Create custom shipping options for bulky or weighty items.

Selling large or heavy items can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to shipping. You can offer delivery with weight-based rates, carrier calculated shipping, or local pickup.

Choose the right shipping options for oversized products

Some shipping options in Squarespace work especially well for oversized items:

• Carrier calculated shipping determines the shipping costs by using the customer’s shipping address, shipping options from multiple carriers, and the product’s size and weight.
• Local pickup or delivery gives your customers the option to pick up their items if they’re nearby, or have them delivered by you or through a local courier. If you choose this option, create a custom checkout form to gather delivery instructions.
• Freight or parcel shipping may be a good option depending on your product’s size and weight. When you find a company to deliver your goods, create a flat rate shipping option to charge customers for the service.

Add weights and dimensions to large or heavy products

When you add a large or heavy product to your store, enter the product’s size and weight in the Pricing and variants tab. This information is required for shipping options that use product size and weight to determine shipping costs.

Limit shipping options to specific products

If some of your products require special shipping arrangements, or if all of your products have unique shipping needs, you can create fulfillment profiles to limit shipping options to specific products.

Use a third-party fulfillment service

Use the Squarespace Orders API to connect your site to third-party fulfillment services, which store your inventory and manage shipping and returns for you. This is a way for small businesses to grow without having to rent a warehouse or hire a shipping team.

Display important product information on the product details page

On the product details page, consider adding product details that might be helpful to customers browsing your store, such as:

• A product’s weight and dimensions.
• Information about the product’s expected delivery time.
• A product’s shipping and return policy.
• A drawing or brochure that illustrates the product’s dimensions and customization options.

Create an Add to cart form to collect more information from customers at checkout. This is a useful option if you offer custom products, like light fixtures or tailored furniture pieces.

Include shipping and return policies in your store

Adding terms and policies to your site is a good idea for all merchants. If you sell oversized items, you may want to focus on your shipping and return policy. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Under what circumstances will you accept returns?
• Will you offer free return shipping?
• If a customer isn’t home during their delivery window, will you leave the package outside, or will it return to your store?
• If you offer local pickup, how long does a customer have to collect their items? Do you charge a storage fee?

Note: This guide is a resource, but it’s not legal advice. Squarespace doesn’t give advice on laws applicable to your site or business, as stated in our Terms of Service.