Visual Rule Builder

RateTell's visual rule builder lets you create complex shipping logic without writing code. Simply drag conditions, configure them, and set your shipping rate.

Builder Interface

The rule builder has three main areas:

Left Panel - Condition Library: Browse 24+ conditions organized by category (Product, Customer, Location, Cart, Time). Use search to filter quickly.

Center Canvas: Drag conditions here to build your rule logic. Configure each condition inline, nest in AND/OR groups, and reorder by dragging.

Right Panel - Preview: See your rule in plain English with validation warnings and a test simulator.

Creating Your First Rule

Step 1: Set Rule Details

• Rule Name (required): Descriptive name like "Free Shipping Over $50"
• Description (optional): Add context for team members
• Status: Toggle between Enabled (active) or Disabled (saved but not used)

Step 2: Add Conditions

Drag conditions from the library to the canvas, or click to quick-add. Conditions appear ready to configure.

Step 3: Configure Conditions

Each condition shows inline inputs—no clicking required:

Example: Cart Total

┌────────────────────────────────┐
│ 💰 Cart Total                  │
│                                │
│ [Greater than or equal to ▼] │
│ [$] [50.00          ]         │
│                                │
│ Cart subtotal must be $50+    │
└────────────────────────────────┘

Operator dropdown: Select comparison type Value input: Enter amount Description: Auto-updates with your settings

Example: Specific Product

┌────────────────────────────────┐
│ 📦 Specific Product            │
│                                │
│ [Contains any of ▼]           │
│ [Search products...         ] │
│                                │
│ Selected:                      │
│ • iPhone 15 Pro [×]           │
│ • MacBook Air M3 [×]          │
└────────────────────────────────┘

Search field: Type to search your products Autocomplete: Shows products with images Multi-select: Add multiple products Remove: Click [×] on selected items

Step 4: Group Conditions

Create complex logic with condition groups:

• AND Groups: All conditions must match (e.g., Cart ≥ $50 AND Country = USA)
• OR Groups: Any condition can match (e.g., Customer Tag = VIP OR Order Count ≥ 5)
• Nested Groups: Combine logic (e.g., Cart ≥ $100 AND (Collection = Sale OR Tag = Promo))

Click group header to toggle between AND/OR.

Step 5: Set Shipping Rate

Choose rate type:

• Fixed Rate: Flat fee (e.g., $5.99)
• Free Shipping: $0.00 rate
• Percentage Discount: Discount on base rate
• Carrier Calculated: Live rates from carriers
• Rate Shopping: Automatically show cheapest option

Step 6: Test Your Rule

Click "Test Rule" in preview panel, enter test cart details (total, products, destination), and verify the expected rate appears.

Step 7: Save and Publish

1. Review preview panel for any warnings
2. Click "Create Rule" (top right)
3. Rule is now live!

Keyboard Shortcuts

Common Patterns

Best Practices

• Start with simple conditions, test before publishing
• Use descriptive names and add descriptions
• Always enable rules before saving
• Pay attention to preview panel warnings

Next Steps

• Explore All Condition Types
• Learn About Carrier Rates
• See Example Use Cases

Questions about the builder? Email support@ratetell.com