prices, or offering free standard shipping while charging for expedited options. Analyze your margins to determine sustainability.
Clearly state whether customs duties and import taxes are included or are the buyer's responsibility. Note that international orders may be subject to customs inspection and delays, and that duty amounts vary by country. This transparency prevents disputes with international customers.
Update your policy whenever you change carriers, rates, shipping methods, or destinations. Review quarterly and before major shopping seasons. Always display a last updated date so customers know the information is current.