Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
How do I set up shipping zones for my online store?
Define each zone by the countries, regions or postcode ranges it covers, then assign the rate rules that apply to those destinations. Verify that every deliverable address falls into exactly one zone, and that addresses outside all zones are blocked from checkout rather than silently assigned a default rate.
What is a shipping zone?
A shipping zone is a grouping of destinations that share the same rate rules. Zones are typically defined by country, region, or postcode range. The carrier cost to destinations within a zone should be consistent enough that one rate rule covers them reasonably well.
How do zone overlaps affect shipping rates?
If an address matches more than one zone, the store may apply the wrong rate. Check the order in which zones are evaluated and test postcodes that could fall into multiple zones. Most platforms apply the first matching zone or the most specific one, know which rule your platform uses.
Can I block specific locations from ordering?
Yes. Setting a location as outside all zones or as a blocked region prevents checkout completion for customers at those addresses. Use this for locations where the carrier cannot deliver reliably, where customs rules make shipment impractical, or where no rate is available.
Should remote or island addresses have their own zone?
Remote addresses often attract carrier surcharges that a standard zone rate does not cover. Creating a separate zone for remote postcodes with a higher rate or a carrier surcharge line prevents under-charging on those orders.
How do I test shipping zone configuration?
Enter real delivery addresses from each zone at checkout, including addresses that should be blocked. Verify the rate shown matches expectations and that remote or border addresses are handled correctly. Repeat the test after any zone or rate change.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
What happens when a customer’s address doesn’t match any zone?
Depending on the platform, the customer may see no shipping options, an error, or an incorrect default rate. Configure an explicit block or a catch-all zone rather than relying on default behavior, and test with addresses that fall outside your intended zones.
How do I handle shipping to countries with complex postal regions?
Use postcode-level rules where the platform supports them or create sub-zones for regions with different carrier costs. Verify that the carrier actually serves the postcodes you include before accepting orders there.