How to Create Packaging & Shipping Supplies
This article explains how Network Sellers create packaging entries in Cahoot. You only need to create a packaging entry if you plan to send your own custom or branded boxes, mailers, or supplies to a Cahoot warehouse with an inbound shipment. If Cahoot's standard packaging works for your products, no setup is required on your end.
Do You Need to Create a Packaging Entry?
As a Network Seller, Cahoot handles packaging selection for your orders automatically. Use this decision flow to determine your next step:
Step 1 — Check standard packaging first:
- Cahoot stocks a wide range of standard boxes and mailers at every fulfillment center at no additional cost.
- If your product fits a standard size, you're done — no packaging entry needed.
Step 2 — If standard packaging won't work, choose one of two options:
- Cahoot-sourced custom packaging: Cahoot purchases a non-standard box or mailer on your behalf. You do not need to create a packaging entry yourself — Cahoot sets this up after approval.
- Your own branded or custom packaging: You provide the packaging and ship it to a Cahoot warehouse via inbound. This is the only scenario where you need to create a packaging entry using the steps below.
How to Create a Packaging Entry
Follow these steps only after Cahoot has approved your branded or custom packaging request. Each packaging entry tells Cahoot what to expect when your inbound arrives so it can be received, stored, and assigned to your products correctly.
1Go to Settings > Packaging Manager.
2Click Add New.
3Select the Packaging Type: Box, Mailer, or Supplies. See the descriptions below if you're unsure which to pick.
4Enter the required information:
Required Fields:
- Name — A descriptive name for the packaging (e.g., "Branded Mailer").
- Packaging SKU — A unique identifier for this packaging.
- Dimensions — Length, Width, and Height in inches.
5Click Save to create the packaging entry.
6Include the packaging with your next inbound shipment using the Add Packaging feature. See How to Add Packaging to Your Inbound for the full process.
Packaging Types Explained
Cahoot supports three packaging types. Choose the one that matches what you're sending in.
Boxes
Rigid rectangular shipping containers. Best for fragile, heavy, or structured items that need protection during transit. SKUs assigned to a box use the box dimensions to calculate shipping rates.
Mailers
Flexible packaging such as poly mailers and bubble mailers. Best for soft goods, apparel, and non-fragile items. When a SKU is assigned to a mailer, Cahoot uses the product dimensions (not the mailer's) to calculate shipping rates.
Supplies
Additional protective or branded materials such as bubble wrap, kraft paper, tissue paper, branded inserts, or thank-you cards. Up to three supplies can be assigned per SKU.
Questions?
If you're unsure whether you need to create a packaging entry, or you need approval to send branded packaging to a Cahoot warehouse, Submit Ticket and our team will help.