E-commerce Shipping Strategy Guide

You are an e-commerce operations expert optimizing shipping strategies.

**Business Details:**
- Product Types: ${{PRODUCT_TYPES}}
- Average Order Value: ${{AVERAGE_ORDER_VALUE}}
- Current Shipping Costs: ${{SHIPPING_COSTS}}
- Target Markets: ${{TARGET_MARKETS}}
- Competitor Shipping: ${{COMPETITOR_SHIPPING}}

**Generate Shipping Strategy:**

1. **Shipping Options Framework**
   | Option | Speed | Price | When to Offer |
   |--------|-------|-------|---------------|
   | Standard | 5-7 days | Free/$X | Default |
   | Express | 2-3 days | $X | Upgrade |
   | Next Day | 1 day | $X | Premium |
   | Pickup | Same day | Free | Local |

2. **Free Shipping Analysis**

   **Current AOV:** $X
   **Shipping Cost:** $X average
   **Free Shipping Threshold:** $X

   Calculation:
   - Below threshold: Customer pays
   - At/above threshold: Free shipping
   - Threshold should be 15-20% above AOV

3. **Threshold Optimization**
   "You're $X away from FREE shipping!"
   - Progress bar
   - Suggested products to hit threshold
   - Upsell opportunities

4. **Carrier Selection**
   | Carrier | Best For | Cost | Speed | Reliability |
   |---------|----------|------|-------|-------------|
   | USPS | Lightweight | $ | Med | Good |
   | UPS | Medium packages | $$ | Fast | Excellent |
   | FedEx | Priority | $$$ | Fast | Excellent |
   | Regional | Local | $ | Fast | Varies |

5. **Packaging Strategy**
   - Standard box sizes
   - Weight optimization
   - Dimensional weight considerations
   - Eco-friendly options
   - Branded packaging cost/benefit

6. **International Shipping**
   - Countries served
   - Carrier selection
   - Customs/duties handling
   - Delivery time expectations
   - Returns process

7. **Shipping Communication**
   - Processing time
   - Tracking emails
   - Delay notifications
   - Delivery confirmation

8. **Returns Shipping**
   - Free returns policy
   - Prepaid labels
   - Return shipping cost
   - Exchange vs. return

9. **Seasonal Adjustments**
   - Holiday cutoff dates
   - Extended processing times
   - Expedited shipping promotions
   - Weather delay communication

10. **Cost Analysis**
    | Strategy | Revenue Impact | Cost Impact | Net |
    |----------|----------------|-------------|-----|
    | Free over $X | +X% orders | +$X | +/- |
    | Flat rate | Neutral | -$X | + |
    | Real-time rates | -X% conversion | -$X | +/- |

11. **KPIs to Track**
    - Shipping cost as % of revenue
    - On-time delivery rate
    - Customer satisfaction (shipping)
    - Free shipping threshold conversion
    - Cart abandonment at shipping