What is shipping configuration?
Shipping configuration defines how much customers pay for delivery and which regions you serve. On Cartva, you set up shipping zones (geographic areas) and rates (pricing rules) that appear at checkout before the customer pays.
Clear shipping settings prevent checkout surprises, set customer expectations on delivery time, and protect your margins on fulfillment costs.
Key concepts
- Shipping zone — A group of countries, states, or postal codes you ship to
- Shipping rate — A price or rule applied within a zone (flat rate, free, weight-based)
- Shipping method — The label customers see (Standard, Express, Local Pickup)
- Delivery estimate — Optional messaging about expected arrival time
How it works on Cartva
Shipping settings are found under Settings in your dashboard.
Setting up zones
- Create a zone — Name it (e.g., "Haiti" or "Caribbean") and select included regions.
- Add rates — Define one or more shipping methods with prices. Examples:
- Flat rate: $5 for all orders in the zone
- Free shipping: $0 when order total exceeds $50
- Weight-based: Price scales with cart weight
- Save — Rates apply at checkout for customers whose address falls in the zone.
Checkout behavior
When a customer enters a shipping address, Cartva matches it to a zone and displays available methods with costs. The selected shipping amount is added to the order total before payment.
Fulfillment workflow
After payment, fulfill orders from the Orders dashboard. Add tracking numbers when you ship. For dropshipping or POD, supplier shipping may follow separate timelines — communicate realistic delivery expectations on product pages.
Local pickup and delivery
If you offer in-person pickup or local courier delivery, configure a zero-cost or flat-rate method labeled accordingly.
Who it's for
Shipping configuration matters for any merchant delivering physical products.
Good fit:
- Local retailers shipping within a city or country
- Regional sellers with different rates for domestic vs international
- Stores offering free shipping promotions above a minimum order
- Businesses with multiple fulfillment locations
Less relevant for:
- Digital product sellers with instant download delivery
- Service businesses with no physical shipment
What you control vs what Cartva handles
| You control | Cartva handles |
|---|---|
| Which regions you ship to | Zone matching at checkout based on address |
| Rate amounts and free shipping thresholds | Display of methods and costs to customers |
| Shipping method names and descriptions | Adding shipping to order total |
| Delivery time messaging on product pages | Order records including shipping line |
| Actual carrier choice and label purchase | Checkout validation before payment |
You decide your shipping policy and costs. Cartva calculates and displays them consistently at checkout.
Pricing model
Cartva does not charge per shipment or per shipping zone configured.
Your shipping-related costs are:
- Carrier fees — What you pay postal services, couriers, or suppliers for actual delivery
- Packaging materials — Boxes, tape, and labels for self-fulfilled orders
- Supplier shipping — Included in dropship/POD supplier costs or charged separately
Shipping rates you set at checkout are what customers pay you. Your margin on shipping (if any) should cover fulfillment costs or be built into product pricing.