Calculating Shipping Charges
When you register to use the VOE, you tell us what method you plan on using to calculate shipping charges. This is one of the items we set up in your Vendor Configuration.
Shipping charges for orders can be calculated in a number of different ways:
By specifying the f_### freight value token on a URL command line, or the field ifreight in a form, you associate a freight charge per item. You control these charges based on any values specified in your HTML. If this value is not specified, it is assumed there is no per-item freight charge, or shipping is calculated by another method.
This is the more common method of charging shipping, especially for mail-order type operations. You supply us with a standard "table" of order amounts and the corresponding shipping charge. Here's an example:
Let's say your shipping charges are as follows:
| Total puchase up to: | Shipping Charge: | (comment) |
|---|---|---|
| $ 50.00 | $ 5.00 | Orders from $0-$50 have a $5 shipping charge. |
| $100.00 | $ 7.50 | Orders from $50.01-$100 have a $7.50 shipping charge. |
| $250.00 | $ 15.00 | Orders from $100.01-$250.00 have a $15 shipping charge. |
| $9999.00 | $ 25.00 | Orders from $250.01-up have a $25 shipping charge (we use an unusually large number to "catch" everything after $250). |
The Engine would expect a shipping table, as a standard text file, under the filename VendorID.SHP that looks like this:
| 50.00 | 5.00 |
| 100.00 | 7.50 |
| 250.00 | 15.00 |
| 9999.00 | 25.00 |
To set this up in the engine, if you're using the Extended or Database VOE package, you'll have an ftp account where you can upload the file to our system, otherwise e-mail this file or the details and we promptly set it up.
This is another "look-up table" similar to the one above, except that it assumes that you are using freight values associated with each item, however instead of interpreting these values as dollar amounts, the Engine will assume they are the weight of the item (in whatever units you choose to work with). In this manner, you specify a table similar to above, but representing the weight and associated charge based on the total weight of the order.
Other Shipping Charges/Methods
You don't have to limit yoursef to our standard shipping calculation methods. By using a bit of creativity you can create different line items which reflect different shipping methods. If you offer options such as "Rush Delivery", you could create a line-item representing an additional charge to rush the order.
At present, the system does not have features to calculate shipping based on a user's location, HOWEVER this is one of the next features we will be adding - and when it's available you'll be able to use it with no extra charge!
In the meantime, you can add items such as extra charges for deliveries outside of the country, etc. Since these rates change very often, and depend upon the courier as well as the location of both you and your customer, it's often difficult to automate such a system - the Engine by default can display messages such as "shipping added to order later - see xxxx for shipping information" or "Does not include any international shipping charges.." These messages can be changed to suit your particular application.