Shipping offer
Check whether free shipping still leaves profit
Free shipping sounds harmless because buyers like it. Sellers usually feel the cost later, when the product needs ads, creator commission, and a coupon at the same time.
Before you switch it on, run the offer like a separate product. Same item, same cost, new margin.
Use this formula first
Do not hide shipping inside hope
If shipping is $4.80, write $4.80 in the model. Do not round it down because the product feels promising.
A small shipping mistake is enough to turn a decent low ticket product into a product that only works when traffic is free.
Use bundles carefully
A bundle can rescue free shipping if the second item adds real profit. It can also make returns more annoying.
Test the bundle math with the same return reserve you use for single orders. Buyers do not become cheaper to support just because the cart has two items.
Quick table
| Offer type | When it can work | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Free shipping on one unit | Higher ticket products with clean margin. | Does ad spend still fit after shipping? |
| Free shipping over a threshold | Products that bundle naturally. | Does the second item improve profit or only revenue? |
| Coupon plus free shipping | Short tests with a hard spend cap. | Do not stack offers until the page converts. |
Seller notes
- Compare one-unit profit with and without seller-paid shipping.
- Test a free-shipping threshold before making every order free shipping.
- Keep coupon tests separate from shipping tests when possible.
Run your numbers
Replace the example assumptions with your supplier quote, packed shipping cost, creator plan, and first ad budget. If the product only works with perfect assumptions, it is too early to scale.
Source notes
References to check
The visual above is original to ShopROAS. The links below point to platform and policy references worth checking before you spend money.
Check seller education, order handling, and policy notes before setting the test budget.
Source: ads TikTok Business Help CenterUse this before turning a product test into paid traffic.
Source: pricing Shopify product pricing guideHelpful for checking whether the price leaves room for delivery, discounts, and acquisition cost.
Source: disclosure FTC endorsement guidanceReview before asking creators to post, review, or demonstrate sample products.