According to our experience, high shipping fees are the main barrier to successful conversions. We recommend that merchants implement low-shipping fees, and, if necessary add 5-10% to the product price to compensate for higher shipping prices. You can add the extra margin using our Country Coefficient tool.

It is always advisable to have two viable shipping options, one which is faster and more expensive and one which is slower and cheaper.

Global-e also recommends that merchants set free shipping thresholds slightly higher than the current AOV in order to increase basket value.

We do not advise using mail for goods over £200/$250.

Below, please find a table that shows the best practices according to a customer’s region. Please note: this is a generic recommendation which doesn’t take into account additional factors such as your vertical or AOV. These are considered during the onboarding process and are reflected in the initial proposition we configure for you. For more details see Setting Up Flat Shipping rates.

Notes on table:

*Local currency equivalent

– We have found that offering a similar shipping rate throughout Europe is beneficial while main markets such as Ireland, Germany and France may be priced slightly cheaper.

– In China, this may be slightly lower as they are price sensitive shoppers.

Communicating the checkout proposition throughout the customer journey increases customer trust; letting customers know that all taxes and duties can be paid before delivery and clearly outlining the shipping costs enables customers to avoid any unwelcome surprises.