How to Offer Free Shipping on Shopify in 2026

Would you give up coffee or Netflix to get free shipping? 

According to a recent survey, 25% of respondents would—if they could have free shipping on all their online orders! 

If you’re a coffee and Bridgerton lover like us, this might seem absurd, but these statistics show that free shipping is one of the strongest incentives you can offer to your visitors.

Shipping fees are a major concern for customers, so if you can eliminate them, you’ll be way ahead of the pack. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to set up free shipping on Shopify and how to promote it. 

Let's go!

What is free shipping?

Let's start with the basics: what is free shipping exactly?

Free shipping is a popular marketing strategy that ecommerce businesses often use. By offering free shipping, the seller covers the shipping expenses instead of charging the customer.

In short: customers are not charged for any additional fees for their purchases, just the listed price of the product.

Over the last couple of years, we see a trend: free shipping has gone from being considered a “bonus” to being something customers demand, impacting purchasing choices significantly.

In fact, studies have shown that one of the major reasons for cart abandonment is unexpected shipping costs.

Types of free shipping

Now, let's take a look at the two ways you can provide free shipping for your visitors.

1. Conditional free shipping: This involves offering free shipping based on certain conditions, such as minimum order price or purchasing a specific item.
2. Across-the-board free shipping: Online shoppers can enjoy free shipping on everything, and no rules apply. With this approach, customers receive free shipping on all items without any restrictions. However, merchants should consider their profit margins and shipping costs before implementing this approach.

Pros and cons of offering free shipping

Offering free shipping on Shopify can be a powerful marketing tool, but it's worth considering the pros and cons of it.

Pros:

1. Increased conversion rates: Offering free shipping often boosts conversion rates as customers are more likely to make a purchase when there are no additional shipping costs.
2. Competitive advantage: In a crowded market, you can set yourself apart from other businesses if you offer your customers free shipping.
3. Higher order values: Free shipping can encourage customers to increase their average order value, as they may buy more items or spend more to qualify for free shipping.
4. Improved customer satisfaction: No shipping costs=happy customers. Eliminating shipping fees results in happier shoppers who are more likely to return for future purchases.
5. Marketing opportunity: Free shipping is a good way to acquire new customers, increase customer loyalty, and boost your sales.

Cons:

1. Increased costs: Covering shipping expenses can reduce profits, especially for small businesses with limited budgets.
2. Complex logistics: Offering free shipping may require adjustments to shipping methods, negotiating better rates, or finding more efficient packing solutions.
3. Risk of abuse: Some customers may exploit free shipping offers by making unnecessary purchases (that they’ll later return) to qualify for the minimum purchase, leading to higher costs and lower profitability.
4. Lower perceived value: Constant free shipping may diminish the perceived value of products or services, turning it into a regular expectation rather than a special promotion.
5. Potential for higher return rates: Customers may be more inclined to return items if shipping costs were seen as a barrier to purchase, resulting in increased return costs and inventory management complexities.

How to set up free shipping on Shopify?

Ready to set up free shipping on Shopify? We’ve got you covered. 

Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to set up free shipping on Shopify. 

Step 1: Navigate to shipping settings

First, you’ll want to log in to your Shopify account and access the admin panel. From the Shopify admin dashboard, click on "Settings," which is located in the bottom left corner..

Then, select "Shipping and delivery":

Step 2: Set up shipping zones

Next, in the "Shipping and delivery" settings, scroll down until you reach the "Shipping zones" section.

Click on "Add shipping zone" to establish a new shipping zone.

Name the shipping zone accordingly (e.g., "Domestic," "International," etc.).

Specify the countries or regions encompassed within the shipping zone by selecting "Add countries/regions," and save the shipping zone settings.

Step 3: Configure shipping rates

Within each shipping zone, locate and click on "Add rate" to set up shipping rates. Next, from the dropdown menu for the rate type, choose "Free shipping."

If you wish, you can establish conditions for free shipping, such as a minimum order value or specific products. Then, save your shipping rates.

Step 4: Customize shipping settings

Return to the "Shipping and delivery" settings. Scroll down to the "Shipping zones" section and select the shipping zone you want to adjust.

Now, you can review and make any necessary changes to the shipping rates you’ve set.

Once you’ve verified that the free shipping rates are properly set up and activated, save your changes.

Step 5: Test free shipping

Now, let's make sure the free shipping on your Shopify store is working properly.

First, make a pretend purchase on your store to see if free shipping kicks in correctly. Go through the checkout process and make sure you see the free shipping option.

Double-check that you've met any requirements for free shipping (like minimum order value), and that the shipping cost shows up as $0 when it should.

How to create a free shipping discount code?

Now that you’re all set with your free shipping rates, let's find out how to add free shipping discount codes to your online store.

Step 1: Navigate to discounts

Enter your Shopify admin dashboard, and click on "Discounts," which is located in the left-hand menu. Once you've clicked on "Discounts," select "Create discount" to start the process of generating a new discount code.

Step 2: Choose the discount type

In the "Discount code" section, input a unique discount code that customers will apply at checkout to redeem free shipping.

Next, from the dropdown menu "Discount type," opt for "Free shipping" to ensure customers are granted free shipping for their orders.

Step 3: Configure discount details

Make sure that your discount names are descriptive: enter a name for the discount code to help you identify it in your Shopify dashboard.

Additionally, you have the option to include a description that outlines any specific conditions or limitations associated with the discount code.

Specify the start and end dates for the discount if you want to impose a time limit on its availability.

You can also establish additional conditions such as a minimum order value or eligibility requirements for certain products to qualify for free shipping.

Step 4: Limit usage (optional)

If you want to limit your free shipping discount codes, this is the step where you can do it by setting a maximum number of times it can be used.

Alternatively, you can restrict the discount code to one use per customer to prevent potential misuse or abuse.

Step 5: Review and save

Take a moment to review all the details you've entered to ensure everything is set up the way you want.

Double check the start and end dates, any restrictions or conditions, and the uniqueness of the discount code.

Once you're satisfied that everything looks good, click "Save" to create the free shipping discount code.

How to promote your free shipping offer on popups?

It's not enough to simply have a free shipping code, you also have to promote it. Popups and sticky bars are great tools for grabbing people's attention and showcasing your codes.

With OptiMonk, you can set up popups to promote your free shipping discounts.

Start by installing the OptiMonk app from the Shopify App Store with just one click.

Once you've signed up, describe the popup you want, and OptiMonk's AI agent designs it for your brand.

Here are some popup ideas:

From the Popup LibraryMore announcement popups

PreviewTreat Your SkinPreviewType-Led UrgencyPreviewTypographic ColdPreviewArtic Horizon

Here are some free shipping popup ideas:

From the Popup LibraryMore announcement popups

PreviewGlacial ImmersionPreviewImmersive HarvestPreviewSocial SophisticatePreviewMidnight Romance Fullscreen

FAQ

Wrapping up

With the rise of online shopping, customers increasingly expect free shipping as a standard offering. Shopify store owners can find themselves in a difficult situation if they ignore the power of free shipping.

By leveraging tools like OptiMonk, you can easily enhance your free shipping promotion strategy and maximize its effectiveness.

OptiMonk's AI agent designs eye-catching, on-brand popups to promote your free shipping offer.

Offer free shipping in a smart way, and watch your conversion rates soar!