Package Manager Data - Complete Guide – Cahoot

Package Manager Data is a crucial SKU-level setting that determines how your products are shipped. For each SKU, you'll specify the appropriate box or mailer size that will be used to create accurate shipping labels for single line, single quantity orders.

Package Data is entered only one time per SKU, and Cahoot will use it to automatically create the optimal shipping label for every order received for that SKU. This one-time configuration ensures consistent packaging for:

Orders shipping through Cahoot's fulfillment network
Self-fulfilled orders using Cahoot's Automated Shipping Label Solution

Important: Cahoot will configure the package manager data for your SKUs shipping through the Cahoot fulfillment network. Do NOT edit the package manager data for ANY SKUs shipping from Cahoot Fulfillment Partners. Learn more.

Cost Optimization Tip: It is recommended to ship orders in the smallest packaging that will deliver the order safely to minimize dimensional weight, which has a direct impact on shipping cost. The right packaging can help you achieve the cheapest shipping rates possible.

🔍 Before You Start - Understanding Package Manager

What is Package Manager Data?

Package Manager Data determines how your products are shipped by specifying:

Box or mailer size for each SKU
Total package weight (including packaging materials)
Carrier-provided packaging options (if supported)
Additional shipping requirements (insurance, signature confirmation)
Shipping supplies (bubble wrap, inserts, etc.)

Why is the Right Packaging Important?

The right packaging can help you achieve the cheapest shipping rates possible for your products. Carrier shipping costs increase each year, and using the correct packaging for your products - not too big or too small - can directly save you money.

Key Requirements

Package Data is ONLY FOR single-line/single-quantity shipments
Data must include the total shipment weight (product + packaging + supplies)
Choose the smallest packaging that will safely deliver the product
Package Data can be added from the products page or progressively as orders are received

Note: If you would like to add package data in bulk, create a support ticket.

Prerequisites

Before configuring Package Manager Data, ensure you have:

Step 1: Create your products.
Step 2: Create your packaging materials.
Accurate weight measurements for your products
Knowledge of any special shipping requirements

📊 Method 1: Add Package Data from Dashboard

The Dashboard method is the fastest way to add Package Data to SKUs that have pending orders. SKUs are listed by order count (descending), so you can prioritize the most impactful configurations first.

1Go to your Cahoot Dashboard and find the SKUs Missing Package Data section.

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Pro Tip: These SKUs are sorted by Order Count descending. Adding Package Data to the top SKU on this list will automatically create shipping labels for all pending orders for that SKU.

2Click Add Data next to the SKU you want to configure.

3Complete the Package Data configuration (see detailed steps in the Configuration section below).

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📦 Method 2: Add Package Data from Products Page

Use the Products page when you want to configure Package Data for specific SKUs or work through your product catalog systematically.

1From the top navigation, go to Products → Products.

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2Find or filter for SKUs with red warning signs and click Add Package Data in the Action column.

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3Complete the Package Data configuration (see detailed steps in the Configuration section below).

Alternative Access Points: Package Data can also be added or edited from Sales Order screens, Create Label screens, and other product-related pages throughout Cahoot.

⚙️ Package Data Configuration Steps

Follow these detailed steps regardless of which method you used to access the Package Data configuration screen.

Step 1: Select Packaging

1Select the packaging that a single-line/single-quantity order for this SKU will ship in:

Choose from the My Packaging dropdown if it's already configured
Click Add New beneath the dropdown to create new packaging quickly
Reference our Creating Packaging guide for detailed instructions

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Step 2: Enter Package Weight

2Enter the Package Weight:

This is the total shipment weight for a single-line/single-quantity order
Include the weight of the box/mailer and all contents (bubble wrap, inserts, etc.)
Select the appropriate weight unit (pounds, ounces, etc.)

