Free shipping over a certain amount

You can offer free shipping to customers who purchase over a certain amount. This is one of the most effective ways to increase the average order value because many customers add a little extra to their basket to reach the limit.

How free shipping works in Shoporama

When the customer's cart exceeds the amount you set on the country of delivery, all country shipping methods become free at checkout. You can exclude some shipping methods by marking them as Never free shipping, so they always cost no matter how large the order is. This is typically relevant for express delivery or other additional services.

Because the border is in the countryside, you can have completely different levels for e.g. Denmark, Sweden and Germany without creating duplicate shipping methods.

How to set up free shipping

1. Go to Store → Shipping → Countries in the left menu
2. Click on the country you want to offer free shipping in (e.g. Denmark)
3. Find the Free shipping field in the "Shipping" map
4. Enter the amount in the store currency (e.g. 499)
5. Click Save

The amount will also appear as a column in the country overview under Store → Shipping → Countries, so you can quickly see which countries have free shipping enabled. Leave the field empty if you don't want the country to have free shipping.

Does VAT count towards the limit?

Yes, it does. The comparison is made against the total price of the basket, and for regular B2C customers this is the price including VAT. If the customer buys VAT-free (typically B2B to EU countries with a valid CVR), the price without VAT counts in the comparison. Therefore, always enter the limit in the same price format as what the customer sees at checkout.

Different amounts per country

Because the limit is set per country, you can for example have

• Denmark: Free shipping over 499 SEK.
• Sweden: Free shipping over 800 SEK
• Germany: Free shipping over 75 EUR
• Norway: Free shipping over 1,000 NOK

This allows you to take into account that shipping typically costs more abroad, so the limit may be higher there.

Exclude a specific shipping method

If you want a specific shipping method (e.g. express delivery) to never be free, so the order value is irrelevant, you can check the Never free shipping box on the shipping method. You do this under Store → Shipping → Shipping methods, by opening the shipping method and finding the checkbox in the General card.

Show free shipping message in the theme

Many themes can display a message like "Free shipping for purchases over 499 kr." or "You need 79 kr. for free shipping". The message is typically configured via theme settings or directly in the theme's code. Check your specific theme's documentation or contact your theme designer.

How to test the setup

1. Add products to the cart below the limit and go to checkout. Check that shipping has a price.
2. Add more products to bring the basket over the limit. Check that the shipping is now set to 0 kr.
3. If you have marked a shipping method as "Never free", check that it still costs.
4. Remember to select the country you are testing for in the checkout. The limit is per country.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find "Free shipping over" in the admin?

It is located in the individual country. Go in the left menu to Store → Shipping → Countries, click on the country and find the Free shipping over field in the Shipping card. It is not on the individual shipping method.

Does VAT count towards the threshold?

For regular B2C customers, yes. The comparison is made against the order price including VAT. If the customer is VAT-exempt (e.g. B2B to EU with valid CVR), the price excludes VAT. Enter the limit in the same price format as what the customer sees in the store.

What happens if the customer uses a discount code that brings the order below the limit?

The comparison is done by discount. If the discount code brings the basket below the limit, the free shipping discount is removed and the customer sees the regular shipping price again at checkout.

Can I do free shipping on regular delivery, but not on parcel shop or express?

Yes, you can. The amount limit applies to all shipping methods in the country, but you can mark certain shipping methods as Never free shipping under Store → Delivery → Shipping → Shipping methods. Then they will never be 0 kr, regardless of order size.

Do I have to set the same limit for all countries?

No, you don't. You can and should set it individually. Shipping costs and customer behavior vary from country to country, and foreign countries typically require a higher limit than the domestic market.

How do I test if the setup works before customers see it?

Add products to the cart in your own store, go to checkout and select the country you are testing. Check first with a basket below the limit so the shipping is normal, and then above the limit so the shipping is $0. Remember to select the correct delivery country.

Can I display a "You need X kr. for free shipping" message?

Yes, if your theme supports it. This is an effective conversion booster because it gives the customer a concrete motivation to add more to their cart. Talk to your theme designer if the feature is not already built in.

Does free shipping affect my revenue?

It depends on your shipping costs and how high the limit is set. Most shops find that the increased order size more than compensates for the shipping the store pays. Test different levels over a few weeks and keep an eye on both conversion and contribution margin.

What does the accounting look like when I give free shipping?

The shipping cost is shown as 0 DKK on the order and is therefore not booked as shipping revenue. You cover the freight yourself over the price of the goods. In the financial system, you will see a lower freight income and a higher order value per order.

Can I turn off free shipping again?

Yes, you can. Go back to the country under Store → Delivery → Countries, clear the Free shipping over box and save. Then there is no limit anymore and the customer always pays the regular shipping price.

See also: Create a new shipping option and Countries and currency.

Do you need help? Contact us at support@shoporama.dk.