Flexible Shipping Options

Set up shipping rates, delivery estimates, and destination restrictions — all integrated with Stripe checkout.

Every physical product on Distancer.ai can have its own shipping configuration. Define multiple shipping options with different speeds and prices, restrict which countries you ship to, and let customers choose the option that works for them at checkout.

Configuring Shipping

Enable physical shipping on any tangible goods product to unlock shipping settings. Once enabled, you can configure:

• Shipping options — One or more shipping methods customers can choose from
• Allowed countries — Which countries you’re willing to ship to
• Delivery estimates — How long each shipping option typically takes

Shipping settings are configured per product, so you can offer different options for different items based on size, weight, or handling requirements.

Shipping Options

Create multiple shipping options to give customers flexibility. Each option includes:

• Display name — What the customer sees (e.g., “Standard Shipping”, “Express Delivery”, “Overnight”)
• Price — The shipping cost for this option
• Delivery time estimate — Minimum and maximum delivery times

Example Configuration

Customers select their preferred shipping option during Stripe checkout. The shipping cost is added to the product price and included in the payment authorization.

Delivery Time Estimates

For each shipping option, set a minimum and maximum delivery time using one of these units:

• Hours — For same-day or local delivery
• Days — Calendar days
• Business days — Excludes weekends
• Weeks — For longer delivery windows
• Months — For made-to-order or international shipments

Customers see these estimates at checkout so they can make informed decisions about which shipping speed to choose.

Country Restrictions

By default, products are configured to ship within the United States. You can expand or restrict the list of allowed destination countries based on your shipping capabilities:

• Add countries you’re able to ship to
• Remove countries where shipping isn’t feasible or cost-effective
• Customers outside your allowed countries won’t see the product as available for purchase

This prevents orders to destinations you can’t fulfill and avoids customer disappointment.

Shipping and Checkout

When a customer checks out, shipping works seamlessly with Stripe:

1. Customer selects their preferred shipping option from the choices you’ve configured
2. Shipping cost is added to the product total
3. The full amount (product + shipping) is authorized on the customer’s card
4. When you mark the order as shipped, the full amount is captured

For more details on how payment authorization and capture works, see the Order Lifecycle page.

Tips for Setting Up Shipping

• Start with two options. A standard and an express option covers most customers. Add more as you learn what your buyers prefer.
• Be realistic with estimates. Overestimating slightly is better than underestimating. Customers are happier when orders arrive early.
• Factor shipping into pricing. If your competitors offer free shipping, consider building shipping costs into your product price and offering a “Free Shipping” option.
• Review country restrictions. If you’re not sure about international shipping, start domestic-only and expand as you build fulfillment experience.

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