Explanation: Shipping methods

Introduction

This guide provides a step-by-step process for creating and managing shipping methods within the Afosto admin panel. These methods can be configured for different sales channels and customized at the contract level to suit your needs.

Preparation

Make sure you are logged into your Afosto admin account.

• Navigate to the Login Page: Open your web browser and go to the application's login URL.
• Enter Email Address: Locate the "Email address" field. Input your registered email ID.
• Enter Password: Locate the "Password" field. Enter your password. Optionally, click on the "eye" icon to toggle the visibility of your password.
• Click on the 'Login' Button: Press the blue "Login" button to attempt to sign in.
• Additional Options: If you want to stay logged in, check the "Stay logged in" box before clicking "Login."If you forgot your password, click the "Forgot password?" link to initiate password recovery.
• Create an Account (If needed): If you don't have an account, click the "Create account" link to start the registration process.

Navigate to the shipping methods section by visiting

https://admin.afosto.app/shipments/shipping-methods.

1. Access the Shipping Methods Section
   After successfully logging in, you should be automatically directed to the "Shipping Methods" section of the Afosto admin panel. If you are not directly taken there, you can navigate by clicking on the "Shipments" option from the menu (usually on the left side of the screen). Once in the "Shipments" section, find and select "Shipping Methods".
2. Overview of the Shipping Methods Page

On the "Shipping Methods" page, you will see a list of all the shipping options that you can offer your customers. This might include different carriers (like UPS, DHL, or FedEx) or other shipping methods you’ve set up for your store.

Add New Shipping Method

If you need to add a new shipping option, there should be a button (often labeled "Add''). Clicking this will allow you to set up a new shipping method, such as specifying the carrier, the pricing, and other related details

• Carrier Selection: Once you're on the shipping method configuration page, you will see a section labeled "Carrier" or "Shipping Carrier". This is where you will choose the carrier that will handle the shipping for your orders.
• Choose a Carrier from the List: A dropdown menu or list will appear, showing the available shipping carriers from which you can choose. Some common carriers include:
• UPS
• FedEx
• Royal Mail
• Local courier services (depending on your country or region) : These are just examples, and the carriers available to you will depend on your location and the services you have set up with Afosto

Locate the Delivery Zone Setting

Once you’re on the shipping method configuration page, you will find a section called "Add Zone" or "Shipping Zones". This section defines where the shipping method will be valid.

• Define the Countries/Regions for the Delivery Zone: There should be an option to select or define which countries, regions, or areas you want to ship to. You will typically see: "Worldwide": If you want to offer shipping to all countries in the world. Specific countries: If you only want to ship to certain countries, you can select each country individually.Regions or Areas within a country: In some cases, you may be able to specify specific regions, provinces, or even cities where the shipping method is valid.
• Select the Delivery Zones: You may see a list of countries or regions you can select from. If you want to ship to multiple countries, you can simply check the boxes next to the desired countries. If you are shipping to a specific region or state within a country, some platforms allow you to set those regions as well.
• Set Additional Zone Rules (Optional): Some systems allow you to define further rules within your delivery zone, such as Shipping Restrictions: For example, you might offer this shipping method only for certain areas within a country or exclude specific places where shipping is not available. Shipping Pricing Based on Zones: If your shipping costs vary depending on the region (for example, higher prices for international shipping), you might set different rates for different zones.
• Example Scenarios

1. Worldwide Delivery: You want to offer a shipping method to all countries. You select "Worldwide" in the delivery zone setting.
2. Country-Specific Delivery: You only want to offer a specific shipping method within the United States and Canada, so you select those two countries.
3. State-Specific Delivery: You may want to restrict a fast shipping method to California only, so you select just that state.

How to Enter a Name for Your Shipping Method

When you create or edit a shipping method in Afosto, you’ll be prompted to enter a name for the shipping method. This name is important because it will be displayed in two key places:

1. In the Afosto Backend: It helps you identify the shipping method when managing your orders, shipping settings, and configuration.
2. At Checkout for Customers: The name will also be visible to customers when they are choosing their preferred shipping method during the checkout process at your store.

Why the Shipping Method Name Is Important

1. Clear Identification: The name helps you easily identify the shipping method in the Afosto backend when managing orders and configuring shipping options. It makes it simple to differentiate between different shipping methods (e.g., Standard, Express, Free Shipping).

How to Provide Descriptions and Instructions for the Customer

When configuring a shipping method in the Afosto admin panel, it’s important to provide clear descriptions and instructions for your customers. This information appears at the checkout and helps customers understand the details of each shipping option, making their decision-making process easier.

Why Providing Descriptions and Instructions Is Important

1. Clarifying Expectations: Providing clear descriptions and instructions helps set the right expectations for your customers. They’ll know what to expect in terms of shipping time, cost, and any special conditions related to the shipping method.
2. Reducing Customer Confusion: Without proper descriptions and instructions, customers may be confused about the shipping options available to them. Clear explanations help customers make informed decisions and avoid dissatisfaction.

