Table of Contents
What are Shipping Charges?
Shipping charges are the fees or costs involved in the transportation of a product from the seller’s store or warehouse to the customer’s delivery address.
In any type of eCommerce or print-on-demand business, these charges are essential as they usually depend on factors such as package weight, shipping method, delivery location, and additional services like Cash on Delivery (COD).
Shipping charges are very important for every online seller, as they cover the costs of packaging, courier handling, transportation, and delivery operations. Online businesses typically calculate shipping based on product weight, shipping distance, and delivery speed.
For print on demand sellers, understanding the differences and terms in the shipping charges helps in setting up correct pricing and maintaining profit margins.
How to Calculate Shipping Charges?
Shipping costs are generally calculated based on total shipment weight and the selected shipping method. The basic calculation method involves the primary steps, such as:
- Identify the weight of each ordered product.
- Calculate the total weight of the shipment.
- Apply the shipping rate based on every 500 grams of the product’s weight.
- Add GST or taxes and any additional charges, such as COD or special packaging.
How are Shipping Charges in India defined?
For almost every domestic delivery across India, Qikink calculates shipping based on the total weight of the order. The pricing is charged for every 500 grams of shipment weight.
The charges of GST are to be included in the above-mentioned prices. Orders are usually processed within 2 to 3 days, and delivery within India generally takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the shipping mode and destination pin code.
How eCommerce Shipping Works
What does GST on Shipping Charges mean?
In India, shipping charges are always subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST). Logistics services used for order delivery generally attract 18% GST. For instance,
- Forward shipping charges are added with 18% GST.
- COD handling charges also include 18% GST.
These taxes are included in the total shipping fee, which is charged to the seller or customer, depending on how the store’s pricing is configured.
What is an HSN Code for Shipping Charges?
Shipping services, for tax purposes, fall under the categories of logistics or courier services. However, in eCommerce orders, the HSN codes usually apply to the products being shipped rather than the shipping service itself.
For example, t-shirts with an HSN code 61091000 have a GST rate of 5%, Hoodies & Sweatshirts with an HSN code 61101120 also have a GST rate of 5%.
When the product category is changed from apparel to accessories, mugs with an HSN code 691200 have a GST rate of 5%, while phone cases (392690) have a GST of 18%.
The GST rate mentioned is updated as per the norms from September 2025. These HSN codes will be unique for each category and for each product under the category, to make the logistics process easier.
How do International Shipping Charges differ?
For international shipping, the costs heavily change depending on factors like destination country, courier partner, and package weight.
Qikink’s international shipping services to the United States start at approximately ₹906 for 500 grams, where final pricing may vary depending on weight and location.
During International shipping, the timelines and costs can vary, so sellers usually are required to check the latest pricing through the platform dashboard before placing an order.
Shipping and Fulfillment with Qikink
Shipping is the most important part of fulfilling the order. Qikink manages shipping for its sellers through courier partners across India. Once an order is placed:
- Orders will be processed within 2 to 3 days.
- Packages are handed over to shipping partners for delivery.
- Customers can track orders through the dashboard using the provided tracking ID.
- Undelivered shipments may be returned and stored for up to 100 days for possible re-shipping.
This professional fulfillment system by a print on demand site is a big positive support for the sellers in today’s eCommerce industry.
