Shipping Policy

What is a shipping policy?

A shipping policy is a legal document that explains how an online store handles the delivery of products to customers. The typical shippli policy template outlines the following important elements:

• scope of application;
• shipping costs and charges;
• delivery terms, including location and timeline;
• delivery options (for example, courier delivery, click to order, authorisation to leave);
• reporting on damaged goods;
• dispute resolution process;
• contact information of the online store.

By providing this information upfront, businesses can reduce misunderstandings, minimise customer complaints, and create a smoother and more reliable purchasing experience.

The present document is being used in conjunction with the website terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Who shall use this shipping policy template?

The shipping policy is an essential legal document for various types of Australian businesses that offer shipping and delivery of goods, including:

• small e-commerce stores;
• business owners running an online retail business;
• Shopify and WooCommerce businesses.

This document may not be suitable for businesses that ship exclusively outside Australia. If, however, your business ships within Australia, or both within Australia and internationally, this shipping policy will be suitable.

What’s included in this shipping policy template?

Scope of Application

Every shipping policy template Australia should clearly define its scope of application, including:

• Range of Products. Some businesses may offer shipping for all products, while others may limit shipping to specific categories of goods.
• Geography of Delivery. It is important to set out in the text of the policy if international shipping is available. If so, then the policy should specify if the delivery is worldwide or limited to specific countries. When the business provides shipping across Australia only, the policy should specify whether the delivery covers all states and territories or selected locations only.

Shipping Costs

Australian Consumers Law, together with applicable state and territory Fair Trading Acts, requires businesses to communicate accurate shipping costs and any additional charges when applicable. If your business charges a flat delivery fee, then the amount of such a fee shall be indicated in the policy. When the shipping costs depend on the type of a product, size, parameters, location of delivery or other factors, these details shall also be stated in the policy.

Shipping Options

A solid shipping policy Australia template should clearly define all shipping options available for customers, including:

• name and contact information of a used courier service used;
• whether the click-and-collect option is available, allowing customers to place orders online and collect them later.
• whether the business offers the “authority to leave” option, allowing the carrier to leave the order at the specified location without a customer’s signature.
• estimated timeframe for each type and method of delivery.

Tracking Information

Whether you’re creating an international shipping policy Australian business or for local shipping, your customers must be aware of the shipping status of their order. A solid shipping policy template shall address the following:

• How long it takes to dispatch an order after it is placed;
• How does the customer get notification about the shipping (for example, via SMS or email)?
• How customers can track their shipping order (for example, by receiving a unique tracking number);
• How customers shall be notified that the order has arrived?

Lost and Damaged Goods

Another mandatory section of every shipping policy for Australian business samples is defining what to do once the delivered goods are damaged. For that situation, the business must include the following important clauses:

• Notification of Damage. Customers should inspect their order upon delivery and notify about any problem or damage. The policy must provide a contact email or phone number for reporting any issue.
• Timeline. It is recommended to set up the maximum period of time after the delivery within which customers can report damage. The minimum period is usually 14 days upon the actual receipt of the order.
• Available Remedies. The text of a shipping policy template Australia should also define the list of remedies available for customers in case their delivered goods are damaged. The list of remedies largely depends on the applicable state or territory legislation where the business is located. The typical remedies include refund, replacement, cancellation of the order, store credit, etc.

How to customise the shipping policy for Australian business?

To customise a shipping policy template with FasterDraft, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format – shipping policy PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.

Your shipping policy for Australian business template is ready for instant download.

Checklist for the best shipping policy template Australia

To create a solid and complete policy requires attention to detail and understanding the nature of the business for which the policy should be created.

Read the Policy

Once you answer all questions and get the template, read it carefully. Make sure the final document reflects the whole shipping policy for goods and products your business sells. Here are a few important questions to keep in mind when reviewing the final document:

• How do users place the order?
• How long has the order been processed?
• How are users informed about the order being shipped?
• What is the timeline for the shipping?
• What can users do if the product is damaged?

By addressing all these queries in the text of your shipping policy, you not only ensure a positive customer experience for your clients but also comply with Australian law.

Publish the Policy

Once the shipping policy template is complete, you can publish it anywhere on your website, app or other online platform. The policy should be visible to users and be easily accessible. Do not forget to include the reference or direct link to the present shipping policy in the Terms and Conditions for your website or app as well.

The document shall not be signed or further notarised.

Review and Amend

As the business owner, you must frequently review and amend your published shipping policy Australia template. This is especially needed when:

• adding or removing shipping methods;
• amending the shipping costs;
• adding or removing shipping locations;
• complying with new legislation.

Once the shipping policy template is changed, do not forget to change the last updated date.