Overview
This knowledge base article outlines the various methods for implementing tariffs in your web store based on your specific ERP system or WooCommerce integration. Tariffs can be essential for businesses selling internationally, particularly to customers in the United States. This guide provides system-specific options to help you determine the best approach for your business needs.
Quick Links
- Sage X3
- Sage 300
- Microsoft Business Central
- WooCommerce
- Implementation Considerations
- Best Practices
- Getting Support
Sage X3 Options
ERP Tax Configuration
- Set a tax option in the ERP based on A/R customer, location, and item code
- This option requires involvement from your Sage Business Partner
- Provides the most integrated approach for managing tariffs
- Allows for precise control based on customer profiles and product categories
Credit Card Processing
- Add tariffs as part of credit card fees (if applicable)
- Implementation requirement: Your credit card processor must allow for fee customization in the store admin
- Useful when you want to incorporate tariffs into payment processing fees
V2 Shipping Options
- Add an additional percentage to the calculated shipping rate
- Only available for stores currently using or willing to enable V2 Shipping
- Provides a straightforward way to add tariff costs as a percentage of shipping
V1 Shipping Options
- Add a percentage profit margin at the carrier level
- Requires creating additional carriers to separate US customers from the rest of the world
- Option 1: Add a percentage of the total shipping cost
- Option 2: Calculate shipping cost as a percentage of the order amount
- Offers flexibility in how tariffs are applied to shipping costs
Sage 300 Options
ERP Tax Configuration
- Set a tax option in the ERP based on A/R customer, location, and item code
- Requires assistance from your Sage Business Partner
- Provides native ERP integration for tariff management
Credit Card Processing
- Add tariffs as part of credit card fees (if applicable)
- Implementation requirement: Your credit card processor must support fee customization in the store admin
- Allows tariffs to be applied during payment processing
V1 Shipping Options
- Add a percentage profit margin at the carrier level
- Requires creating additional carriers to separate US customers from international customers
- Option 1: Add a percentage of the total shipping cost
- Option 2: Calculate shipping cost as a percentage of the order amount
- Note: V2 Shipping is not available for Sage 300 integrations
Business Central (BC) Options
ERP Tax Configuration
- Set a tax option in the ERP based on A/R customer, location, and item code
- Implementation requires involvement from your Business Central Partner
- Provides comprehensive tariff management within the ERP
Credit Card Processing
- Add tariffs as part of credit card fees (if applicable)
- Implementation requirement: Your credit card processor must allow for fee customization in the store admin
- Useful for incorporating tariffs into payment processing
V2 Shipping Options
- Add an additional percentage to the calculated shipping rate
- Simple method to include tariffs as part of shipping calculations
- Offers consistency for stores that use V2 Shipping
WooCommerce Options
Fee Management Plugin
- WooCommerce Extra Fees Plugin
- Documentation: https://woocommerce.com/document/extra-fees/#section-11
- Allows for addition of conditional fees based on various factors including:
- Customer location
- Product categories
- Order total
- Shipping method
- Provides a flexible, ERP-agnostic solution for implementing tariffs
Built-in Tax Settings
- WooCommerce Native Tax Configuration
- Navigate to WooCommerce → Settings → Tax to configure country-specific tax rates
- Set up specific tax rates for US customers based on states or zip codes
- Create and apply tax classes to different products as needed
- Advantages include native integration with no additional plugins required
Location-Based Pricing
- Price Adjustment Plugins
- Plugins like "Dynamic Pricing & Discounts" or "Price by Country" can adjust prices based on customer location
- Apply percentage increases specifically for US customers
- More transparent approach as customers see the adjusted price from the beginning
- Can be configured to display different prices to different regions
Shipping Zone Adjustments
- Customized Shipping for US Customers
- Create specific shipping zones for US customers
- Apply higher shipping rates or percentages to these zones
- Set up flat rates or percentage-based increases for US destinations
- Similar approach to the V1/V2 shipping methods used in ERP systems
Implementation Considerations
Choosing the Right Option
When selecting a tariff implementation method, consider:
- Your current ERP and web store configuration
- Technical resources available for implementation
- Customer experience and transparency requirements
- Reporting and accounting needs
Best Practices
- Clearly communicate tariff charges to customers during checkout
- Ensure tariff calculations comply with relevant trade regulations
- Regularly review and update tariff percentages as regulations change
Getting Support
For implementation assistance:
- Contact your Sage or Business Central Partner for ERP-specific configurations
- Reach out to our support team for web store integration assistance
- For WooCommerce implementations, consult with your development team, or reach out to our support team