What is a Shipping Policy?

A shipping policy is a document that allows you to define your terms in regard to shipping products to customers.

Shipping policies usually include information about delivery times, cost of shipping, or any restrictions or limitations on shipping to certain locations.

So basically, a shipping policy can help you address any issues that may arise with the shipment of your products.

Shipping Policy Example: What To Include

A shipping policy should be tailored to the store’s specific needs. However, there are a few elements that you can find in every policy:

⏰ Shipment processing times

Make sure to explain that processing times and shipping times are different. Processing time refers to how long it takes you to prepare and pack the order before it’s handed off to the carrier. This usually takes anywhere from 1 to 3 business days, but during busy times (like holidays or Black Friday sales), it might take a little longer.

🚚 Methods of shipping

It’s a good idea to list all the different shipping options you offer. Whether it’s standard shipping, expedited shipping, or even overnight delivery, this gives your customers a clear idea of how fast they can get their orders. If you work with certain carriers like FedEx or UPS, be sure to mention that too. Giving customers options for how they want their items shipped makes the shopping experience smoother.

💵 Costs

Be upfront about shipping costs. Make it clear whether shipping is included in the product price or if it’s an additional cost at checkout. If you offer free shipping, highlight it, especially if there’s a minimum order amount. And if shipping costs vary based on location or package size, let your customers know about that too. Transparency here helps avoid any confusion later on.

📦 Delivery time

Give your customers a good idea of when they can expect their orders to arrive. For example, if standard shipping takes 5-7 business days, say that. Make sure to add a disclaimer that delivery times are just estimates and that things like weather or holidays might cause a delay. This way, customers know what to expect, but aren’t left wondering if their order got lost.

🔍 Tracking orders

Everyone loves being able to track their packages! Let customers know how they can track their orders once they’re shipped. Whether it’s through email updates or by logging into their account, make sure they know where to find their tracking number and which website to visit to check on their shipment. Providing easy access to tracking information reduces a lot of stress for customers and cuts down on customer service requests.

🚫 Shipping restrictions

Some stores have certain locations they can’t ship to, so it’s important to mention that in your policy. This could be due to international shipping restrictions, high delivery costs, or the type of products you’re selling. If there are areas you don’t ship to, make sure to clearly list them.

⚠️ Damaged or lost items

Sometimes items get damaged or go missing in transit: these things happen! Be sure to explain what customers should do in these situations. If their order arrives damaged, let them know they should reach out to you right away and, if needed, send photos of the damage. If their package is lost, explain how they can track it or what steps to take next. By outlining this process clearly, you’re showing customers that you’ve got their back if something goes wrong.

💰 Customs and import taxes

If you ship internationally, customers may have to pay customs duties or import taxes when their order arrives. These fees are usually the customer’s responsibility, so be sure to mention this in your shipping policy. Let them know that the shipping cost you charge doesn’t include these fees, and they may be required to pay additional charges when the package reaches their country. In certain legislations, such as the EU, UK, and Switzerland, prices should always be displayed inclusive of applicable fees, taxes, and costs. In general, it’s always better to be upfront about these costs so there are no surprises when the package arrives.

Where to Add Your Shipping Policy

It’s a good practice to add shipping information in a place that’s easily accessible.

Website footer

E-commerces usually have a specific page for their shipping policy, linked to the website’s footer. For example, here’s Zalando UK.

Checkout page

Another place you can add your shipping policy is at checkout, so your customers can see it before they buy. Here’s a sample of the shipping policy added at checkout, from Sephora’s website.

Terms and Conditions

It’s also a good practice to add all the main details regarding the delivery time and shipping costs in your Terms and Conditions document. Terms and Conditions usually contain all the necessary information regarding the conditions of sale, including shipping information. For example, Amazon has divided its Terms into sections and has one specific for Shipping and Delivery.

Shipping Policy Template

Here’s a shipping policy template that you can follow to write your own policy.

Shipping Policy Template (HTML Text)

Copy and paste the Shipping Policy Template HTML directly into your website.

