Why the estimator and checkout can differ
The Shipping Estimator is the best way to check your rules. But it isn't a copy of your checkout, and now and then the two show different methods or prices. This article explains why, so you know when a difference is expected and when to dig deeper.
Before you begin
The three usual reasons
Checkout has a time limit; the estimator doesn't
Your platform waits only a few seconds for ASM's answer at checkout. Methods whose carrier hasn't answered by then are left out of that checkout. The estimator waits for every method, however long it takes.
So a slow carrier can show in the estimator but be missing at a busy checkout, sometimes and not always. The time next to each method in the estimator tells you which ones are slow. On Shopify, if ASM can't answer at all in time, Shopify falls back to your backup rates. See Shopify: set backup rates so checkout never dead-ends.
The address type can differ
In the estimator you pick Residential or Commercial. At checkout, ASM can detect the type automatically from the address, if Auto-detect address type is on in Settings → Shipping. When detection decides differently from what you picked, the price differs, because carriers often price the two differently.
Check it: quote the cart again with the other address type. If that matches checkout, this was the reason. See Residential vs. commercial addresses.
Your cart or address isn't quite the same
Small differences change rates: a variant with a different SKU, a different quantity, or a customer tag or group the shopper has. On Shopify and BigCommerce, a customer tag or group can turn rules on or off. Use the Customer Tag or Customer Group field to test it.
A less common reason
Store-specific customizations. A few stores have custom behavior built for them. It may not show the same way in the estimator.
What to do when they differ
- Quote the exact cart, address and address type in the estimator.
- If it still differs from checkout, place a test order, or contact support with the cart and address.
When you contact us at support@advancedshippingmanager.com or 1-888-546-4932, send your store URL, the cart, the ZIP code, and a screenshot of the Shipping Estimator alongside a screenshot of what checkout showed.