How to investigate the issue
A free shipping threshold is a business policy, not a magic conversion switch. Begin with your typical order value, gross contribution percentage, actual average parcel cost and order mix. A simple break-even threshold can be estimated by dividing shipping expense by contribution percentage. If shipping costs $6 and contribution before shipping is 35%, then $17.14 in order value produces roughly $6 of contribution. That mathematical minimum does not establish a profitable commercial threshold: it leaves little to cover acquisition, payment fees and overhead. Compare the contribution of current typical orders with the proposed order size and the chance customers will add items to qualify. Test different thresholds, track completed conversion and average order value, and account for customers who would have purchased anyway. Also watch geographic exceptions and unusually heavy products. Avoid promising free shipping when actual eligibility has exceptions not disclosed on the checkout page.
Relevant free diagnostic tools
- Free Shipping Threshold Calculator
- Free Shipping Promotion Profit Calculator
- Order Fulfillment Cost Calculator
Official reference
Google Merchant Center product data specification. Check current policies and your account for definitive eligibility details.