> 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/specific-rates.md).

# Specific Rates

## Overview

**Specific Rates** lets you target shipping rates by name. You can discount specific methods like "Express" or "Standard" while leaving others at full price.

## How Name Matching Works

Advanced Free Shipping supports two matching modes:

### Contains Matching (Default)

When you select a rate from the picker/dropdown, the app uses **"contains" matching** - if the rate name includes your search term anywhere, it matches.

**Example**: Select "Standard" from picker

* Matches: "Standard Shipping", "USPS Standard", "Standard"
* Doesn't match: "Express", "Priority Mail"

### Exact Matching

When you manually type a rate name (not using the picker), the app uses **"exact" matching** - the rate name must match your entry exactly (case-insensitive).

**Example**: Type "Standard Shipping"

* Matches: "Standard Shipping", "standard shipping"
* Doesn't match: "USPS Standard Shipping", "Standard"

{% hint style="info" %}
**Recommendation:** Use the rate picker whenever possible for flexible "contains" matching. Only manually type rate names when you need exact matching.
{% endhint %}

## When to Use

Use "Specific Rates" when:

* You want to discount certain shipping methods but not others
* You want to make express shipping more affordable
* You have custom shipping rates with specific names
* You want different discounts for different methods (use multiple targets)

## Common Use Cases

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Free Standard Only" %}
**Free standard shipping, customers pay for express**

* Target: Specific rates → "Standard"
* Discount: Free

Only standard shipping becomes free.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Discounted Express" %}
**Make express shipping affordable**

* Target: Specific rates → "Express"
* Discount: 75% off

Express becomes much cheaper, encouraging upgrades.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Carrier-Specific" %}
**Free USPS shipping only**

* Target: Specific rates → "USPS"
* Discount: Free

Matches any rate with "USPS" in the name.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Multiple Methods" %}
**Free shipping on standard and economy**

* Target: Specific rates → "Standard", "Economy"
* Discount: Free

Both methods become free.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Entering Rate Names

1. Select "Choose specific rates"
2. Type a rate name or keyword
3. Press Enter to add it
4. Add multiple rate names as needed

**Tips**:

* Use partial names: "Standard" instead of "USPS Priority Mail Standard"
* Add multiple keywords: "Standard", "Economy", "Ground"
* Test to ensure your keywords match correctly

## Name Matching Examples

| Your Keyword | Matches                             | Doesn't Match       |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| "Standard"   | Standard Shipping, USPS Standard    | Express, Priority   |
| "Express"    | Express, FedEx Express, UPS Express | Standard, Overnight |
| "USPS"       | USPS Standard, USPS Priority        | FedEx, UPS          |
| "Free"       | Free Shipping, Free Local Delivery  | Standard, Express   |

## Best Practices

{% hint style="info" %}
Check your actual shipping rate names in Shopify Settings > Shipping before creating discounts.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Use broad keywords like "Standard" or "Express" rather than full rate names for flexibility.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Test your discount to verify it matches the intended rates. Use Test Mode to check.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If your keyword is too broad, it might match unintended rates. "Ship" would match "Shipping", "Dropship", etc.
{% endhint %}

## Multiple Targets Strategy

You can create multiple targets with different discounts:

**Example**: Tiered shipping discounts

* Target 1: "Standard" → Free
* Target 2: "Express" → 50% off
* Target 3: "Overnight" → 25% off

Customers get different discounts based on which method they choose.

[**Learn More**](/advanced-free-shipping/advanced-features/multiple-targets.md) - See the Multiple Targets guide for advanced strategies

## Related Targets

* [**All Shipping Rates**](/advanced-free-shipping/shipping-targets/all-shipping-rates.md) - Discount all options equally
* [**Cheapest Rate**](/advanced-free-shipping/shipping-targets/cheapest-rate.md) - Target only the lowest-cost option
* [**Local Delivery**](/advanced-free-shipping/shipping-targets/local-delivery.md) - Target local delivery specifically


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