Economy Shipping Guide for Ecommerce Businesses
Economy shipping guide for ecommerce: Cost-effective delivery strategies
Shipping strategy shapes both customer loyalty and your bottom line. With 56% of shoppers abandoning carts over high shipping costs and 85% saying delivery influences repeat purchases, finding ways to offer affordable, reliable delivery is critical.
Economy shipping is a proven solution—but without the right tools, it can be a logistical headache. That’s where solutions like ShipAccel® give ecommerce sellers a competitive edge: helping you compare services, automate order routing, and deliver the best value for every order.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about economy shipping—how it works, when to use it, what trade-offs to expect, and how to roll it out smoothly in your ecommerce strategy.
Table of contents
Economy shipping options in the U.S.
Benefits of economy shipping for ecommerce businesses
Economy shipping versus other shipping methods
Economy shipping for international orders
Challenges of economy shipping
How to implement economy shipping in your ecommerce business
What is economy shipping?
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship products, economy shipping is your answer. Economy shipping is a low-cost shipping method designed specifically for non-urgent deliveries. It offers longer transit times—typically 5 to 10 business days or more—in exchange for reduced rates, making it a popular choice for ecommerce businesses focused on affordability.
If you're sending lightweight items that don't need to arrive yesterday, economy shipping helps you keep costs down and customers happy. It’s slower than standard shipping and way slower than expedited, but when used strategically, it can be a smart move for both your business and your buyers.
Economy shipping options in the U.S.
Domestic economy shipping services in the U.S. give ecommerce businesses a variety of affordable shipping solutions. There are several carriers that offer economy services tailored for domestic ecommerce shipping. Each brings a slightly different mix of pricing, speed, tracking, and features, allowing businesses to choose the best fit based on their specific shipping needs and customer expectations.
USPS economy shipping
USPS offers First-Class Mail® and Ground Advantage™ for small, lightweight packages. Delivery takes about 2–5 business days with basic USPS tracking. These services are ideal for non-urgent, budget-conscious shipping.
UPS economy shipping
UPS Ground® delivers in 1–5 days and includes tracking. It’s suited for heavier shipments and bulk orders. Services like UPS Ground Saver offer added flexibility for cost-effective, slower deliveries.
FedEx economy shipping
FedEx Ground® and FedEx Home Delivery® ship in 1–5 business days with weekend service. They include solid tracking and are reliable for medium-to-heavy parcels that don’t need express shipping.
DHL economy shipping
DHL eCommerce offers delivery in 3–8 days. It’s a strong fit for high-volume ecommerce sellers who prioritize savings. Services like DHL Economy Select balance speed, price, and simplicity.
With so many options, choosing the most cost-effective carrier for each order can feel overwhelming. ShipAccel® makes this simple by automatically comparing rates and services across USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and more, helping you lock in the best value for every shipment.
Benefits of economy shipping for ecommerce businesses
When cost matters more than speed, economy shipping is a smart, affordable shipping option that offers multiple advantages for ecommerce businesses:
Cost savings: Lower shipping costs improve margins and create room to offer incentives like free shipping. Whether passing those savings to customers or improving profitability, economy shipping helps control overall shipping expenses.
Flexibility: Economy shipping gives ecommerce businesses more control over their logistics. Offering a mix of expedited and economy shipping options lets customers choose what matters most—speed or savings—while businesses can tailor offerings to suit different buyer needs.
Efficiency: Slower delivery times allow for batching and streamlined fulfillment, helping businesses simplify operations. Many services offer bulk discounts, easing high-volume fulfillment without raising costs.
For non-urgent orders, economy shipping meets expectations affordably—boosting trust and keeping customers happy even with longer wait times. Solutions like ShipAccel® amplify these benefits by automating repetitive tasks like label printing, carrier selection, and order tracking—all within a single dashboard.
Competitive edge: In a price-sensitive market, offering economy shipping can set a business apart. Customers appreciate cost-effective options, especially when shopping for everyday items.
Customer satisfaction: While it may take longer, economy shipping helps meet customer expectations for non-urgent orders. Affordable shipping builds trust and improves the experience.
Economy shipping versus other shipping methods
The right shipping method depends on your product, customer needs, and budget. Here’s how economy shipping stacks up against standard, ground, and expedited options.
Economy vs standard shipping
Standard shipping is a step up in speed, usually delivering in 3–5 days. It costs more than economy but not as much as expedited. Use standard for items where delivery time is important but not urgent.
Economy vs ground shipping
Ground shipping is often considered a middle-tier option. It’s faster than economy (3–7 days) and comes with solid tracking. Go with economy when cost is key, and ground when you need a bit more speed and consistency.
Economy vs expedited shipping
Expedited shipping is all about speed—1–2 days or even overnight. It’s also the most expensive. Save it for time-sensitive or high-value orders. For everything else, economy is usually the better value.
