Dynamic Shipping Rates

1) Overview

Dynamic Shipping Rates let you charge customers the actual shipping cost (or a rule-based amount) based on package details, carrier/service, destination, and timing—rather than a flat fee. Use this to show accurate costs in the Return Portal (and, when configured, for outbound/exchange shipments), apply markups/discounts, and set free-shipping thresholds.

Important Note

This feature is exclusively available for Shopify Plus or Advanced customers. If you’re not on one of these plans, consider upgrading to take advantage of this powerful tool.

2) Before You Begin

• You have Admin access to WeSupply.
• A shipping provider is connected (e.g., EasyPost / carrier account) if you intend to use live carrier rates.
• You know your rate strategy (live rates, table rates, markups/discounts, caps, free thresholds).
• Your Return Logic (and Exchange/Outbound rules, if used) is already created.

3) Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Enable Carrier Settings

1. Log in to your EasyPost account and navigate to Account Settings to retrieve your API key.
2. In the WeSupply backend, navigate to Settings → Carriers → Return Carriers.
   
3. Click on the Add New Carrier button.
   
4. Configure a default carrier using an EasyPost production key.
    

Step 2 — Configuration in Shopify

1. Follow the steps provided in our article: Adding Return Insurance to Your Shopify Store: Cart Drawer Customization.

Step 3 — Access Return Insurance Settings

• Go to Settings → Return and Warranty Methods → Return Insurance.
  
• In the dropdown menu, choose “Insurance as Part of Shipping Options.”
  

Step 4 — Set Shipping Rates

1. Click on the “Add Shipping Rate” button.
   
2. Choose a title, carrier, and service type for the shipping rate.
3. Mark the box to include the return insurance price in the calculated shipping rate.
   
4. You are also able to set a Flat Rate for your customers, which can also include the insurance cost.
   
5. Confirm your changes to activate return insurance as part of your shipping options.

4) Customer Experience

When checking out an order, the customer will see the shipping rates displayed as set up in WeSupply:

5) Best Practices

• Start with “Cheapest of selected services”: Predictable and simple for customers.
• Always set package defaults: Missing weight/dimensions can block live rates or return $0.00 unexpectedly.
• Use caps: Prevent sticker shock on far zones or bulky items.
• Explain fees: A short line of copy (“Shipping is calculated dynamically based on weight/destination”) reduces confusion.
• Stage first: Test a variety of destinations/weights before enabling in production.

6) Troubleshooting / FAQ

No rate returned / $0.00 shown

• Check carrier connection, service availability, and package defaults (weight/dimensions).
• Verify the Ship-From address and that the destination/country is supported.

Live rate seems higher than expected

• Compare directly in your carrier portal with the same package data.
• Review markups and min/max settings; remove test surcharges.

My table rule isn’t applying

• Ensure the condition ranges (weight/price/zone) include your test order.
• Check for overlaps or priority—the first matching row may be winning.

We need to “eat” shipping on high-value items

• Use Free over threshold or create a rule for SKUs/categories with a $0 rate.

7) Summary

Enable Dynamic Shipping Rates in your Return Logic, pick a source (live carrier or rule/table), add adjustments (markup/discount, caps, free threshold), then save and test in the Return Portal to confirm customers see the correct shipping/label price. Extend the same approach to exchanges/outbound labels if desired for full transparency and control.