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    5. Wix Stores: Setting Up Live Rates with USPS

Wix Stores: Setting Up Live Rates with USPS

6 min read
Important:
  • This feature is available for merchants based in the U.S selling in USD  (except Puerto Rico).
  • Rates calculated during checkout may vary from the final shipping rates charged by USPS.
Live rate shipping calculation with USPS lets you charge customers a more accurate rate for shipping.
How do live rates (real-time shipping calculations) work?
The USPS calculator provides approximate, dynamically calculated shipping rates based on the weight and dimensions of the order, and on the shipping cost to and from addresses. 
Is this an estimate or the actual shipping price?
The price is a close estimate; however, actual shipping costs may vary based on how you choose to ship the package - the actual package you use, and the actual weight of your package as determined by the carrier. 
Do I have to ship with USPS?
No, USPS is used for calculation purposes only. The estimate is also the shipping rate your customers are charged. When you actually ship orders, you are free to do so with any carrier you choose.

Step 1 | Prepare your products

Shipping calculations can be based on the weight of your products. If you have not already done so, enter a weight for each shippable product.

To prepare products:

  1. Go to Products in your site's dashboard.
  2. Click to select a product.
  3. Scroll down to the Inventory and shipping section and enter the Shipping weight.
  4. Click Save. 
Tip:
When adding products in future, make sure to enter a weight.

Step 2 | Select a region and shipping services

Start by selecting the region where you want to add live rates with USPS. You can set up as many regions as you like. Next, select a shipping service for that region.
Services available in the US:
Services available internationally:

To select a region and shipping services:

  1. Go to Shipping & fulfillment in your site's dashboard.
  2. Select an option:
    • Create a new shipping region and click Add Rate.
      Tip: Learn how to Create a shipping region.
    • Add a rate to an existing region: Click Add Another Rate.
  3. Select Calculated by USPS from the drop-down list.
  4. Select the checkbox next to the service you want to offer.
  5. (Optional) Click Add advanced settings to add any of the following:
    • Estimated delivery time: Enter a message (e.g. 3 - 5 Business Days).
    • Rate adjustment (e.g. a $5 handling fee):
      Note: Customers don't see this as a separate fee. 
      1. Select percentage or amount.
      2. Enter the percentage or the adjustment amount.
    • Free shipping over a specific amount (e.g. free shipping over $80): Enter the amount.
  6. To add another option, repeat steps 4 and 5.

Step 3 | Choose a package type

During setup, you're asked to select your main package type. We recommend you choose the package you use most often. This package will be used to calculate all shipping estimates. 
Select either your own custom packaging or one of the packaging options offered by USPS:
  • Custom packaging: Choose the Custom option to calculate the price of delivery with any type of packaging other than USPS options. Shipping costs are calculated based on package weight and customers' address.   
  • USPS options: When you select a USPS option, the price is calculated per package (whatever fits in the box). Product weight and destination do not factor into the price for domestic shipping. 
Note:
Not all shipping services are available for all types of packaging. Check your carrier for details.

To select your package type:

  1. Click the Choose a package type drop-down.
  2. Select an option:
    • Create a custom package:
      1. Click Custom.
      2. Enter a package name.
      3. Enter the package dimensions.
    • Select one of the available USPS options:
      1. Select a package option (e.g. Small flat rate box).
      2. Enter the maximum number of products you estimate can fit in this box.
        Tip: If you select 3 products and a customer buys 9, shipping is calculated for 3 boxes).

Step 4 | Select your "Ship From" address

If you already entered one or more addresses in the business info page of your site, you can select the relevant address.
However, if you haven't yet added it, or want to enter an additional address, you can do so. When you're done, select the relevant "ship from" option from the drop-down.
Important:
Make sure your address has a 5-digit zip code. Do not add the 4-digit routing number.

To select your address:

  1. Select the relevant address from the Ship From address drop-down.
Screenshot of part of the Live Rates with USPS setup where you select a ship from address
  1. (Optional) If you don't see the address you need in the drop-down, add it and then select it:
    1. Go to Business Info in your site's dashboard.
    2. Select an option:
      • I have one address: Enter or edit your business address and click Save.
      • I have a separate "ship from" address:  
        1. Click +Add a Second Location
        2. Enter the address.
        3. Click Save.
    3. Go back to Shipping & fulfillment in your site's dashboard.
    4. Click the More Actions icon  next to the USPS rule and click Edit.
    5. Select the relevant address from the Ship From address drop-down.

Step 5 | Add backup settings & save your changes

In most cases, USPS can provide a rate in real time. However, we recommend that you enter a backup weight and rate. These will be used in the unlikely event that a rate cannot be provided while a customer is checking out.

To enter backup rates:

  1. Enter a backup product weight.
    Note: This is calculated per product, not per order.
  2. Enter a backup shipping rate.
    Note: This is a flat rate and will be applied to the entire order.

FAQs

Click a question below to learn more.

Did this help?

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In this article
  • Step 1 | Prepare your products
  • Step 2 | Select a region and shipping services
  • Step 3 | Choose a package type
  • Step 4 | Select your "Ship From" address
  • Step 5 | Add backup settings & save your changes
  • FAQs

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