Shipping Method |
Delivery Time |
Cost |
Best For |
Economy Shipping |
7 to 30+ days |
Lowest |
Lightweight, non-urgent items |
Ground Shipping |
3 to 7 days |
Moderate |
Regional, cost-effective delivery |
Standard Shipping |
3 to 5 days |
Moderate |
Faster delivery for non-urgent items |
Expedited Shipping |
1 to 2 days |
Highest |
Urgent, high-value, or perishable orders |
When to choose economy shipping
Economy shipping stands out when cost matters more than speed.
Economy shipping is best suited for non-urgent orders—things like lightweight, non-perishable goods, refills, or everyday products where fast delivery isn’t critical. Ecommerce businesses focused on cutting shipping costs without losing reliability benefit most.
It’s especially helpful for high-volume shippers needing affordable delivery methods, but it’s not ideal for perishable goods or time-sensitive items that customers expect quickly. In those cases, expedited or standard shipping is a better fit.
Clear communication is key. Let customers know the expected delivery times—usually 5 to 10+ business days—and reinforce that economy shipping is a trade-off between cost and speed. Managing those expectations keeps customer satisfaction high, even when delivery speed is lower.
Economy shipping for international orders
For ecommerce businesses shipping across borders, international economy shipping offers a cost-effective way to expand into global markets without inflating shipping expenses. It allows brands to access international orders while keeping shipping costs low—a valuable strategy for non-urgent deliveries. While it’s more affordable than expedited or express options, international shipping does come with trade-offs—like longer delivery times, customs delays, and limited tracking.
This section explores global shipping methods available through major carriers and outlines key factors ecommerce brands should consider before offering international economy services to their customers.
International Economy Shipping Options
- USPS: First-Class Package International® and Priority Mail International® offer affordable delivery with longer timeframes. Best for small, low-value items.
- DHL: DHL eCommerce International provides low-cost global delivery in 4–12 days. It’s a smart pick for budget-friendly cross-border shipping with basic tracking.
- FedEx: FedEx International Connect Plus and Economy offer flexible rates and speeds. FedEx International Ground supports nearby markets.
- UPS: UPS Worldwide Economy is ideal for lightweight, low-cost shipments, balancing affordability and global reach.
Important considerations when using economy shipping internationally
When shipping internationally using economy services, ecommerce businesses need to weigh the benefits of affordability against key logistical challenges. These shipping methods are ideal for non-urgent shipments, but they come with longer delivery windows and potential customs complications.
Longer delivery times: International economy shipping typically takes 7 to 30+ days, depending on the destination, carrier, and customs process. Setting clear delivery expectations is essential to avoid frustration.
Customs and tariffs: Shipments may face delays during customs clearance, and duties or tariffs—usually the recipient’s responsibility—can impact both timelines and customer satisfaction.
Limited tracking: Some international economy shipping services offer minimal or delayed tracking updates. Be upfront with customers about what level of order status visibility they can expect.
Affordability vs. speed: While slower, international economy shipping is significantly more cost-effective than express options. It’s best suited for low-value, non-perishable items where delivery speed is not a priority.
Challenges of economy shipping
Even domestically, economy shipping comes with trade-offs that ecommerce businesses must manage.
Delivery speed: Delivery times for economy services often range from 5–10+ business days, slower than standard or express shipping options. Customers expecting fast delivery may feel let down if expectations aren’t clearly set.
Tracking limitations: Basic tracking is common with economy shipping, often lacking detailed updates. This can cause confusion and increase order status inquiries, especially if delays occur.
Customer satisfaction risks: Combined, slower shipping and limited tracking can lead to a poor experience if not managed well. Transparency is key—communicating delivery timelines and tracking capabilities upfront can help avoid negative reviews and support requests.
ShipAccel’s automated rate shopping and carrier performance insights help ecommerce businesses manage delivery speed and tracking expectations, so you can proactively select services that consistently meet your promised windows.
How to implement economy shipping in your ecommerce business
Implementing economy shipping successfully means balancing savings with customer satisfaction. Here's a step-by-step guide to help ecommerce businesses reduce shipping costs while maintaining a smooth, reliable experience.
Step 1: Choose the right carriers
Start by evaluating major shipping services like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Compare their economy shipping rates, delivery areas, and service levels. Some carriers specialize in lightweight packages, others offer better bulk pricing. Review customer feedback and reliability ratings to determine which shipping carrier aligns best with your products and target customers.
Delivery times matter too—some economy services take 5–7 days, while others may stretch longer. Know when slower speeds are acceptable, and when faster delivery is essential for your brand promise.
Step 2: Set up economy shipping options on your website
Make it easy for customers to choose economy shipping at checkout. Use a rate calculator that factors in order weight, location, and package size to show accurate shipping costs.
