How to offer free shipping
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How to offer free shipping

How to offer free shipping

Offering free shipping is a powerful way to attract more buyers on Tradeit. Many customers prefer to shop from sellers who offer transparent pricing with no surprise delivery costs. Even when the shipping cost is factored into the product price, labelling it as “Free Shipping” significantly boosts conversions and buyer trust.

This guide explains how you can set up free shipping for your Tradeit store, whether on selected items or for all your products.


Why Offer Free Shipping?

✅ Increases product visibility in search filters
✅ Builds buyer confidence
✅ Encourages larger cart sizes
✅ Enhances competitiveness, especially for local delivery


Ways to Offer Free Shipping

You can offer free shipping in three main ways:

  1. On all products in your store
  2. On specific products only
  3. Above a certain order value (e.g. “Free shipping on orders above US$30”)

Step-by-Step: How to Offer Free Shipping

🔹 Step 1: Go to Your Seller Dashboard


🔹 Step 2: Set Up a Shipping Zone

Shipping zones define where your shipping rules apply.

  1. Click Add Shipping Zone
  2. Enter the Zone Name (e.g. Harare, Zimbabwe, National)
  3. Select Region (e.g. Zimbabwe, or specific cities like Bulawayo)
  4. Click Add Shipping Method and select Free Shipping

💡 You can create multiple zones for different rules. For example:

  • Free shipping in Harare only
  • Paid shipping for other regions

🔹 Step 3: Configure the Free Shipping Method

After adding the “Free Shipping” method:

  • Click Edit
  • You’ll see different conditions for free shipping. Choose one:
OptionWhat It Means
N/ANo condition – applies to all orders in the zone
A valid free shipping couponOnly works if customer uses a coupon you’ve created
Minimum order amountBuyer must spend a set amount to qualify

Example: Set Minimum Order Amount = US$25 for Free Shipping in Zimbabwe

Click Save Changes


🔹 Step 4: Save Your Zone Settings

Click Save Changes at the bottom of the zone.
Free shipping is now active!


Optional: Adjust Product Prices to Include Shipping

If you plan to cover the shipping cost yourself, you can adjust your product prices to include the expected delivery cost. For example:

  • You normally sell a product for US$8 + US$2 delivery
  • You can list the product as US$10 with Free Shipping

Buyers will still see the value, and you’ll appear in “Free Shipping” search filters.


Highlight Free Shipping in Your Store

Once free shipping is active:

  • Mention it in product titles or short descriptions E.g. “Herbal Balm – 50g | Free Shipping”
  • Add a banner or note to your Store Description “Free Shipping available in Harare and Chitungwiza!”
  • Promote via social media, WhatsApp status, and customer follow-ups

Best Practices

✅ Always specify if free shipping is limited by region
✅ Use courier sleeves or lightweight packaging to reduce your own costs
✅ Combine free shipping with bundle deals or discounts


FAQs

❓ Will I be reimbursed for free shipping by Tradeit?

No. You (the seller) choose whether to absorb the shipping cost or factor it into your product price. Tradeit does not cover it on your behalf.

❓ Can I remove free shipping later?

Yes. Go to Settings → Shipping, open the zone, and delete or edit the “Free Shipping” method.

❓ Can I offer free shipping only for Tradeit Last-Mile delivery areas?

Yes. Create a shipping zone limited to supported cities like Harare, Bulawayo, etc., and apply Free Shipping there only.


Need Help?

📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +263 71 234 5678


Next Steps

👉 Using Tradeit Last-Mile Delivery
👉 Packaging Items for Delivery
👉 How to Communicate With Buyers

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