How It Works
Understand how RateTell calculates and returns shipping rates
How It Works
Learn how RateTell processes shipping rate requests and returns rates to your customers.
The Rate Calculation Flow
When a customer reaches checkout, here's what happens:
Customer Checkout
↓
Store sends rate request to RateTell
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RateTell evaluates all active rules
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Matches conditions against cart/customer data
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Executes matched rule actions
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Returns shipping rates to store
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Customer sees rates at checkoutStep-by-Step Process
1. Rate Request Received: Your store sends cart data, customer info, and destination.
2. Rule Evaluation: Rules are processed in order (top to bottom). Each rule's conditions are checked against the request.
3. Condition Matching: Uses AND/OR logic to match cart total, products, customer, location, and time-based criteria.
4. Action Execution: Matched rules return rates (fixed, free, carrier-calculated, or rate shopping).
5. Rate Response: Rates are sent back to your checkout with pricing, delivery estimates, and service names.
Rule Ordering System
Rules are evaluated in list order (top to bottom):
- Top of List: Exceptions, VIP rules, promotions, specific conditions
- Middle: Standard rules, product/location-based rates
- Bottom: Fallback rules, defaults
How to Reorder: Drag and drop rules in the dashboard. Rules at the top are evaluated first.
Execution Behavior: By default, only the first matching rule executes. Enable "Continue Processing" to allow multiple rules to add rates.
Condition Evaluation
RateTell supports 24+ condition types across six categories:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cart | Total, Weight, Item Count |
| Product | Specific Products, Collections, Tags, Vendor |
| Customer | Tags, Type, Order Count, Lifetime Value |
| Location | Country, State, Postal Code, Zone, Distance |
| Time | Date Range, Days of Week, Time of Day, Recurring |
| Dimensions | Cart Weight, Volumetric Weight, Package Dimensions |
Logic Types: Combine conditions using AND (all must match) or OR (any can match) logic. Nest groups for complex rules.
See Condition Types for full reference.
Rate Actions
| Action Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Rate | Single flat-rate price | Standard shipping, fees |
| Free Shipping | $0.00 rate | Thresholds, promotions |
| Percentage | Discount applied to base rate | Seasonal discounts |
| Carrier Calculated | Live rates from carrier APIs | Accurate real-time pricing |
| Rate Shopping | Cheapest carrier option | Cost optimization |
| Specific Services | Selected carrier services only | Curated shipping options |
See Visual Rule Builder for action configuration.
Testing Rules
Test Mode: Use the simulator to test rules without affecting live checkout. Enter cart data and destination to preview rates.
Preview Mode: View rule summaries before publishing, including conditions in plain English and validation warnings.
Next Steps
Now that you understand how RateTell works:
Questions? Email support@ratetell.com