Managing delivery methods

As a vendor on Tradeit, how you manage shipping determines whether customers in Harare, Bulawayo, or even rural areas like Gwanda receive their orders quickly and reliably. Tradeit allows you to set custom delivery methods based on region, weight, order value, or delivery partner.

This article covers:

• ✔️ Setting up shipping zones and delivery areas
• ✔️ Adding flat rate, free, or custom delivery charges
• ✔️ Offering local pickup or same-day delivery
• ✔️ Zimbabwe-specific examples and best practices
• ✔️ Using third-party couriers and managing customer expectations

🚚 1. What Are Shipping Methods?

Shipping methods are ways you offer delivery to your customers. On Tradeit, you can configure:

⚙️ 2. Access Your Shipping Settings

1. Log into your Vendor Dashboard
2. Go to Settings → Shipping
3. Click Enable Shipping for Your Store

🌍 3. Create Shipping Zones

Shipping Zones let you define different delivery rules based on location.

Step-by-Step: Creating Zones

1. Click Add Shipping Zone
2. Name your zone (e.g., “Harare Central” or “Manicaland Region”)
3. Select locations — Tradeit supports:
   • Cities (Harare, Mutare)
   • Provinces (Mashonaland East)
   • Postcodes (coming soon)

Example:

• Zone Name: Harare
• Regions: Harare
• Shipping Method: Flat Rate
• Cost: USD $2.00

Repeat for each major delivery area.

🧮 4. Add Shipping Methods

Once zones are defined, assign a method to each.

Option 1: Flat Rate

• Use for: Local delivery in one city
• Example: $3.00 for delivery in Harare

How to Set:

• Click Add Shipping Method → Flat Rate
• Name it: e.g., “Door Delivery – Harare”
• Set cost (e.g., 3.00)
• Save

Option 2: Free Shipping

• Use for: Promotions or bulk orders
• Example: “Free shipping for orders above $50”

How to Set:

• Add Free Shipping
• Set Minimum Order Amount: $50
• Optional: Add coupon requirement

Option 3: Local Pickup

• Use for: Walk-in collection from your store
• Example: “Pick up from Mbare Warehouse”

How to Set:

• Add Local Pickup
• Set pickup details in your store description or order notes
• Optionally charge a fee (e.g., handling cost)

Option 4: Custom Courier (Manual Handling)

If you use a third-party delivery partner like Swift, FedEx, or a private runner:

1. Add a Flat Rate method
2. Name it (e.g., “Courier via Swift”)
3. Set the cost (based on weight or zone)
4. Mention expected delivery time in description

Tip: You can confirm cost with courier companies beforehand. Tradeit does not calculate live courier prices, so always include buffer.

📦 5. Assign Shipping to Products (Optional)

By default, your shipping methods apply store-wide. But you can assign specific delivery costs per product:

1. Go to Products → Edit Product
2. Scroll to Shipping
3. Add:
   • Weight
   • Dimensions (optional)
   • Shipping Class (if enabled)

Example: You can charge more for heavy items like bags of fertilizer vs light products like face masks.

📅 6. Set Delivery Timeframes

Help customers trust you by setting expected delivery durations:

Add delivery timelines in your shipping method description or store policies.

🛠️ 7. Troubleshooting & Best Practices

✅ Tips for Smooth Delivery:

• Always confirm customer address and phone number
• Use WhatsApp to coordinate handovers
• Set a cut-off time for same-day dispatch (e.g., “Order before 2PM”)
• Work with trusted couriers who provide tracking

❌ Common Issues:

📌 Summary Checklist

🔗 Still Need Help?

Reach out to the Tradeit Support Team via your dashboard or contact your assigned Vendor Success Assistant if you need help setting up delivery zones for harder-to-reach areas.

Managing delivery methods properly not only increases your customer satisfaction—it also helps reduce returns, delays, and bad reviews. Set up your zones today and offer Zimbabwe-wide coverage confidently!