Rule Priority
Understand how rule priority determines which rates are shown
Rule Priority
Learn how RateTell's priority system controls rule evaluation order and rate selection.
How Priority Works
Rules are evaluated in order from top to bottom. The first rule that matches determines which rates are shown.
Rule #1 → Evaluated first
Rule #2 → Evaluated second
Rule #3 → Evaluated lastReordering Rules: Simply drag and drop rules to change their priority. Higher positions = higher priority.
Why Priority Matters
Priority controls which rules "win" when multiple rules could match:
Rule #1 (VIP Free Shipping):
- Condition: Customer Tag = "VIP"
- Action: Free Shipping
Rule #2 (Standard Threshold):
- Condition: Cart Total ≥ $50
- Action: $5.99 Shipping
Result: VIP customers get free shipping (Rule #1 matches first), even if their cart is $50+. Rule #2 never evaluates.
Reordering Rules
Drag and Drop: In the rules list, click and drag the grip handle (⋮⋮) to reorder rules.
Best Practice Order:
- Top: Exceptions & VIP customers
- Middle: Special offers & promotions
- Bottom: Standard rates & fallbacks
Priority Strategies
Exceptions First: Place VIP customers, special promotions at the top.
Specific Before General: More specific rules (e.g., "Winter Collection") go above general rules ("All $100+ orders").
Customer Segments: Order by customer value (VIP → Returning → New customers).
Example Order:
#1: Holiday Promotion (Free Shipping)
#2: VIP Customers (Always Free)
#3: Free Shipping $100+ Threshold
#4: Collection-Specific Rates
#5: Standard Shipping RatesMultiple Matching Rules
Default Behavior: First matching rule returns rates, then stops.
Multiple Options: Enable "Continue to next rule" on a rule to show additional rates from lower-priority rules. Useful for offering multiple shipping methods (Free Shipping + Express + Standard).
Priority by Use Case
Free Shipping Thresholds:
#1: $100+ Free Shipping
#2: $50+ for Apparel
#3: Standard RatesGeographic Rules:
#1: California Next-Day
#2: USA Standard
#3: InternationalCustomer Segments:
#1: Wholesale (Negotiated Rates)
#2: VIP (Free Shipping)
#3: Returning (Discount)
#4: New Customers (Standard)Combining Fixed & Carrier Rates
Show Multiple Options: Enable "Continue to next rule" on your free shipping rule to also show carrier-calculated rates.
Example:
Rule #1: Free Shipping (Continue ✓)
Rule #2: Carrier Calculated (UPS, FedEx, USPS)
Customer sees:
- Free Shipping - $0.00
- UPS Ground - $8.99
- USPS Priority - $12.50Testing Priority
Simulator: Test how rule order affects rate selection by entering cart data and destination.
Rules List: Rules are displayed in evaluation order. Drag to reorder and test immediately.
Common Mistakes
❌ Fallback too high: Default carrier rates should be at the bottom, not top.
❌ General before specific: "All $100+ orders" should be below "Winter Collection $100+".
❌ Wrong stop behavior: If you want one rate, don't enable "Continue to next rule" on all rules.
Next Steps
Need help with priority? Email support@ratetell.com