The complete guide to Shopify shipping in the UK
To set up Shopify shipping in the UK, choose your couriers (such as Royal Mail, Evri or DPD), add parcel weights to your products, create shipping zones and rates in Shopify, and decide whether to offer free delivery over a threshold. Then connect a label tool so you can print labels and send tracking automatically.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Quick summary
- Add accurate weights to every product before setting rates.
- Offer a free delivery threshold to lift order value.
- Show delivery times and costs clearly on product pages.
- Use a label tool such as Royal Mail Click & Drop to print labels and send tracking.
- Plan international shipping separately because of customs and VAT.
Choose your couriers
Most small UK stores start with Royal Mail for letters and small parcels, then add Evri or DPD for cheaper tracked parcels or next-day delivery. Compare on price, delivery speed, tracking, collection options and how often parcels go missing. Compare Royal Mail, Evri and DPD.
Add product weights and packaging
Shipping rates depend on weight, so add an accurate weight to every product and variant, including packaging. Set up your default package size in Shopify so rates are calculated correctly.
Create shipping zones and rates
- Go to Settings, then Shipping and delivery.
- Create a UK zone, and separate zones for any international countries.
- Add rates by weight or order price, such as standard, tracked and next-day.
- Add a free delivery rate above a minimum order value.
- Check the rates on a test order.
See the step-by-step rates guide.
Free delivery without losing money
A free delivery threshold slightly above your average order value encourages customers to add another item. Work out what free delivery costs you per order and build part of it into your prices. Read how to offer free shipping profitably.
Printing labels and sending tracking
Connect a label tool so orders flow in automatically. Royal Mail Click & Drop connects to Shopify, and shipping platforms can compare several couriers. Tracking numbers added to orders are emailed to customers automatically. See how to connect Royal Mail Click & Drop.
Next-day, named-day and local delivery
Faster options can increase conversion for gifts and time-sensitive products. Set a clear order cut-off time. For nearby customers, Shopify's local delivery and click and collect options can save on courier costs. Set up next-day delivery.
Returns
Most UK online shoppers can cancel within 14 days of receiving goods, and you need a clear returns policy. Decide who pays for return postage and whether to offer prepaid labels. See how to handle returns labels.
International shipping
Shipping abroad means customs forms, duties and VAT. Start with a few countries, show duties at checkout where possible, and use tracked services. Read the international shipping guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest courier for a small UK store?
It depends on parcel size and weight. Compare the main couriers.
How much should I charge for UK shipping?
Can I offer same-day delivery?
In some areas, yes. Read more.
Should I use a fulfilment centre?
Usually once order volume makes packing time-consuming. See when it makes sense.
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