Package Manager Data 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.

 

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.

 

Package Data can be added to SKUs either in bulk or progressively as orders are received, and even applies to all unshipped orders previously imported to Cahoot. 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.

 

Video Walkthrough: Configuring SKUs with Package Data

 

Video Walkthrough: Creating New Custom Packaging

 

Step by Step Guides

But first, why is the "right packaging" important?

The right packaging can help you achieve the cheapest shipping rates possible for the product.

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. 

Poly mailers are a common packaging option because they are amongst the cheapest materials available, and for products that are not particularly delicate, they may be eligible for cheaper shipping services based on a smaller shipping profile.

An example:

Shipping this 2.25 lb product 8 zones in a properly fitted box will cost $9.52 using USPS Priority Mail.

Shipping this product in a poly mailer the same distance will cost only $7.40 using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate.

The differences are less than an inch on 2 sides but the result is 22% savings in addition to the savings from using a cheaper packaging material.

 

Step by Step Guide: Configuring SKUs with Package Data

1. Go to the Cahoot Dashboard and find the SKUs Missing Package Data section. These are the SKUs that have unfulfilled orders in Cahoot, sorted by Order Count descending. Adding Package Data to the top SKU on this list will automatically create shipping labels for the 14 orders waiting to be fulfilled.

 

2. Select Add Data next to the top SKU and enter the Package Data for that specific SKU. Make sure to include the smallest carrier-provided packaging that you support that the SKU will fit into (e.g. USPS flat rate options, UPS provided packaging, etc.).

 

a. If the product is the same as an existing product already configured with Product Data, (e.g. just a different color), enter the SKU of the existing product to Clone the Package Data from and save yourself a few clicks.

 

b. Select the packaging that a single-line/single-quantity order for this SKU will ship in from the My Packaging drop-down menu if it's already configured in your Settings. Otherwise, click Add New beneath the My Packaging dropdown to create it quickly. See below for instructions how to create Custom Packaging.

 

c. Enter the Package Weight. This is the Shipment Weight for a single-line/single-quantity order for this SKU (including the box/mailer and everything going into the package such as bubble wrap or other dunnage).

d. Select the Package Weight Unit.

 

e. If you support Carrier Provided Packaging, select the smallest package size that a single-line/single-quantity order for this SKU will ship safely in using the respective dropdowns.

f. Optional Bin Location and Harmonized Code can also be added at this time.

 

g. In the Additional Options section, Signature Confirmation requirements, Additional Carrier Insurance, and any Additional Shipping Supplies (e.g. bubble wrap, Kraft paper, inserts, stickers) that should be included with the shipment can be configured.

h. Click Save if you're done adding Package Data at this time, or click Save & Add Next to load the next SKU Missing Package Data in the Add Package Data window. 

 

 

Lastly, Package Data can be added or edited from several other screens throughout Cahoot, including the Sales Order screen, Create Label screen, and by going to Products > All Products and clicking on one of the options in the Action column next to the SKU of interest.

 

 

 

Step by Step Guide: Creating New Custom Packaging

Cahoot supports several types of Packaging:

• Boxes
• Mailers (including bubble mailers and polyethylene "poly" mailers)
• Supplies 

1. To create Custom Packaging, go to Settings > Package Manager tab.

 

2. Click Add New.

 

3. Select Packaging Type.

4. Name the packaging.

5. Enter the Packaging Dimensions (Length, Width, and Height), and select the Length Units.

6. If you wish for Cahoot to consider this packaging for use by the 3D Bin Selector Tool, click the Use for MLMQ Automation checkbox. 

7. If you wish for Cahoot to track Package Quantity, use the Quantity Adjustment box to enter a quantity to add or remove from the existing quantity on hand. 

8. Click Save.

 

 

 

Lastly, custom packaging that is missing from the My Packaging drop down in the Add Package Data window can be added during Package Data entry by clicking Add New directly beneath the dropdown.

 

 

Boxes

Boxes are rigid rectangular shipping devices; SKUs using boxes as part of their Package
Data will use the Box's Dimensions to calculate shipping rates

 

 

Mailers

Mailers are flexible shipping devices. When Package Data is configured using a Mailer, Cahoot will use the Product's Dimensions to calculate shipping rates, not the Mailer dimensions.

 

 

Supplies

Certain products require additional Supplies to ship safely such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or other forms of dunnage. Up to 3 Supplies can be added for a SKU in the Additional Options section of the Add Package Data window.