Shipping is one of the most critical aspects of running an eCommerce business.
Customers expect fast, reliable, and cost-effective shipping options, and Printful makes it easy to fulfill those expectations.
Whether you’re a new seller or an experienced print-on-demand entrepreneur, understanding how Printful’s shipping process works will help you provide a smooth and hassle-free experience for your customers.
In this article, we’ll break down how Printful handles shipping, the different shipping options available, how to set up your shipping rates, and what to consider when shipping internationally.
| Shipping Option | Cost | Features | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Shipping | Set rates per product and destination | Consistent rates, easy to manage | Small businesses | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Live Carrier Rates | Calculated at checkout | Real-time rates from carriers like USPS and FedEx | Businesses with higher shipping volumes | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Free Shipping | Covered by the seller | Boosts conversions, but reduces profit margin | Marketing and promotions | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| International Shipping | Varies based on location | Global reach, customs and duties may apply | Expanding business internationally | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
How Printful Shipping Works
Printful offers a print-on-demand service, meaning products are printed and shipped only when an order is placed.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how Printful’s shipping process works:
- Order Placed: A customer places an order through your online store. The order is automatically sent to Printful for fulfillment.
- Production: Printful prints, packs, and prepares the product for shipping. The production time typically ranges from 2-7 business days, depending on the product.
- Shipping: Once the product is printed and packed, it’s shipped to the customer. Printful automatically calculates the best shipping option based on the destination and available carriers.
- Tracking: Customers receive a tracking number so they can follow their package until delivery. This helps provide transparency and reduces the number of support inquiries you’ll receive.
Shipping Options
Printful offers a range of shipping options to meet the needs of different businesses and customers:
- Flat Rate Shipping: Printful calculates shipping based on the type of product and destination. This is a simple option that avoids complexity, as customers will see a consistent rate.
- Live Rates: Printful integrates with various carriers (like USPS, FedEx, and DHL) to offer real-time shipping rates based on the customer’s location and order details.
- Free Shipping: You can choose to offer free shipping to your customers, which can be a powerful sales tool. To cover these costs, you’ll need to either increase your product price or accept a lower profit margin.
Setting Up Shipping Rates
Printful offers flexibility when setting up your shipping rates. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Flat Rate: Printful provides a flat rate shipping model for each product category (e.g., apparel, accessories). You can choose to use these preset rates or customize them.
- Custom Shipping Rules: If you want to offer different shipping options based on location, order weight, or cart total, you can set up custom shipping rules.
- Live Carrier Rates: You can enable live carrier rates if your store is integrated with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. This feature allows your customers to see real-time shipping costs from carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL.
International Shipping Considerations
Shipping internationally can expand your customer base, but it also comes with additional considerations:
- Customs and Duties: When shipping to international customers, they may be required to pay customs fees or import taxes upon delivery. Make sure to inform your customers of this to avoid confusion.
- Shipping Time: International shipping times can vary significantly depending on the destination. Printful provides estimated delivery times, but be sure to communicate potential delays to customers.
- Fulfillment Centers: Printful has multiple fulfillment centers located in the US, Europe, and other regions, which helps reduce shipping times and costs for international orders.
FAQ
1. How long does Printful take to ship?
Printful typically ships orders within 2-7 business days after production.
The exact shipping time will depend on the destination and shipping method selected.
2. Does Printful offer international shipping?
Yes, Printful ships globally.
They have fulfillment centers in the US, Europe, and other regions to reduce shipping times for international orders.
3. Can I offer free shipping with Printful?
Yes, you can choose to offer free shipping to your customers.
You can either increase your product prices to cover the cost or accept lower profit margins.
4. What are live shipping rates?
Live shipping rates provide real-time shipping costs from carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL.
These rates are calculated based on the customer’s location, order size, and carrier.
5. How are customs and duties handled for international shipping?
For international orders, customs fees and import duties may apply.
The customer typically pays these upon delivery, so it’s important to communicate this during the checkout process.
Benjamin Shemesh is an ecommerce enthusiast and a digital marketing expert.
He loves surfing the ocean
