Shipping Rules specify how we should convert the shipping method that imported from the marketplace into a live shipping label.
EXAMPLE: You receive an order from Amazon requesting Standard shipping. The ordered item is less than 13 oz. You can create a rule to automatically print a USPS First Class label through SolidShip.
What we'll cover:
- Adding a Shipping Rule
- Filling Out the "If Order Matches" Side of the Rule
- Filling Out the "Then Use These Options" Side of the Rule
- The Most Popular Advanced Options
- Related Articles
Adding a Shipping Rule
1) Go to the Admin menu -> Shipping Rules.
2) Click the plus sign "New Shipping Rule"
3) In the pop up, create a "Shipping Rule Name"
- This is a free-form field, but we recommend using a name that describes the rule. For example, using Standard 1oz - 13oz on a rule for shipping Standard orders USPS First Class.
4) When you're finished creating your rule, click the Save icon
5) After you have saved a rule, you can use the Copy button if you want to make a similar rule.
Filling Out the "If Order Matches" Side of the Rule
The If order matching the following side of the rule focuses on the characteristics of the rule. If the rule meets these criteria, then ship it according to the settings saved on the right side of the rule.
| Shipping requested is: | Select the Shipping Method your buyer selects when they place the order. |
| And order address type is: |
Most of the time people start by creating general rules for Any address. If needed, they will also create rules for specific addresses, like PO Box or APO addresses. |
| And order amount is greater than or equal to: |
Your rule will apply to orders with totals greater than, or equal to, the value you put here. Enter 0 for rules that should apply to all orders. People often use this setting to require a signature if the order total is above a certain level. |
| And item was bought on marketplace: |
This filter allows you to create rules that only apply to a specific marketplace or marketplace locale. People often leave this drop-down set to Any. However, some shipping methods are unique to a specific marketplace. EXAMPLE: If you use eBay specific shipping methods on your eBay listings, you will want to select eBay from this marketplace drop-down. After that, eBay's shipping methods will populate the Shipping requested is drop-down, so you can choose the exact method that will import with your orders. |
| And package weight is between (oz): |
Establishes a weight range for your rule. Enter an integer—no decimal points. For the minimum weight, enter 1 or more. Don't enter 0. |
| And ship-to zone is: | Choose Any, Domestic, or International from the drop-down menu. |
| And zip code is between: |
Sets a zip code range for your rule. This can be left blank if you want to ship to all zip codes. Some people fine tune several zip code ranges so that Solid Commerce will automatically use the correct shipping method based on the Ship To address and package weight. Spending some time setting up the rules saves them money by ensuring each package is always shipped via the cheapest method. |
| And product is in ship class: |
Shipping Classes are special groups of products. The Ship Class setting in the rule allows you to create a rule that only applies to the products in that Shipping Class. If you don't have any Shipping Classes, leave the drop-down set to All. EXAMPLE: You ship most of your products USPS Priority Mail. However, some of your products are cheaper to send in a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box. You could create a Priority Med Flat Rate Shipping Class and add it to products that fit in the flat rate box. You would choose that Shipping Class from this drop-down to create a rule that prints USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box labels for these particular products. |
| And qty packaged in shipment is greater than or equal to: |
Your rule will only apply to orders with at least this number of items. Usually people set this to 0, but you can enter a number if you want to use a specific shipping method and package type on multiple item orders. |
Filling Out the "Then Use These Options" Side of the Rule
The Then use these options side of the rule specifies how the order should be shipped.
| Ship method: | Specifies the shipping method that will be printed on your shipping label. |
| Shipping profile: |
You can create multiple profiles for each shipping carrier. This allows you to bill multiple accounts. However, most people only have one profile. Select a profile from the drop-drown. |
| Package type: |
The Package Type refines what type of label will be printed. You need to select a Ship Method before you can choose a Package Type. For USPS, if you are using specific flat rate packaging, select it from this drop-down. Otherwise, select USPS Rect Parcel. For FedEx and UPS, unless you are using specific packaging from the carrier, select Custom Packaging. |
| Ship From Address: |
You can save multiple Ship From Addresses. The default address can be edited by going to the Admin menu -> Manage Seller Account. Select the Default Ship From Address tab to edit and save your address. If you want to add Ship From Addresses, stay on the Shipping Rule page and click on the Manage button to the right of the Ship From Address header. Select the appropriate address from the drop-down. |
The Most Popular Advanced Options
To add Advanced Options, select the option you want from the drop-down menu and click the Add New Options button.
