A Guide to Calculating Shipping Costs and Setting Up Shipping Templates on AliExpress

How is the shipping fee calculated on AliExpress? How to set up a shipping template?

In the field of cross-border e-commerce platforms, AliExpress, as one of the world-renowned e-commerce platforms, has attracted the attention of numerous merchants and consumers. For sellers, reasonably setting up a shipping template not only improves user experience but also effectively reduces operating costs and enhances the competitiveness of the store. So, how is the shipping fee calculated on AliExpress? How to set up a shipping template? This article will provide you with a detailed interpretation.

Firstly, understanding the shipping fee calculation rules of AliExpress is the foundation for setting up a shipping template. AliExpress adopts a model of base freight + weight/volume surcharge. Specifically, the base freight is set according to the quotation provided by logistics service providers, while the weight or volume surcharge is charged extra based on the actual weight or volume of the product exceeding the range covered by the base freight. For example, if an item weighs 2 kilograms but the base freight only covers within 1 kilogram, the excess part needs to be charged at the actual weight. AliExpress also supports the setting of shipping fees for multiple countries and regions, which means that sellers can adjust their shipping strategies based on different destinations to meet diverse needs.

So, how to set up a shipping template? First, log in to the AliExpress seller backend, enter the logistics management module, and click on the shipping template option. Here, you can create a new shipping template or edit an existing one. When creating a template, the system will require you to fill in basic information such as the template name, description, and applicable regions. Next, enter the core part of shipping fee settings. AliExpress provides various options for calculating shipping fees, including by weight range, order amount range, etc. For instance, using the weight range method, you can divide products into several different weight segments and set corresponding shipping prices for each segment. At the same time, to address special situations such as high delivery difficulty and logistics costs in remote areas, AliExpress allows sellers to set additional fees for remote areas separately.

It is worth noting that accurately estimating logistics costs is crucial when setting up a shipping template. In recent years, with the rapid development of the international logistics industry, major logistics companies have introduced more flexible service models. For example, Cainiao Network collaborates with multiple international courier companies to offer various logistics service solutions such as economy and standard types. These services not only cover a wide range but also have high transparency in pricing, providing sellers with more choices. When setting up a shipping template, it is recommended that sellers refer to the mainstream logistics prices in the current market and combine their own product characteristics and target customer groups to develop the most competitive shipping strategy.

Additionally, with the increasing demands of consumers for logistics timeliness and service quality, dynamically adjusting shipping templates has become increasingly important. For example, during promotional events, some sellers may introduce free shipping policies to attract more buyers; while during off-peak seasons, they can balance cost pressures by appropriately raising shipping fees. This ability to adapt flexibly often helps sellers stand out in fierce market competition.

Finally, to ensure the effectiveness of shipping templates, sellers need to regularly check and update relevant information. This includes verifying the latest quotations from logistics service providers, monitoring changes in consumer trends in target markets, and promptly handling any technical issues that may arise. By continuously optimizing shipping templates, sellers can better control operating costs and improve overall profitability.

In summary, although the shipping fee calculation mechanism of AliExpress seems complex, as long as the basic principles are grasped and scientifically planned based on actual conditions, this process can be easily mastered. It is hoped that the guidance provided in this article will help many sellers achieve more efficient operations on the AliExpress platform and create greater commercial value.