Updated September 25, 2023
A shipping policy outlines the terms for transporting products to customers and the rights to return them. It commonly includes the available shipping options, conditions regarding lost packages, and how long a customer has to return an item.
Main Purpose
A shipping policy sets the expectations for customers and helps to resolve disputes that may arise.
Is a Shipping Policy Required?
Company shipping policies are not legally required. However, these policies help prevent consumer disputes and confusion.
Should I Offer Free Shipping?
According to a 2019 report, 75% of Americans expect free shipping on orders under $50 (with baby boomers expecting at an 88% rate). In addition, 65% of consumers say they check the free shipping thresholds before adding items to their cart and 29% have left items in their cart if a free 2-day option is not available.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to offer free shipping if it is economically feasible for a business.
Sample
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
SHIPPING POLICY
UPDATED: [DATE]
1. THE BUSINESS. This shipping policy is for:
[BUSINESS NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[WEBSITE]
[PHONE]
[E-MAIL]
Hereinafter known as the “Business,” “we,” or “us.”
2. PROCESSING TIMES. Excluding weekends and holidays, it usually takes no more than [#] hours to process and prepare an order for shipment. During such time, a customer can cancel an order with us without a fee.
3. SHIPPING RATES & DELIVERY. We currently offer the following shipping methods:
☐ – International Shipping.
☐ – Priority
☐ – Standard
☐ – Domestic Shipping.
☐ – Express (next-day)
☐ – 2-Day
☐ – Standard
☐ – Local Delivery. If a customer’s location is within [#] miles of a location of the Business, we may take into consideration local delivery.
☐ – Local Pickup. If a customer would like to pick up an order, they may do so at a time and place that is agreeable to us.
It is known that delivery delays can occur, especially during the holiday season. We will attempt to always prepare and send orders as quickly as possible under the circumstances.
4. TAXES & LEVIES. We shall not be held responsible for any international levies, customs fees, import fees, or any other taxes related to an order that is sent or brought outside of the country. The customer agrees to bear sole responsibility for any such taxes imposed on an order.
5. P.O. BOXES. If the shipping carrier provides delivery to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, we agree to deliver and provide such services. It shall be known that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only shipping provider that provides delivery to standard domestic P.O. boxes.
6. DAMAGES. After an order is shipped, we are no longer liable for any damages that may incur during the shipping process and delivery. If a customer receives an item that is damaged, please contact us as soon as possible to allow us to claim with the shipping company.
If we presume that any damage to an item was done after an order arrived to a customer, we reserve the right to withhold and withdraw any claims made.