Shipping Zones
Shipping zones are used for mail-order deliveries -- orders that are shipped via postal or courier services rather than delivered by your own drivers. You define geographic zones using postal code patterns and set the rates customers are charged at checkout.
Shipping zones require Enable Shipping to be enabled in your store settings. Navigate to Settings > Edit Settings > Operations tab and toggle on Enable Shipping. This is separate from the local delivery feature flag.
Shipping vs. Delivery
| Feature | Local Delivery | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Fulfillment | Your own drivers | Postal/courier service |
| Zone Definition | Postal code patterns | Postal code patterns |
| Fee Structure | Per-zone flat fee | Flat rate, per-kg rate, free threshold |
| Tracking | In-app via Driver PWA | External tracking number |
| Speed | Same-day or next-day | Varies by carrier |
Both features can be enabled simultaneously. Customers choose between local delivery and shipping at checkout (if both are available for their address).
Accessing Shipping Zones
- Log in to the Admin Panel.
- Navigate to Shipping Zones (accessible when shipping is enabled in Settings).
- The shipping zone list loads.
Creating a Shipping Zone
- Click Add Shipping Zone.
- Fill in the zone details:
Zone Name
A descriptive name for the zone.
- Required: Yes
- Example: "Saskatchewan", "Western Canada", "Ontario & Quebec"
Postal Code Patterns
Shipping zones use postal code patterns (the same format as delivery zones) to define their geographic coverage:
- Prefix match:
S7*-- Matches all postal codes starting with S7. - Broader prefix:
S*-- Matches all postal codes starting with S (Saskatchewan). - Multiple patterns: Add multiple patterns to cover multiple regions in a single zone.
Create zones based on shipping cost tiers, not geography. If it costs the same to ship to Alberta and British Columbia, put them in the same zone using their respective postal code prefixes.
Shipping Rates
Each shipping zone has the following rate fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Flat Rate | A fixed shipping fee regardless of order size or weight. |
| Per-KG Rate | An additional fee per kilogram of order weight. Set to $0.00 if not used. |
| Free Shipping Threshold | Order amount above which shipping is free. Leave blank or set to $0.00 if free shipping is not offered. |
For example, a zone might be configured as:
- Flat rate: $12.00
- Per-kg rate: $2.00
- Free shipping threshold: $150.00
This means a 2kg order would cost $16.00 to ship ($12 + 2 x $2), unless the order total exceeds $150, in which case shipping is free.
- Click Save.
Editing a Shipping Zone
- Click the zone name in the list.
- Modify the zone name, postal code patterns, or shipping rates.
- Click Save Zone.
Updated shipping rates apply to new orders only. Orders already placed use the rate that was active at checkout.
Zone Priority
If a customer's postal code matches multiple shipping zones, Brother POS uses the most specific match:
- A zone with a longer postal code prefix takes priority over a zone with a shorter prefix.
- If no specific zone matches, the broadest zone that includes the postal code is used.
Design your zones to avoid ambiguity.
Disabling a Shipping Zone
- Open the zone.
- Toggle Status to Inactive.
- Save.
Customers in inactive zones will not see shipping as an option at checkout.
Deleting a Shipping Zone
- Open the zone detail page.
- Click Delete Zone.
- Confirm.
Deleting a shipping zone immediately removes shipping availability for customers in those regions. Any pending orders already placed are not affected, but new orders cannot be placed for those regions.
Free Shipping Promotions
To run a temporary free shipping promotion:
- Open the relevant shipping zone(s).
- Set the Free Shipping Threshold to $0.00 (or the minimum order amount for the promotion).
- Save.
- When the promotion ends, restore the original threshold.
Free shipping pairs well with Sale Campaigns. Run a promotion that offers both a product discount and free shipping to drive online orders.
Shipping Zone Reporting
Track shipping performance and costs:
- Shipping revenue -- Total shipping fees collected per zone.
- Order volume -- Number of shipped orders per zone.
- Average order value -- By zone, to help you set appropriate free shipping thresholds.
Access these metrics in Reports > Sales Reports with the delivery method filter set to Shipped.
Best Practices
- Set free shipping thresholds strategically -- Free shipping thresholds should be slightly above your average order value to encourage upselling.
- Keep rates competitive -- Research what competitors charge. Excessive shipping fees are a top reason for cart abandonment.
- Include handling time -- Add 1-2 days to carrier estimates for order processing and packing.
- Review quarterly -- Carrier rates change. Update your shipping rates when you receive new rate cards from your postal or courier provider.
- Test checkout flow -- Place a test order with a shipping address in each zone to verify correct rates are applied.
What's Next?
- Delivery Zones -- Configure local delivery zones.
- Packing Slips -- Generate packing slips for shipped orders.
- Routes -- Manage local delivery routes.
- Drivers -- Set up driver accounts for local delivery.