Configure Magento 2 Shipping Table Rates
The table rates shipping method is a powerful feature in Magento 2. It allows online store owners to calculate shipping fees based on a combination of conditions. It includes weight, price, and the number of items.
This guide will walk you through configuring table rates shipping method in Magento 2. We will also highlight its advantages and address related topics.
Advantages of Using Table Rates Shipping
Using the table rates shipping method in Magento 2 offers several benefits:
1. Better shopping experience
Customers can view the shipping costs based on their specific order. It makes it easier to decide on a shipping method that suits their needs.
2. Reduced support team workload
Accurate shipping rates make customers less likely to require assistance from the support team.
3. Increased sales
Offering multiple shipping options based on table rates can boost sales. Customers are more likely to complete their purchases with convenient shipping options.
How to Configure Table Rates Shipping Method in Magento 2
Step 1: Access Table Rates Shipping Settings
- Log in to your Magento 2 admin panel.
- Navigate to Stores > Settings > Configuration.
- Under the Sales section in the left sidebar, click on Shipping Methods
Configure Table Rates Shipping Method
Expand the Table Rates section.
Set the “Enabled” option to “Yes“. It enables the table rates shipping method.
Enter a custom “Title” and “Method Name” for the table rates shipping method.
Choose a “Condition” for calculating the shipping rate from the available options. It includes Weight vs. Destination, Price vs. Destination, or number of Items v. Destination.
Configure the “Calculate Handling Fee” settings. Select either “Fixed” or “Percent” and specify the handling fee amount in the “Handling Fee” field.
Set “Ship to Applicable Countries” to either “All Allowed Countries” or “Specific Countries”. If you choose “Specific Countries”, select the desired countries in the “Ship to Specific Countries” field.
Enter an error message in the “Displayed Error Message” field. It displays when multiple table rates shipping is unavailable.
Set the “Show Method if Not Applicable” option to “Yes” or “No” based on your preference.
Specify the “Sort Order” to determine the table rates shipping method position on the checkout page.
Click “Save Config” to save your settings.
Export and Edit Table Rates Data
- From the admin panel, select the Store View where the configuration is active. You can choose Main Website or any website you need.
In the Table Rates section, click “Export CSV” and save the “
tablerates.csv” file to your computer.Open the file in a spreadsheet application and fill in the necessary data for each condition. It includes Weight, Price, or number of Items and their shipping rates.
Use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard to represent all possible values in any category.
- Ensure the Country column contains a valid three-character code for each row.
- Save the edited “tablerates.csv” file.
Import Table Rates Data
- Go back to the Table Rates section in the Magento 2 admin panel.
- Click “Choose File” and upload the edited “tablerates.csv” file from your computer.
- Click “Save Config” to complete the import process.
Test Shipping Rates
Test the checkout process with various shipping addresses. It ensures the accuracy of the table rates, shipping method, and handling fees. You can confirm that the shipping and handling rates are correctly calculated based on the table rate data.
Table Rates Shipping with Extensions and Store View Configuration
You can use extensions to enhance the Magento table rates shipping method.
These extensions provide additional features. It includes such as support for customer groups and volumetric weight calculation.
Some plugins also help in displaying estimated delivery days. It enables you to create unlimited custom shipping methods and rates.
Working with Store View and Customer Groups
Magento 2 allows you to configure table rates shipping for specific store views and customer groups.
You can offer personalized shipping options based on the customer’s location and their group. E.g., wholesalers, retailers, or general customers.
To configure table rates shipping for a specific store view, follow these steps:
- In the Magento 2 admin panel, navigate to Stores > Settings > Configuration.
- Select the desired store view from the “Store View” dropdown menu.
- Follow the steps mentioned in the previous section. It shows configuring and importing table rate data for the selected store view.
Configuring Table Rates Shipping for Virtual Products
Magento 2 enables you to include virtual products in price calculations. Virtual products are intangible items such as services, subscriptions, or digital downloads.
To have virtual products in price calculation, follow these steps:
Go to the Table Rates Shipping section of the Magento 2 admin panel. Set the “Include Virtual Products in Price Calculation” option to “Yes.”
Save the configuration and test the checkout process. Ensure virtual products are available in the shipping fee calculation.
Managing CSV Files and Table Rate Data
The “tablerates.csv” file contains the table rate data. It shows the shipping rates based on the selected conditions.
Keeping the CSV file up-to-date is crucial for your store. It ensures accurate shipping fee calculation during checkout.
To edit the “tablerates.csv” file, use a spreadsheet application and follow these tips:
- Add or update the necessary data for each condition and shipping rate.
- Make sure to use valid three-character country codes and region codes.
- Sort the data by region/state, placing specific locations at the top and wildcard locations at the bottom.
Calculating Handling Fees
Handling fees are additional charges that may be added to the shipping cost. It covers the expenses of processing and packaging the orders.
Magento 2 provides options for calculating handling fees based on a fixed amount or a percentage of the shipping cost. To configure the handling fee calculation, follow these steps:
- Set the “Calculate Handling Fee” option in the Table Rates Shipping section. Choose either “Fixed” or “Percent.”
- Enter the amount or percentage value in the “Handling Fee” field.
- Save the configuration and test the checkout process. Ensure the handling fee is accurately calculated and added to the shipping cost.
Summary
Configuring table rates shipping method in Magento 2 can significantly improve the shopping experience for your customers,
It also reduces the workload on your support team, and helps increase sales. This guide will equip you to set up and manage table rates shipping in Magento 2.
Learn more about the Magento ecommerce platform and how to optimize it for your business.