Shipping Policy

A legal disclaimer

The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level guidelines on how to create your own shipping policy for an online store. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding the exact ecommerce shipping terms you should establish between your business and your customers, because we cannot know in advance the specific delivery methods, shipping rates, or return policies you wish to implement. We recommend seeking professional legal guidance to help you understand and assist you in drafting a compliant shipping policy tailored to your business needs.

Shipping Policy - the basics

Having said that, a shipping policy is a legally binding document that establishes the agreement between an online retailer and its customers. It serves as the legal framework for outlining your order fulfillment process, your delivery obligations, and how you handle different scenarios such as delays, lost packages, or incorrect addresses.

A clear shipping policy is an essential ecommerce best practice that benefits both sides—you and your customers. Shoppers gain confidence by knowing exactly what to expect regarding shipping timeframes, delivery methods, and tracking options, while you benefit from reduced disputes and increased trust, making people more likely to shop with you.

What to include in the Shipping Policy

Generally speaking, a Shipping Policy often addresses these types of issues: the estimated delivery timeframe for processing orders; the shipping and handling costs; different domestic and international delivery solutions; potential logistics or courier service interruptions; and much, much more.