Add a Flat rate method to a shipping zone when you want a predictable configured charge for eligible customers. Review whether the amount applies to the whole cart or uses a documented quantity or shipping-class formula.
IN THIS ARTICLE
01 Define the rate
Confirm the service area, delivery description and actual cost model. Decide how shipping tax is handled according to the store's confirmed tax configuration. A flat rate is a price rule you maintain; it is not automatically a live carrier quote or a purchased shipping label.
02 Create the method
- Open WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping > Shipping zones.
- Edit the zone that should offer the rate.
- Add a shipping method and choose Flat rate.
- Enter a customer-facing name, tax status and cost.
- If shipping classes are used, review their additional costs and the calculation mode.
- Save the method and test a cart using an address that matches this zone.
03 Example: calculate a base charge plus a charge per item
Suppose a test shipping zone needs a base charge of 500 plus 100 for each shippable item. In that zone's Flat rate method, enter this formula in Cost. The figures are illustrative amounts in the store's currency, not Nabtech delivery fees.
500 + ( 100 * [qty] )| Test cart | Calculation | Expected shipping amount |
|---|---|---|
| One shippable item | 500 + 100 | 600 |
| Three shippable items | 500 + 300 | 800 |
These totals assume no additional shipping-class charges and are before any applicable shipping tax. Test with physical products and an address that matches this exact zone. If checkout shows another amount, first check the matched zone, selected method, class costs and tax settings. Do not change the formula until you have identified which part of the calculation differs.
Does entering a number charge once per item?
A plain base cost applies to the cart according to the method's standard configuration. Quantity-based charges need a supported formula, such as the documented quantity placeholder, or an appropriate class setup. Test more than one quantity before advertising the rate.
Why is the charge higher than the base amount?
Shipping-class costs or tax can add to the base cost. Review every configured component and whether class calculation charges each class or uses the highest applicable class cost. A mixed cart can reveal a pricing error that a one-product test misses.
04 Verify the customer's options
Test a small item, a bulky item, multiple quantities and a mixed-class cart. Confirm the method appears only in its intended zone and that its name accurately describes the service. If you offer several flat-rate speeds, make the distinction clear without promising a delivery time your fulfilment process cannot meet.
05 Maintain and troubleshoot
Keep the rate's cost rationale and review date with the shipping configuration. A zero cost produces a free-priced option; it should not be used as a substitute for disabling a method. Use the method's enabled control when removing it temporarily. If the expected rate is absent, check zone matching and product shipping requirements before changing the amount.