Understanding Restriction Types

Ship Restrict offers different ways to control where your products can ship. This guide explains each type and when to use them.

How Restrictions Work Together

When a product has multiple restrictions, Ship Restrict follows this order:

1. Variation restrictions (most specific) - always win
2. Product restrictions - override category/tag rules
3. Category rules - apply to all products in that category
4. Tag rules - apply to all products with that tag

Simple rule: More specific restrictions always override general ones.

Setting Rules for Multiple Products

The easiest way to manage shipping restrictions for many products at once.

Using Categories

Perfect for product types that share the same restrictions:

Example: You sell alcohol and need to block certain states.

1. Put all alcohol products in an "Alcohol" category
2. Create one rule for the entire category
3. All products in that category follow the rule

When to use categories:

• All products of a type have the same restrictions (like "Hazardous Materials")
• You want to manage restrictions in one place
• New products should automatically inherit restrictions

Using Tags

More flexible than categories - products can have multiple tags:

Example: Some products can't ship to California for different reasons.

1. Create a tag called "No-CA-Shipping"
2. Add this tag to any affected products
3. Create one rule for all tagged products

When to use tags:

• Products from different categories need the same restriction
• You need temporary restrictions (easy to add/remove tags)
• Products need multiple restriction rules

Combining Categories and Tags

You can use both! A product might be in the "Electronics" category but also have a "Lithium-Battery" tag for additional restrictions.

Individual Product Restrictions

For products with unique shipping requirements.

Setting Product Restrictions

1. Go to Products → All Products
2. Edit the product
3. Click the Shipping tab
4. Find Shipping Restrictions
5. Select restricted locations
6. Save the product

When to use:

• Only a few products need restrictions
• Each product has unique requirements
• Testing restrictions before applying broadly

How They Work

Product restrictions override category and tag rules. If your "Alcohol" category blocks California, but one specific wine product allows California, that wine will ship there.

Variation Restrictions

Control shipping for specific product options.

What Are Variations?

Variable products have options like size, color, or style. Each option can have its own shipping restrictions.

Example: T-Shirt with sizes

• Small and Medium: Ship everywhere
• XXL: Don't ship to Hawaii (shipping cost too high)

Setting Variation Restrictions

1. Edit your variable product
2. Go to Variations tab
3. Expand the variation you want to restrict
4. Add shipping restrictions
5. Save changes

Real-world examples:

• Ammunition: Different calibers have different state restrictions
• Magazines: 10-round ships everywhere, 30-round has restrictions
• CBD Oil: Different strengths have different state rules

Priority Over Other Rules

Variation restrictions always win. Even if the product or category allows shipping somewhere, a variation restriction will block it.

Choosing the Right Type

Quick Decision Guide

How many products need this restriction?

• Just 1-2 products → Use product restrictions
• All products in a category → Use category rules
• Products across different categories → Use tag rules
• Different options of the same product → Use variation restrictions

Best Practices

Start with categories/tags for easier management:

• Easier to update one rule than many products
• New products automatically get the right restrictions
• Less chance of mistakes

Use product restrictions sparingly:

• Only for true exceptions
• Document why this product is different
• Review regularly to see if a rule would work better

Variation restrictions for legitimate differences:

• Different legal requirements
• Different shipping costs
• Different availability

Real Examples

Online Gun Store

• Category Rule: "Ammunition" category blocked from CA, NY, IL
• Tag Rule: "High-Capacity" tag blocked from additional states
• Product Override: Specific hunting ammo allowed in CA (product restriction)
• Variation: 10-round magazine ships everywhere, 30-round restricted

Wine Retailer

• Category Rule: "Wine" blocked from dry states
• Tag Rules: "International" tag for wines that can't cross borders
• Product Override: Non-alcoholic wine ships everywhere
• Variation: Gift sets with glasses have additional restrictions

CBD Store

• Category Rule: "CBD Products" blocked from ID, SD, NE
• Tag Rule: "THC-Free" products have fewer restrictions
• Product Restrictions: Specific products approved in restricted states
• Variations: Different mg strengths have different rules

Managing Multiple Restrictions

What Happens With Multiple Rules?

Ship Restrict combines all applicable restrictions:

Example: A product that is:

• In "Alcohol" category (blocks UT, PA)
• Tagged "Premium" (blocks international)
• Has product restriction (also blocks TX)

Result: Won't ship to UT, PA, TX, or internationally

Testing Your Setup

Always test how rules work together:

1. Create a test product
2. Apply your categories/tags
3. Add to cart and test checkout
4. Try different shipping addresses
5. Verify the right restrictions apply

Tips for Success

Keep It Simple

• Start with broad rules (categories/tags)
• Add specific restrictions only when needed
• Document why restrictions exist

Stay Organized

• Use clear category names
• Create descriptive tags
• Review restrictions quarterly

Think About Customers

• Clear error messages
• Help them understand why
• Offer alternatives when possible

Need help? Contact our support team if you need assistance choosing the right restriction type for your products.