The Holy Grail of Profitable Shipping (Infographic) Here's exactly how to determine which shipping offers work best for your margins.

By Tracey Wallace Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

When it comes to converting customers on site, little else works better than a free shipping offer. After all, 80 percent of U.S. shoppers cite shipping cost and speed of delivery as a heavily influential factor when they buy a product from certain brand.

Lower the cost to free and offer two-day shipping to go along with it, and you've got yourself a bundle deal - and likely increased conversion rates.

Related: 3 Ways to Grow a Multi-Million Dollar Drop Shipping Business

But, more sales doesn't translate to increased revenue if you're taking a hit on margins. Not even Amazon can turn a profit from their free shipping offer, which is why they just increased their minimum order value for the service.

What you offer in terms of shipping should vary based on what you sell, to whom you sell it and where you are shipping it. Free shipping is not the holy grail, especially if you can't turn a profit.

Related Offer: Save Time and Money with a Stamps.com 4-Week Trial

Here's a handy guide to walk you through the shipping strategies that might work best for your brand and product offering.

BigCommerce Ecommerce Shipping

Tracey Wallace

Managing Editor of Bigcommerce

Tracey Wallace is the managing editor at commerce platform Bigcommerce, where she covers topics concerning fast-growing online businesses. In a previous life, she wrote about small business and boutique success at Mashable, ELLE and Time Out New York. Her work has been featured on Bustle, PolicyMic and Refinery29. Wallace writes from Bigcommerce's headquarters in Austin, Texas. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Business Culture

What Every Business Leader Can Learn From Dutch Bros' People-First Culture

The coffee chain is turning employees into owners of the customer experience.