Include estimated delivery dates so customers understand the trade-off between cost and time. If possible, create a dedicated shipping policy page that clearly explains your delivery options, timelines, and any restrictions related to economy services.
Clear labeling helps manage expectations and reduces confusion at checkout.
Step 3: Communicate delivery expectations to customers clearly
Transparency is essential. Let customers know if economy shipping takes 5–10+ business days. Avoid vague language—use specific delivery windows and reinforce this messaging on product pages, in the cart, and in confirmation emails.
Include order tracking, even if limited, to give buyers peace of mind. If you offer multiple shipping options, allow customers to upgrade (for a fee) if they want faster delivery.
Setting clear expectations upfront reduces support tickets and builds trust.
Step 4: Integrate economy shipping with order management systems (OMS) and fulfillment
Using an OMS allows you to automate rate comparisons, assign economy shipping when it’s the best fit, and avoid manual errors. Integrate economy services directly into your fulfillment flow.
If you're working with a 3PL or warehouse, ensure your partners are trained to handle economy shipments—including batching orders, labeling correctly, and minimizing delays.
Monitor performance using analytics. Track on-time delivery, cost savings, and carrier performance to keep your shipping operations running efficiently.
Step 5: Test and iterate your economy shipping offering
Start with a pilot program. Test economy shipping with select products or customer groups and track the results.
Gather customer feedback. Ask about satisfaction, delivery speed, and whether the lower shipping cost impacted their decision to purchase. This data will help you refine your offer.
Regularly assess whether the cost savings from economy shipping are meaningful enough to justify the slower delivery time—and adjust accordingly.
Step 6: Educate your customers and promote economy shipping
Promote the benefits. Use messaging like “Save on shipping” or “Free shipping on large orders” powered by economy services.
Leverage multiple channels—highlight economy shipping in product descriptions, banners, cart notices, email campaigns, and social posts. Reinforce that customers can choose a more affordable shipping option if speed isn't a priority.
Integrating a platform like ShipAccel into your order management system streamlines this process by automatically routing orders to the most cost-effective carrier and service, reducing errors and saving time.
Best practices for maximizing economy shipping
Economy shipping helps ecommerce brands save money while still delivering a solid customer experience. These best practices can help you reduce costs, improve efficiency, and keep shoppers happy—even with longer delivery windows.
Optimize packaging and bundle orders to reduce costs
Cut costs by using right-sized packaging that minimizes dimensional weight. Avoid overpacking, and bundle multiple items into one shipment whenever possible. Bundling increases packing efficiency, reduces shipping fees, and helps avoid extra charges—especially with economy services.
Use shipping software to compare rates and optimize delivery
Shipping software lets you compare carrier rates and delivery times in real time. By automating rate selection across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, you can quickly surface the most cost-effective option for each order. These tools also highlight trends and areas for improvement in your shipping process.
Offer flexible delivery windows to manage expectations
Help customers understand economy shipping by clearly communicating estimated delivery windows at checkout. When buyers know up front that delivery may take a few extra days, they’re less likely to be frustrated. Flexibility leads to smoother experiences and fewer complaints.
Use reliable tracking—even for economy shipments
Economy shipping doesn’t always include detailed tracking, but any visibility is better than none. Share basic status updates like “in transit” or “delivered” so customers stay informed. Even limited tracking builds trust and helps avoid support tickets.
Make returns simple and affordable
Returns can be tricky with economy shipping. Use slower return methods when speed isn’t essential, and keep your policy clear and customer-friendly. Prepaid labels and simple return instructions make the process feel easy while keeping your costs down.
Use economy shipping as a free shipping option
Offering free shipping is a powerful conversion tool—and economy shipping is an affordable way to make it happen. Promote it for cart minimums or low-weight items to turn savings into a marketing advantage.
How ShipAccel can help
Economy shipping doesn’t have to mean guesswork and lost margins. ShipAccel® helps ecommerce brands unlock real-time rate comparisons, automate shipping decisions, and improve delivery visibility, so you can deliver smarter, even on a budget.
Streamlined shipping: Automate rate shopping, label creation, and tracking in one platform.
Smarter savings: Compare services side by side to pick the most cost-effective option.
Ecommerce platform integration: Plug ShipAccel into your ecommerce stack for smooth fulfillment.
Better experience: Keep customers informed with delivery updates, even on slower shipments.
Economy Shipping FAQs
How long does Economy Shipping take?
Economy shipping typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though delivery times can vary based on the carrier, destination, and package size. It’s a slower, more affordable option compared to standard or expedited services. Be sure to check with your carrier for specific timeframes.
Which is faster: Standard or Economy Shipping?
Standard shipping is faster than economy shipping. While economy shipping typically takes 5 to 10 business days, standard shipping usually delivers in 3 to 5 business days.
Does economy shipping have tracking?
Yes, economy shipping often includes tracking, but the level of detail and frequency of updates may be limited compared to expedited shipping options.