Free shipping is one of the most powerful incentives you can offer as a D2C brand, but it needs to be handled smartly to remain profitable. This article explains how Indian sellers can define and manage free shipping eligibility criteria effectively.
What Is Free Shipping Eligibility?
Free shipping eligibility refers to the rules that determine when a customer’s order qualifies for free delivery. Typically, this includes conditions like a minimum cart value, selected payment method (e.g., prepaid), eligible PIN codes, or lightweight products.
Why Offer Free Shipping?
- Boosts conversion rates
- Encourages higher cart value
- Reduces cart abandonment
- Enhances customer satisfaction
Many Indian consumers expect free delivery, especially when buying directly from a brand. When used correctly, it’s a strong driver of repeat purchases.
Common Eligibility Criteria
You can define free shipping rules based on:
- Minimum Order Value: E.g., “Free delivery on orders above ₹500”
- Prepaid Orders Only: Reduces RTO and extra COD handling fees
- Specific Locations: Offer free delivery in metro areas or within a serviceable zone
- Product Type or Weight: Exclude bulky or low-margin products
Tips to Make Free Shipping Profitable
- Analyze Your Average Order Value: Set the free shipping threshold slightly above it to increase AOV.
- Bundle Products: Encourage customers to add more items to qualify.
- Limit by Geography: Offer it where logistics are cheaper (e.g., metro cities).
- Incorporate Into Product Pricing: Adjust product pricing slightly to cover delivery cost.
- Track RTO Rates: Avoid offering free shipping on risky COD orders.
How OrderzUp Helps
OrderzUp allows you to automate free shipping rules using real-time logic:
- Set conditions based on cart value, payment mode, product type, zone, and more.
- Choose the most cost-effective courier automatically.
- Monitor shipping spend, margins, and performance with detailed analytics.
Final Note
Free shipping is not about offering everything for free—it’s about offering smart, conditional delivery perks that drive more orders while protecting your bottom line. Set your eligibility rules carefully, and let platforms like OrderzUp do the heavy lifting.
If you need help setting up free shipping rules, contact our support team anytime.