Locate the Translation Section

Once you’re on the shipping method configuration page, you will typically find a section labeled "Translations" or "Language Settings". This section allows you to provide translations for all the key fields, including NameDescriptionInstructions

• This will allow you to input specific translations for each language that your store supports.
• Select the Language: Within the translations section, you will likely see a dropdown menu or a list of languages that your store supports (e.g., English, German, French, Spanish, etc.).Choose the language you want to add or edit a translation for. For example, if you are adding a translation for French, select French from the language options.
• Enter Translations for Each Field: Name: Input the translated name of the shipping method in the selected language. Example: For "Standard Shipping" in French, you might input: "Expédition standard".For "Express Delivery" in Spanish, you might input: "Entrega exprés".Description: Provide a translation for the description of the shipping method in the selected language. Ensure it is clear and accurately conveys the shipping method’s features. Example: For "Standard Shipping: Delivery within 3-5 business days" in French, you could input: "Expédition standard: Livraison sous 3 à 5 jours ouvrables".For "Fast delivery for urgent orders" in Spanish, you might input: "Entrega rápida para pedidos urgentes".Instructions: Add any special instructions for customers in the selected language. This may include additional information or terms related to the shipping method. Example: For "Orders will be processed within 24 hours" in French, you would input: "Les commandes seront traitées dans les 24 heures".For "May be delayed during holiday seasons" in Spanish, you could input: "Puede haber retrasos durante las festividades".
• Repeat for Other Languages (If Applicable): If you offer multiple languages, repeat the process for each language. Select the next language from the dropdown and input the relevant translations for the name, description, and instructions.

Set the costs for the Shipping method

Once you are on the shipping method configuration page, look for a section called "Shipping Costs", "Price", or "Cost Configuration". This section is where you will input the cost for the shipping method.

• Choose the Cost Type (Fixed or Percentile) You typically have two types of cost options to choose from:
• Fixed Charges: This is a set price for the shipping method, regardless of the order value.Example: If you set a fixed charge of $5, the customer will always pay $5 for this shipping method, no matter how much their order totals.Percentile Charges: This option sets the cost as a percentage of the order total.Example: If you set a percentile charge of 10%, the shipping cost will be 10% of the total order value. For a $50 order, the customer would pay $5 for shipping.
• Input the Fixed Charge (If Applicable): If you choose to charge a fixed amount, enter the dollar amount or currency unit in the appropriate field. Example: $5 for fixed shipping. If the shipping cost is free, you would enter $0 or check a box indicating "Free Shipping".
• Input the Percentile Charge (If Applicable): If you select the percentile option, you will need to enter the percentage you want to charge as a shipping cost. Example: For a 10% shipping charge, enter 10 in the field, and the system will automatically calculate the shipping cost as 10% of the total order value. Ensure you consider whether the percentage should be applied to the total order value (including taxes) or just the subtotal (before taxes).
• Set Shipping Cost Based on Other Factors (Optional): Some systems also allow you to set additional factors for the shipping cost: Weight-Based Charges: If you want to charge based on the weight of the items in the order, this option will calculate the shipping cost accordingly. Destination-Based Charges: You can adjust shipping costs based on the delivery zone, charging more for international shipments or deliveries to remote areas.

Choose Additional Shipping Features

In the Options section, you’ll be able to choose from a list of additional features. Here’s an overview of common features you may want to include:

• Same-Day Delivery: If you want to offer expedited service, you can enable same-day delivery, where orders placed by a certain time are shipped out and delivered on the same day.
• Use Case: For urgent or last-minute orders, such as in large cities or for special events.
• Sunday Delivery: Some customers may need their package delivered on a Sunday. Enabling Sunday delivery allows you to offer this service, typically in areas with postal or courier services that operate on Sundays.
• Use Case: For customers who work weekdays and prefer to receive their orders on weekends.
• Pick-Up Points: This option allows customers to pick up their orders from a designated pick-up point (like a nearby store, locker, or local collection point) rather than having it delivered to their home.
• Use Case: Customers who are not home during delivery hours, or who prefer picking up their orders for convenience.
• Delivery to Neighbors: Some delivery services allow you to choose to have the package delivered to a neighbor if the recipient is not home. This option can be enabled for more flexibility and convenience.
• Use Case: If a customer is not home, the package can be left with a neighbor, so it doesn’t have to be returned or rescheduled.
• Signed Delivery: Enabling this option requires the customer to sign for the package upon receipt. This feature adds an extra layer of security and ensures that the product is delivered to the correct recipient.
• Use Case: For high-value items or important documents, where proof of receipt is necessary.
• Identity Check: For certain orders, especially in cases where high-value items or sensitive products are involved, an identity check may be required. This option ensures that the person receiving the package is the correct individual.
• Use Case: For regulated or age-restricted products, or for high-value goods that need to be delivered securely.
• Enable or Disable Features: For each feature you want to offer, enable it by toggling the corresponding option. If you don’t want to offer a particular service, simply leave the option disabled.

Note: The options available will depend on the carrier you have chosen. With these steps, you can create customized shipping methods tailored to your business needs and preferences.