“ShipperHQ keeps us legally compliant. I rest easier at night knowing they have our back.”Alex Cramer
CEO at IMA
Shipping Rule Win!
By utilizing Shipping Groups in ShipperHQ, IMA prevents customers outside the U.S from ordering a deactivated machine gun, or other restricted items.
FAQs
How does ShipperHQ help firearms retailers stay compliant with shipping laws?
ShipperHQ uses Shipping Groups to automatically enforce federal, state, and international regulations at checkout, preventing non-compliant orders before they're placed. IMA blocks international customers from ordering items requiring Department of State export licenses and prevents shipments to restricted states. The platform eliminated order cancellations and manual compliance reviews, allowing IMA's fulfillment team to focus on complex cases rather than routine compliance checks.
How does ShipperHQ handle shipping costs for items that vary widely in size and weight?
ShipperHQ's Dimensional Packing calculates accurate shipping rates based on both the size and weight of items, from small medals to heavy firearms. Before implementing ShipperHQ, IMA couldn't differentiate between lightweight items and costly-to-ship heavy antique firearms, leading to revenue loss from undercharging or cart abandonment from overcharging. The platform's packing rules ensure customers see fair rates that reflect actual shipping costs at checkout.
Does ShipperHQ reduce the manual work involved in selling restricted items?
ShipperHQ serves as the first line of defense for catching compliance errors, eliminating the need to manually cancel orders when items can't be legally shipped. IMA no longer contacts customers after purchase to update shipping quotes or explain why orders must be cancelled. The platform saved the company man hours by automating restriction enforcement and rate accuracy, allowing their knowledgeable fulfillment team to focus on complex cases rather than routine compliance checks.
How does ShipperHQ show shipping restrictions to customers at checkout?
ShipperHQ clearly displays shipping restrictions and rules during the checkout process through Enhanced Checkout. When customers attempt to purchase restricted items, they immediately see which shipping methods are unavailable and why, improving transparency. IMA uses this feature to ensure international customers understand export limitations before placing orders, resulting in higher conversion rates through clear communication rather than post-purchase disappointment and cancellations.
What happens when a customer tries to buy a restricted item from my store?
When customers try to purchase restricted items, ShipperHQ immediately hides unavailable shipping methods at checkout and displays clear messaging explaining why certain options aren't available.
For IMA, international customers attempting to buy items like deactivated machine guns see communication about export restrictions before completing their purchase. This prevents customer frustration from cancelled orders and eliminates the need for merchants to contact buyers after purchase to explain compliance issues, creating a smoother shopping experience.