> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/shipping-targets/cheapest-rate.md).

# Cheapest Rate

## Overview

**Cheapest Rate** applies your discount only to the lowest-priced shipping option available. This encourages customers to choose the most economical shipping method.

## When to Use

Use "Cheapest Rate" when:

* You want to subsidize basic shipping but not premium options
* You want to encourage customers to choose standard shipping
* You want to control shipping costs while still offering a discount

## How It Works

At checkout, Advanced Free Shipping:

1. Identifies the cheapest shipping option
2. Applies the discount to that option only
3. Leaves other options at full price

**Example**: Free shipping on cheapest rate

* Standard ($5) → **Free** ✓
* Express ($15) → $15 (no discount)
* Overnight ($25) → $25 (no discount)

{% hint style="info" %}
The cheapest rate is determined ONLY from shipping options when the delivery method is "Shipping". Local delivery and pickup are separate delivery methods and require their own targets.
{% endhint %}

## Common Use Cases

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Free Standard Shipping" %}
**Make the cheapest option free**

* Target: Cheapest rate
* Discount: Free

Customers get free shipping if they choose the slowest/cheapest method.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Subsidize Basic Shipping" %}
**$5 off cheapest option**

* Target: Cheapest rate
* Discount: $5 off

Makes basic shipping more affordable without fully subsidizing express.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Encourage Standard" %}
**50% off cheapest rate**

* Target: Cheapest rate
* Discount: 50% off

Makes standard shipping very attractive compared to express.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Customer Experience

**What customers see**:

```
Shipping Options:
☑ Standard Shipping: FREE (was \$5)
○ Express Shipping: \$15
○ Overnight Shipping: \$25
```

The cheapest option is highlighted with the discount, making it the obvious choice.

## Best Practices

{% hint style="info" %}
Use this to control shipping costs while still offering a discount. You subsidize basic shipping but customers pay for premium options.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Combine with cart value thresholds: "Free standard shipping over $50" encourages both higher cart values and economical shipping choices.
{% endhint %}

## Related Targets

* [**All Shipping Rates**](/advanced-free-shipping/shipping-targets/all-shipping-rates.md) - Discount all options equally
* [**Specific Rates**](/advanced-free-shipping/shipping-targets/specific-rates.md) - Target specific shipping methods
* [**Multiple Targets**](/advanced-free-shipping/advanced-features/multiple-targets.md) - Different discounts for different rates


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