Easy Digital Downloads – Simple Shipping

Exploring Easy Digital Downloads Simple Shipping

For those looking to expand their e-commerce capabilities beyond digital products, Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) offers an innovative solution with its Simple Shipping extension. Originally crafted for the seamless sale of digital items, EDD has encountered an enthusiastic response from users wanting to sell physical goods as well. This has led to the creation of Simple Shipping, a feature-rich addition designed to enhance the selling experience for those who occasionally sell physical products without compromising the core functionality of EDD.

Development

The Simple Shipping extension is particularly beneficial for merchants who predominantly offer digital products but also wish to include a selection of physical items within their inventory. For example, you may be selling video downloads and want to offer a DVD version or perhaps provide customers the option to purchase a CD containing downloadable audio files. Additionally, there is the potential to sell merchandise such as t-shirts that align with your digital brand, creating a more comprehensive shopping experience for your customers.

Key Features of Easy Digital Downloads Simple Shipping

1. Streamlined Customer Checkout:
One of the standout features of the Simple Shipping extension is its ability to seamlessly integrate shipping information collection into the checkout process. Customers are prompted to provide their shipping address effortlessly, ensuring that the checkout remains smooth and reduces the likelihood of abandoned carts.

2. Flexible Shipping Rates for Different Locations:
With Simple Shipping, you can establish different flat shipping rates based on the destination of the order. This means you can set one rate for domestic shipments and another for international delivery. This flexibility ensures that you can accommodate customers from different regions without complicating your pricing structure.

3. Product-Specific Shipping Options:
Not all products require shipping, and with Simple Shipping, you have the ability to enable or disable shipping on a per-product basis. Furthermore, for products that offer multiple pricing options, shipping can even be adjusted accordingly, allowing for tailored shipping experiences as per customer selection.

4. Exporting Unshipped Orders:
To help you manage your logistics effectively, Simple Shipping offers an export option specifically for unshipped orders. This feature can be accessed easily through the Downloads → Reports → Export screen. This means you can keep your operational processes organized by tracking which orders are pending shipment and need your attention.

5. Integration with Frontend Submissions:
If you operate a marketplace, the Simple Shipping extension is fully compatible with EDD’s Frontend Submissions feature. This means that vendors on your platform can set their own shipping rates, further enhancing the sellers’ control over their physical product offerings.

Addressing Common Inquiries

As with any product, users often have questions about the functionality and capabilities of the Easy Digital Downloads Simple Shipping extension. Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions that users typically have:

Does Simple Shipping integrate with my preferred shipping company?
Simple Shipping does not provide direct integration with shipping companies. Its primary role is to collect relevant shipping information from the customer; the merchant remains responsible for managing all aspects of the shipping process.

Can I have variable shipping costs by weight, size, or distance?
The Simple Shipping extension is designed to offer flat-rate shipping only. Hence, it does not support variable shipping costs based on weight, size, or distance. This simplicity is intended to make setup and management more straightforward for merchants dealing primarily with digital goods, who may not want to complicate the process with variable shipping rates.

What about charging different rates for domestic versus international shipping?
Indeed, you can charge different flat rates for shipping depending on whether the orders are domestic or international. This promotes transparency in shipping costs and can help you better serve customers based on their geographical location.

Can vendors set their own shipping rates through Front End Submissions?
Absolutely! If you’re running a marketplace where multiple vendors can sell their products, the Simple Shipping extension allows those vendors to set their own shipping rates. This feature empowers vendors and enhances their control over how they deliver their products to customers.

Are shipping fees included in taxes?
No, shipping fees are not included in the tax calculations for transactions made through Easy Digital Downloads. This keeps the tax reporting clear and manageable.

Can I provide tracking numbers and shipping confirmations to my customers?
Yes! You can add tracking numbers to orders, and once the information is entered, an email confirmation containing those tracking details can be sent to the customer. This feature not only improves customer satisfaction by keeping them informed about the status of their shipments but also enhances credibility through proactive communication.

Practical Examples and Use Cases

Imagine a small online business that primarily sells digital art downloads. By utilizing Easy Digital Downloads Simple Shipping, the owner decides to create merchandise around their digital art, such as prints or canvas bags featuring their designs. The owner can easily add shipping functionality for these physical products while maintaining a seamless experience for customers purchasing digital art.

Another scenario involves a fitness instructor offering both digital workout programs and physical products like resistance bands or custom workout gear. Simple Shipping allows the instructor to collect shipping information at checkout, provide domestic and international flat rate shipping options, and even easily manage unshipped orders.

Benefits of Using Easy Digital Downloads Simple Shipping

The incorporation of Simple Shipping into your Easy Digital Downloads setup is a smart move, particularly for those who are navigating the waters of both digital and physical product sales. The simplicity and effectiveness of the extension cater well to small businesses and independent creators who cherish the digital-centric approach of EDD.

• User-friendly Experience: The seamless checkout process that collects shipping info ensures buyers have a hassle-free experience, fostering repeat business.

• Simplicity Over Complexity: By focusing on flat-rate shipping, merchants avoid the complexities associated with calculating shipping based on weight, size, or distance. This straightforward approach allows business owners to focus more on their products and less on logistics.

• Enhanced Vendor Control: If you have a marketplace, Simple Shipping allows vendors to manage shipping rates themselves, which can improve vendor satisfaction and potentially boost sales.

• Effective Management: Features like the export of unshipped orders not only aid in keeping your processes organized but also save time, allowing you to devote more energy towards growth.

In conclusion, the Easy Digital Downloads Simple Shipping extension provides a well-balanced blend of essential shipping features while keeping the essence of Easy Digital Downloads intact. It allows you to branch out into the realm of physical products confidently, knowing your digital product catalog remains robust and your customer experience remains top-notch. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, integrating Simple Shipping can easily simplify your logistics and improve your operational efficiency. With its focus on straightforward shipping solutions, you’ll find the extension perfectly complements your digital sales strategy while offering an effective way to introduce physical products into your ecommerce offerings.