Using Package Manager Data and Creating New Packaging
Cahoot's next generation shipping label solution offers the most advanced rate shopping intelligence and automated shipping label creation available. Our Package Manager technology enables the system to automatically create the best shipping labels every time. No decision making, no human error, no wasting time. Package Data only needs to be entered one time per SKU, and Cahoot will use it to automatically create the best shipping labels for every order ever received for that SKU in perpetuity. All you have to do is print it and ship it. In this article, we will demonstrate how to use the Package Manager so that your labels can be auto-created in bulk.
Cahoot creates the correct label using the right carrier service, shipping method, and packaging to ensure your products get the cheapest rate to your customers each time, automatically.
Setting up the packages and assigning them to SKUs can be done pre-emptively, or simply on the day you get an order for the relevant SKUs. From then on, any new order for that SKU will automatically get the right package and label, regardless of customer location or expected delivery date.
Why does using the right packaging matter?
Picking the right packaging for your products helps get the cheapest shipping rates.
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 can protect certain products with built in cushioning at a lower cost than corrugated cardboard packaging.
In addition to being cheaper than boxes, poly mailers can also allow products to use cheaper shipping methods, based on the smaller shipping profile.
Let's look at a concrete example.
Shipping this 2.25 lb product (8x4.1x2.7) in a 8x5x3 box across the US will cost $9.52 using USPS Priority Mail. Note the dimensional differences.
If we shipped this product in a polybag, it can ship using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate for $7.40 instead.
The differences are less than an inch but result in 22% savings, on top of using a cheaper package.
Video Walkthrough
How to use the Cahoot Package Manager:
How to Create New Custom Packaging:
Step by Step Guide
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. So 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 and enter the package information for that specific SKU. Make sure to include the smallest carrier-specific packaging that the SKU will fit into (e.g. USPS flat rate options, UPS provided packaging, etc.).
Optional: Add your warehouse bin location where the SKU is stored and Cahoot will automatically include it on your pick lists and packing slips.
3. Click Save if you're done adding Package Data at this time, or click Save & Add Next and Cahoot will refresh the window with the next SKU on the list of SKUs Missing Package Data (by Order Count descending).
4. Alternatively, you can also add Package Data through the Product grid. Go to Products > All Products.
5. Find the SKUs that have warning signs, or search for a specific SKU using the filters provided, and click Add Package Data in the Action column next to the SKU of interest.
You can also add new custom packaging through Settings > Package Manager > Add New.
Guide to Package Types
The Cahoot Package Manager supports several types of package types. The three types of packaging are:
- Boxes
- Mailers
- Supplies
Boxes
Boxes are rigid rectangular shipping devices; SKUs using boxes as part of their Package
Manager will use the box's dimensions to calculate shipping rates
When creating a box, enter in the box's Length, Width, and Height.
On the Package Manager, selecting a Box will automatically set the dimensions to use the box's Length, Width, and Height values.
Mailers
Mailers are flexible shipping devices; SKUs with Package Manager data using a Mailer will use the product's dimensions to calculate shipping rates
When creating a mailer, enter in the mailer's Length, Width, and Height. This is still useful to search or filter for packaging, but the products assigned to use the mailer will not use these dimensions for rate calculation.
On the Package Manager, selecting a mailer will use the product's Length, Width, and Height values, which can be defined directly
Supplies
Certain products require additional packaging supplies, such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or other forms of dunnage.
When creating supplies, don't forget to also add them to the SKU Package Manager; up to 3 supplies can be added to the Package Manager.