<h1>Shipping Policy of [website name]</h1>

<p>Our website is provided by:</p>
<p>[name/company and full address]</p>

<p>Contact email: [email address]</p>

<p>You must read this document carefully.</p>

<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/110913/-shipping-policy-template">Shipping Policy template</a>.</p>

<h2>Shipment processing times</h2>
<p>[Mention that processing times and shipping times are different, so that your customers have a clearer idea of the wait.
Example → All orders are processed within X-X business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the order is placed. Please note that during high-volume periods, processing time may take longer than usual.]</p>

<h2>Delivery</h2>
<p>Products are delivered to the address provided by you and in the manner outlined in the order summary.</p>

<p>Upon delivery, please check the content and report any issues promptly using the contact details provided in this document or as outlined in the delivery note. If the parcel appears visibly damaged, you may refuse to accept it.</p>

<p>Goods are delivered to the following countries: [country name]</p>

<p>Delivery times are outlined on our website or during the purchasing process.</p>

<p>[add more details about delivery, such as methods of shipping, costs, shipping restrictions, etc.]</p>

<h2>Information about this document</h2>
<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/110913/-shipping-policy-template">Shipping Policy template</a>.</p>

<h2>Failed delivery</h2>
<p>We are not liable for delivery errors due to incorrect or incomplete information provided by you during the purchasing process nor for any damage or delays after delivery to a carrier organized by you and not offered or recommended by us.</p>

<p>If the goods are not received or collected at the time or within the period specified, they will be returned to us. We will contact you to schedule a second delivery attempt or to agree on a future course of action.</p>

<p>Unless otherwise agreed, each delivery attempt after the second one will be at your expense.</p>

<h2>Tracking orders</h2>
<p>[Include the details about the tracking of the order.
Example → Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can track your order using the tracking number on the carrier’s website.]</p>

<h2>Contact</h2>
<p>All communications must be sent using the contact information provided in this document.</p>

<h2>INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT</h2>
<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/110913/-shipping-policy-template">Shipping Policy template</a>.</p>

Shipping Policy Template (WordPress)

Copy and paste the Shipping Policy Template WordPress directly into your website.

<h1>Shipping Policy of [website name]</h1>

<p>Our website is provided by:</p>
<p>[name/company and full address]</p>

<p>Contact email: [email address]</p>

<p>You must read this document carefully.</p>

<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/110913/-shipping-policy-template">Shipping Policy template</a>.</p>

<h2>Shipment processing times</h2>
<p>[Mention that processing times and shipping times are different, so that your customers have a clearer idea of the wait.
Example → All orders are processed within X-X business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the order is placed. Please note that during high-volume periods, processing time may take longer than usual.]</p>

<h2>Delivery</h2>
<p>Products are delivered to the address provided by you and in the manner outlined in the order summary.</p>

<p>Upon delivery, please check the content and report any issues promptly using the contact details provided in this document or as outlined in the delivery note. If the parcel appears visibly damaged, you may refuse to accept it.</p>

<p>Goods are delivered to the following countries: [country name]</p>

<p>Delivery times are outlined on our website or during the purchasing process.</p>

<p>[add more details about delivery, such as methods of shipping, costs, shipping restrictions, etc.]</p>

<h2>Information about this document</h2>
<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/110913/-shipping-policy-template">Shipping Policy template</a>.</p>

<h2>Failed delivery</h2>
<p>We are not liable for delivery errors due to incorrect or incomplete information provided by you during the purchasing process nor for any damage or delays after delivery to a carrier organized by you and not offered or recommended by us.</p>

<p>If the goods are not received or collected at the time or within the period specified, they will be returned to us. We will contact you to schedule a second delivery attempt or to agree on a future course of action.</p>

<p>Unless otherwise agreed, each delivery attempt after the second one will be at your expense.</p>

<h2>Tracking orders</h2>
<p>[Include the details about the tracking of the order.
Example → Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can track your order using the tracking number on the carrier’s website.]</p>

<h2>Contact</h2>
<p>All communications must be sent using the contact information provided in this document.</p>

<h2>INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT</h2>
<p>This document was generated with the use of the <a href="https://www.iubenda.com/en/help/110913/-shipping-policy-template">Shipping Policy template</a>.</p>

Shipping Policy Template (Word DOCX)

Is a Shipping Policy Enough?

No. If you run an e-commerce, you also need a proper Terms and Conditions document.

Terms and Conditions are strongly recommended for online stores because they contain all the information about the conditions of sale and disclosures on methods of payment, shipping, delivery, withdrawals, cancellation conditions, etc. – as commonly required by consumer protection regulations.