MyStore3™ Shipping Charges

MyStore3™ provides complete flexibility when computing shipping charges. A variety of built-in formulas compute the charges on the fly in the client computer without having to wait for a look-up on the host or some other remote computer.

The methods available to you are listed below. Values can be entered using the configuration mentor or by directly editing the configuration.htm file. Some of these methods can be combined as illustrated by the table that follows.

Overview
Multiple destinations for shipping are supported with MyStore3™. When there is more than one destination specified, the number of destinations is used to multiply the basic shipping and handling charge. The first destination specified is used to determine the shipping zone.
UPS rate and fixed per item charges, 'by weight' and 'by item', are interchangeable methods. Either one can be used for each item in the order. Which method is used depends on the entry in the SPECIAL field for that item.
A % based on the total order amount overrides all other shipping charge methods except the addition of the basic shipping and handling charge. This is the 'charge on total' entry in the configuration file.
A shipping factor can be entered as part of the shipping options array in the configuration file. This factor is used to multiply the 'by weight' and/or 'by item', or the '% total' results to simulate the different shipping options. IE: If the 'by weight' method is used, the basic rate approximates United Parcel Ground service rates. To simulate a next day air rate, the factor would be set to a value greater than 1.0
By weight charges are zone sensitive. The zone is approximated by comparing the first two numerals of the destination zip code with the originating zip code. (The ziplow entry in the configuration file.) For non US postal codes, the first character of the postal code, when a number, is used. Otherwise no zone approximation is made. SPECIAL field entries refer to the SPECIAL field in the item record of the product table.

A basic shipping and handling charge.  This is a single value that is always added to the total order amount. It is usually used to add shipping and handling charges in addition to other shipping costs. The value can be 0.00. This is the 'ship and handle' entry in the configuration file.
A fixed amount charge per item.  We call this the "free" CDs and book rate. It adds a charge for each item in the order. The amount charged for the item is the 'charge per item' entry in the configuration file times a number entered as the first character of the SPECIAL field for the item. This per item amount is used whenever a 'w' switch is not present. The entry for the per item value can be 0.00 and the entry in the item SPECIAL field can be 0. If the default 'n' is the character, a value of 1 will be assumed.
A UPS rate:  This standard UPS (United Parcel Service) ground rate most accurately reflects shipping costs. It is sensitive to both zone distances and parcel weight. It is invoked when there is a "w" in the SPECIAL field of the item listing in the database table. The item weight must be specified in the ITEMWT field of the item listing. The parcel weight is the item weight, times the quantity of each item ordered, summed over all of the items in the order for which this method was invoked. This method mixes with the fixed amount per item charge. If there is a "w" in the SPECIAL field for the item and no item weight has been specified, a default weight of 1 pound per item (2.54Kg) will be used.
A flat percentage rate based on total order amount:  This technique is often used in mail order to simplify the calculation of shipping costs when calculated by the customer. It is entered in decimal format. A value greater than 0.00 entered here will cause this method to override both the fixed amount per item and/or UPS methods. The value can be 0.00
Rate multiples:  Rate multiples are values entered into the shipping option array to multiply the total shipping charge (excluding the basic shipping and handling charge) by this value. For instance, to offer second day air delivery within the United States you might multiply your shipping calculation by 2.2. The array entry would appear as follows:   shipby[2] = "<option value=2.2>USA, Second Day Air";   Your customer will see the "USA, Second Day Air" option. How you calculate the total shipping charge and what multiplier you apply will depend on the particular circumstances for your products and store policy. The multiplier is a good way to offer off shore customers shipping options. You can have as many options in the array as required.

This table shows some possible combinations.

three items in the order
two items @ 3 pound each,
one item @ 5 pounds,
total price is of items is 25.00
'yes' occurs with a "w" in the item SPECIAL field
'x' indicates it doesn't matter
methods snh by item by
%
by weight with multi total charge
snh only 5.00 0.00 0.00 no 1.0 5.00
per item 3.50 3.00 0.00 no 1.0 12.50
% of total 6.00 x 0.10 x 1.0 8.50
by wt. all items (note1) 3.00 x 0.00 all yes 1.0 10.79
by wt. 5lb item only (note2) 4.00 2.00 0.00 some yes 1.0 14.09
with multiplier (note3) 3.00 x 0.00 all yes 2.0 18.58
NOTES:
1)  this is based on a 7.79 UPS charge for the 11 pound package plus 3.00 for shipping and handling
2)  this is based on the item charge of 2.00 each for the two 3 pound items plus a 6.09 UPS charge for the 5 pound item plus the 4.00 shipping and handling charge
3)  this is the previous "all items by wt." charge with a shipping option selected that has a 2X multiplier

snh = shipping and handling
multi = using option array multiplier indicated
x = doesn't matter what value
values shown represent values entered in configuration file

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