The Big Post shipping app may occasionally experience downtime or time out issues when calculating shipping rates. As a solution to this, the CIS Default Shipping Rate should be set. If this Default Shipping Rate fails, the Shopify Backup Rate will automatically be shown to your customers instead. Without the Default Shipping Rate and Shopify Backup Rate set, shipping rates may not display at checkout and customers may be unable to complete their order.

Shopify-powered backup shipping rates are mandatory in your Shopify store for all delivery profiles and shipping zones that include third-party shipping rates.
CIS - Default Shipping Rates
Default Shipping Rates need to be set to avoid complications in the event a quote timing out. Default Shipping Rates allow you to set your preferred default message and price at checkout instead of Shopify's backup rate in these instances.
For example, by setting the Default Shipping Rate, you can inform the customer that the shipping calculation has timed-out, but allow them to proceed with the order with the understanding that they need to contact you to pay for shipping.

If a default rate has
been offered to your customer, it will be your responsibility to contact the customer
and ensure the correct shipping amount has been received before despatching
your goods to your buyer.
For a faster quote, we recommend having only one
warehouse/pickup location enabled; or having fewer carriers and/or job types
enabled on your Big Post account. Contact us to discuss some possible options that would suit your business needs.
Shopify Backup Rate
In the unexpected event of our app experiencing possible downtime, quotation time-outs and subsequent Default Shipping Rates failing to return, the Shopify Backup Rate will be displayed to your customer.
As a result, your customers can still continue to checkout their order, instead of being forced to abandon their cart due to shipping rates being unavailable.
The Default Shopify Backup Rate will be custom-calculated using factors such as location, carrier rates, order value and weight. This is updated in real-time with the purpose of providing your customers with the most accurate rate possible. However, depending on the item classification and expected service (e.g. tailgate delivery for heavy pallets), the default Shopify Backup Rate can be inappropriate or inaccurate. To avoid this, we recommend setting personalised Shopify backup rates to your business preferences.

You can define custom backup rates by order value or by item weight.

You can also add separate Shipping Zones within the Shipping Profile and set different backup rates for each state if you'd prefer.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to
helpdesk@bigpost.com.au if you have any questions or require any assistance with the Big Post Shopify app.
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