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Step 3: Carrier Provided Packaging (Optional)

3If you support Carrier Provided Packaging:

Select the smallest carrier package size that will safely ship a single-line/single-quantity order
Use the respective dropdowns for different carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS)

Step 4: Optional Fields

4Complete optional fields as needed:

Bin Location: Warehouse location for inventory management
Harmonized Code: For international shipping compliance
Never Use USPS Ground Advantage: Learn more

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Step 5: Additional Options

5Configure Additional Options as needed:

Signature Confirmation: Require recipient signature
Additional Carrier Insurance: Extra coverage beyond carrier liability (increases label cost)
Additional Shipping Supplies: Bubble wrap, kraft paper, inserts, stickers

Note: If you're configuring Additional Supplies (Bubble Wrap, Kraft Paper), you must first create the supply using our Creating Packaging guide.

Shipment Insurance Provider: Shipsurance is the default provider for additional shipment insurance. It includes "all-risk insurance" which pays claims for any damages incurred in transit and then collects from the carrier, instead of waiting for carriers to approve claims.

Important: Including delivery confirmation or insurance requirements in Package Data will add them to EVERY single-line/single-quantity order received for this SKU.

Step 6: Save Configuration

6Complete your configuration:

Click Save if you're done adding Package Data
Click Save & Add Next to load the next SKU Missing Package Data

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Clone Existing Package Data (Optional)

If the product is similar to an existing product already configured with Package Data (e.g., just a different color), you can clone the settings:

Enter the SKU of the existing product in the Clone field
Click to clone the Package Data and save time

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If you have identical products (such as the same item in different colors), you can save time by cloning Package Data from an existing SKU.

1When setting up package data for a new SKU, look for the clone option.

2Enter the existing SKU that has the identical packaging requirements.

3The system will copy all package data settings from the source SKU to your new SKU.

Pro Tip: This feature is especially useful for product variations that share identical physical dimensions and weight.

💡 Best Practices & Troubleshooting

Packaging Selection Guidelines

Right-size your packaging: Choose the smallest box or mailer that safely protects the product
Consider dimensional weight: Oversized packaging increases shipping costs significantly
Account for protection: Include space for necessary bubble wrap or padding in your calculations
Standardize when possible: Using fewer packaging options simplifies operations

Weight Calculation Tips

Weigh the complete package: Product + box + all packing materials
Round up slightly: Add a small buffer for weight variations
Use consistent units: Stick to pounds or ounces throughout your catalog
Test your configurations: Create a few test labels to verify accuracy

Efficiency Recommendations

Prioritize by volume: Configure high-volume SKUs first using the Dashboard method
Group similar products: Use the clone feature for product variations
Batch similar configurations: Use "Save & Add Next" for efficient data entry
Regular reviews: Periodically review and optimize packaging choices

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting packaging weight: Always include box/mailer weight in calculations
Oversizing packages: This increases costs due to dimensional weight pricing
Missing protection materials: Account for bubble wrap, paper, etc. in weight and size
Inconsistent configurations: Similar products should use similar packaging approaches

Common Issues

Issue: Can't find the right packaging size in dropdown

Solution: Click "Add New" to create custom packaging or review our Creating Packaging guide.

Issue: Package Data isn't generating shipping labels

Solution: Verify that all required fields are completed and that the SKU matches exactly.

Issue: Shipping costs seem too high

Solution: Review your packaging selections - you may be using oversized boxes that trigger dimensional weight pricing.

Issue: Can't edit Package Data for certain SKUs

Solution: SKUs shipping through Cahoot fulfillment partners have Package Data managed by Cahoot automatically.

🎥 Video Walkthroughs

Complete Package Manager Overview

Configuring SKUs with Package Data

Creating New Custom Packaging

Menu

What is Package Manager Data?

Why is the Right Packaging Important?

Key Requirements

Prerequisites

Step 1: Select Packaging

Step 2: Enter Package Weight

Step 3: Carrier Provided Packaging (Optional)

Step 4: Optional Fields

Step 5: Additional Options

Step 6: Save Configuration

Clone Existing Package Data (Optional)

Packaging Selection Guidelines

Weight Calculation Tips

Efficiency Recommendations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Issues

Complete Package Manager Overview

Configuring SKUs with Package Data

Creating New Custom Packaging

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