Managing your checkout

Overview 

FlavorCloud makes it simple to manage your checkout by giving you full control over shipping service levels, duty and tax terms, and integration options. This article covers how checkout works, how shipping options are displayed, and what happens when customers change their cart. 

How do shipping rates and duties update when the cart changes?

Shipping rates and duty/tax fees are always calculated during the checkout process. 

• If a customer changes their cart before checkout begins, rates will be calculated once they enter checkout. 

• If a customer changes their cart after rates are displayed (e.g., adds or removes items, changes quantity), FlavorCloud automatically recalculates shipping costs and duties/taxes. 

The recalculation uses the same shipping method the customer already selected. For example, if they chose Express, FlavorCloud will re-rate the cart at the express level. 

Customers can also return to the shipping options screen to view all available services recalculated for their updated cart. 

How to choose international shipping options for checkout?

You control which shipping methods and duty/tax terms are available to customers. 

1. In your FlavorCloud account, go to Admin > Shipping. 
2. Under Service Levels and Terms of Trade: 
   • Select the Service Levels you want to offer (Standard, Express, Economy Premium, Economy Standard*). 
   • Select your Terms of Trade: 
     • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – Customers see and pay the full landed cost upfront. Read more about DDP in Shipping with DDP.  
     • DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) – Customers pay duties/taxes later to the carrier. Read more about DDU in Shipping with DDU.  

Our recommendation 

• Always enable DDP for transparency, fewer delivery failures, and higher conversion. 

⚠️ Important: To enable DDP, all products must have HS codes, weights, and country of origin defined. FlavorCloud uses this information to calculate landed cost. See Managing your products for more information.  

Shipping service levels 

Available service levels include: 

• Standard: 6–14 business days (DDP) 
• Express: 2–5 business days (DDP) 
• Economy Premium: 4–7 business days (DDP, volume restrictions apply*) 
• Economy Standard: 7–11 business days (DDP, volume restrictions apply*) 

Note: DDU orders can take 2–3 additional weeks for delivery compared to DDP. 

*Economy service levels are only available for specific order volumes. Contact FlavorCloud for details. 

What do customers see at checkout?

FlavorCloud integrates seamlessly into your store’s checkout. 

• Customers see clear shipping options (e.g., Standard or Express) with duties/taxes included if DDP is selected. 
• Rates are calculated in real time based on: 
  • Origin and destination 
  • Order size and weight 
  • Product type (for customs/duties) 

This ensures the customer always sees the most accurate landed cost before completing checkout. 

How to add international shipping via API 

FlavorCloud can be integrated into your checkout flow using our API. 

• The API Guide provides best practices for setup. 

• Use our Postman collection to follow along with sample calls. 

• Endpoints cover rate generation, label creation, and shipment manifesting. 

• See the full API Reference for a granular look at available endpoints. 

Need help? Submit the API implementation form for free support from our team. 

FAQs 

Q: What happens if my customer adds items after they already selected Express shipping?
A: FlavorCloud automatically recalculates the Express rate with the new cart details and updates the display in checkout. 

Q: Do I need to enable both DDP and DDU?
A: No, but offering both options can increase conversion. Some customers prefer DDU, though DDP is always recommended as the default. 

Q: Why are economy services restricted?
A: Economy services are only supported above certain order volumes. Contact FlavorCloud to check if your account is eligible. 

Q: Does enabling DDP slow down shipping?
A: No. DDP only affects when duties/taxes are collected (at checkout instead of on delivery). Transit time depends on the service level. 

✅ With FlavorCloud, your checkout always stays accurate, transparent, and configurable — helping you build trust with shoppers and maximize conversions.