Incorrect fulfillment settings cause higher shipping costs by defaulting orders to wrong box dimensions instead of product packaging.
Why are my shipping labels showing incorrect dimensions and higher costs?
When your products are set to "None" in fulfillment settings, the system automatically places items into standard carton dimensions rather than using the actual product packaging. This often results in oversized labels and unnecessary shipping costs.
The Root Cause: Most items default to "None" fulfillment settings, which tells the shipping algorithm to bundle multiple items and use optimal box dimensions rather than the product's actual packaging.
What are the four fulfillment setting options and when should I use each?
1. Ships in Product Packaging
When to use: For items that should ship in their original product box How it works: If selected, the system will always ship the item in its own box as it is Best for: Most retail products, electronics, items with sturdy original packaging
2. Single-First Packaging
When to use: For orders with mixed item types How it works: Adapts packaging based on order quantity; uses reduced-cost packaging for single items, selects optimal box size for multiple orders to maximize shipping efficiency Best for: Flexible fulfillment strategies
3. Mailer
When to use: For small, flat items How it works: Uses item's exact dimensions to ensure carriers rate based on the sold frame, specifically designed for flat envelopes and mailer packages Best for: Documents, small flat items, lightweight products
4. None (Default)
When to use: For small items that can be bundled How it works: Automatically selects the optimal box size for your order, applied to both single items and multiple units to maximize shipping efficiency Best for: Small items like light bulbs, accessories that can be efficiently bundled
How do I fix my current shipping cost issues?
- Review your product catalog - Navigate to your products' attributes page inside Catalog -> Item Detail page -> Item Package Attributes
- Check current settings - Look at the shipping options for each product
- Update to "Ships in Product Packaging" - For most retail items, select this option to use actual product dimensions
- Keep "None" for bundleable items - Small items that can be efficiently combined should remain as "None"
Why didn't this affect my costs before?
Previously, certain shipping services may not have charged based on dimensional accuracy. Now that dimensional pricing is enforced, selecting the correct fulfillment setting is crucial for accurate shipping costs.
How can I tell which setting to use for my products?
Use "Ships in Product Packaging" when:
- The item has its own retail box
- You want the exact product dimensions used for shipping
- The item is typically shipped individually
Use "None" when:
- Items are small and can be bundled efficiently
- You sell accessories or components
- Multiple units often ship together
Use "Mailer" when:
- Items are flat and lightweight
- Products fit in envelope-style packaging
- Exact dimensions matter for flat-rate shipping
Where can I find these settings in my dashboard?
Navigate to your product catalog, select a product, and go to the attributes page. You'll see the shipping options section where you can select the appropriate fulfillment setting. Hover over each option to see detailed tooltips explaining exactly how each setting works.
What happens if I don't update my fulfillment settings?
Your orders will continue to default to standard carton dimensions, resulting in:
- Higher shipping label costs
- Inaccurate dimensional pricing
- Potential customer dissatisfaction due to oversized packaging
- Inefficient use of shipping resources
Best Practices
- Audit your entire catalog - Review all products to ensure proper fulfillment settings
- Test with sample orders - Verify that dimensions and costs are accurate after making changes
- Document your decisions - Keep track of which products use which settings and why
- Regular reviews - Periodically check that your fulfillment settings still align with your shipping strategy
Need Additional Help?
If you're still experiencing issues with shipping dimensions or costs after updating your fulfillment settings, contact support with specific product examples and order details for personalized assistance.