| Receiver Signature Type: | Select Not Required, Service default, Indirect, Direct, or Adult from the drop-down. |
| Insurance option: | Select Not Required, Asset Protection, or Declared Value from the drop-down. NOTE: "Asset Protection" and "Declared Value" are available as part of the Legacy Shipping Rules. "Declared Value" is part of the item level in the Ship Now shipping tool, not as part of the shipping rules. |
| Shipping insurance provider: | Select USPS, UPIC, or Endicia Parcel from the drop-down. |
| Custom Label References: |
These references allow you to add custom information to your shipping labels. The names of the reference fields vary by carrier. However, all of them have drop-down menus that allow you to select the Solid Commerce field you want to use as a reference. If the drop-down list of references doesn't include the field you want to add to your labels, you can reference any of the fields available on a packing slip. Select Custom from the drop-down. |
Other Advanced Options are available. We have only highlighted the most commonly used.
Related Articles
- Shipping Rule Priorities
- Installing the SolidShip Shipping Tool
- Getting Started With Order Management - An Overview of the Manage Orders Page
Comments
I see Ship Class at the Product Level and in the criteria to setup a Shipping Rule. I don't see a method to Create a Ship Class. Your help section says (Pending).
We are trying to setup a Media Mail shipping rule for all Books. I am trying to setup a ship class called "Books".
Please let me know how to setup a Ship Class. Thanks!
Hello Scott,
Thank you for your comment. We discussed trying to quickly create an article about Shipping Classes so you would have proper documentation to refer to. Unfortunately it will take a bit of time to cover this topic properly.
Here are some brief instructions:
To create Shipping Classes, go to the Admin menu -> Manage Shipping Rules. Select the Shipment Packaging Rules tab. Click the Add New Shipping Rule button. Give your Shipping Class a name.
The Package up-to the following products together feature was designed for case boxes. For example, if you shipped DVDs in 10-pack boxes. You would enter 10 in this field. If you are like most people, you don't want to limit how many items you ship. In that case, enter a high number, like 9999.
All of the "Add" fields are optional. I've always kept the Select default package type drop-down set to Empty (Clear). When you're ready, click the Save Default Packaging Rule button.
After you have saved your Shipping Class, you can create a Shipping Rule back on the Setup Shipping Service Selection tab. Set the And product is in ship class drop-down to your Books Shipping Class.
You also need to assign the Books Shipping Class to your books in Solid Commerce so we know which items use your special Shipping Rule. You can do so through Excel by using a column with the header: ship class. This is a Product Level field. You would populate the value Books in this field for each book SKU. You can also assign the Shipping Class through the Product Details pop-up in the user interface.
After that, you'd be ready to ship.
I apologize that this description is rushed and brief. If you need more detailed guidance, please contact support.
Thanks again!
Josh,
Thanks! That worked. I did not realize that Shipment Packaging Rules equated to Ship Class.
We're glad to hear that the brief description helped you Scott!
Josh,
I have been trying to build Shipping Rules for my account. I am slowly understanding how things are working. However, the one thing I haven't been able to figure out is how do I combine multiple orders that are shipped to the same address. I have buyers who will make an order and then make a 2nd or 3rd purchase the same day. These are separate orders, but I want to combine these orders into one shipping order.
Can you point me in the direction to accomplish this task?
Thanks.
Ryan
Hello Ryan,
I am glad to hear that you are getting the hang of the Shipping Rules! They are very powerful.
We are currently deep into the development of a new user interface for managing orders. One of the features we plan to add is a combine shipments button. This feature will allow you to sort orders by name, select multiple orders, and click a button to combine them so you can ship them in one package.
That new feature will be a UI option separate from the Shipping Rules. Your Shipping Rules will apply to the combined shipment.
For the time being, most clients that receive multiple orders from a single buyer choose to sort their orders by "Ship To Name" in Solid Commerce. They identify multiples and combine all of the items into one package. They print the shipping label using the info from just one of the orders. Then they manually mark the other orders as "Shipped," pasting in the tracking number from the first order. Once they finish shipping any combined orders, they can quickly ship the remain single orders relying on their Shipping Rules.
There is also a second approach. The need to combine orders is most common for eBay orders. Some of our clients choose to combine the orders directly through their eBay seller account. After a short period, the orders update to combined in our system, making them ready to ship.
I hope these options help. We look forward to bringing you more power and features in the future.
Thank you,
Josh
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