Shopify has finally caught up with split shipping in checkouts, giving online shoppers more choices and control over when parcels will arrive.
Up until now, customers have only been left with one shipping rate and delivery date, even if items were sent in multiple shipments from various warehouses.
This meant customers had to wait longer for their purchased goods if one item in the basket was delayed.
New split shipping: More options
Shopify clarifies that this function will give customers more certainty when an urgent order can arrive faster by splitting items into multiple shipments.
When a shipment is split, customers have the following options:
- Choose the lowest price.
- Choose the fastest delivery.
- Customize the shipping options.
“If multiple shipping speeds are available, customers can select options between lowest price or fastest or even customize for each shipment. So they have more control over speed and cost,” says Shopify.
How does split shipping work?
If a customer wants to buy three different items, but one needs to be urgently shipped, the new feature makes the process easier.
If a customer needs a desk lamp delivered quickly, while a sofa and preordered chair can arrive later, split shipping makes more sense.
“And if the lamp is eligible for shop promise, a badge will be displayed at checkout, giving the customer confidence and peace of mind that the lamp will arrive on time.
“Split shipping and checkout even offer more control over shipping speeds on subscriptions,” explains the e-commerce company.
Shopify CEO wants flexibility
Shopify CEO Harley Finkelstein says customers will now have more flexibility and transparency about the ordering process, including when it will arrive.
Finkelstein says it also affects seller competitiveness: “For merchants, this gives you the ability to set clear expectations for your customers before purchase decisions are made, whether they prioritize fast delivery or low shipping costs, which in turn gives you a competitive edge.”
About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
