How to Troubleshoot Table Rate Issues
Identify and resolve common errors in Table Rate shipping calculations
Table of Contents
Overview
When your Table Rates don't appear as expected during checkout, or if the rate seems higher than anticipated, several factors might be influencing the results. This guide highlights common issues in your configuration that could impact Table Rate outcomes. 😊
A Note on Best Practice
Start your table by including only the essentials for your rate. For instance, if you offer $5 Standard Shipping regardless of cart contents, ensure that row has no additional conditions. Utilize Shipping Rules to adjust rates and methods for special conditions. Check the information below to understand why your table might produce unexpected results.
Check Your Table Conditions
The conditions in a Table Rate Carrier greatly influence what appears during checkout. The most frequent issue is setting too many conditions, as anything specified in a row must be present in the cart for that rate to show.
What Totalling Algorithm is set?
Your selected Totalling Algorithm affects whether rates combine or display based on the highest cost item. Choose to total rates Cumulatively, by Highest Price, Per Item, or by SKU. Learn more about each Totalling Algorithm here.
What Shipping Groups are set in the row?
Any Shipping Group specified in a row must be present for the respective rate to show.
- If a row sets BOOKS as a Shipping Group, that row's rate only appears with BOOKS in the cart.
- If items lack a BOOKS assignment, the rate is ignored.
- If an item is categorized as a different Shipping Group, like DVDs, and there’s no row for DVDs or a row encompassing all groups, then no rates appear for DVDs.
- Depending on the Totalling Algorithm, if two rows for BOOKS share the same method name, the rate might apply twice.
Using multiple Shipping Groups can be complex. Find guidelines here. 💡
What Filters are applying for the rate?
Rates display based on Price, Weight, or Quantity filters in your table.
- If "Standard Shipping" is $5 for weights up to 50lbs, this $5 rate shows only if the cart weighs 50lbs or less.
- To display different rates over 50lbs, ensure a row is defined for that scenario.
- With both price and weight thresholds in a row, both must be met for the rate to apply.
Multiple filters on a row can complicate matters. Additional insights are available here. ⚠️
Do your Method Names match?
To apply different rates to specific items under the same method, the method names must match.
- If "Standard Shipping" is $2.50 for BOOKS and $5.00 for DVDs, use "Standard Shipping" as the method name for both rows. This aligns with the Cumulative Totalling Algorithm, allowing ShipperHQ to merge rates for carts with both items.
Does the rate require a Customer Group?
Rates linked to a Customer Group will require the user to belong to that group.
- If the WHOLESALE Customer Group is set, users must be part of that group to see the rate. ✅
Understanding these elements can help you troubleshoot Table Rate issues effectively. Continue refining your settings for optimal shipping strategies! 😊