Shipping Modules - How do they work?

[millsd61]

I am quite new to osCommerce. I have set up a Golf store for a customer and it is now starting to sell products. I have "Flat Rate" "Per Item Rate" & "Table Rate" shipping modules.

 

The question is how do they work?

 

I dont seem to be able to figure it all out...... sorry. :blink:

 

Each product in the store has a weight e.g. 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 based on how heavy I think they are.

I have entered shipping rates in the table rate section in admin based on weight. i.e. 2 = £2.50 3 = £4.50 4 = £6.50 and so on.

I have the flat rate set to £5.00

And the per item rate set to £5.00

 

If a customer buys 3 items all of which are weight 3. What should each of the rates be?

 

I just don't seem to understand how it all works.

Is there any detailed documentation I can read please?

 

What do people suggest I should set the shipping rates to?

I'm based in the UK and the shop only sells in the UK.

 

Thanks in anticipation.