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Item Weights and Dimensions

How we handle weights and sizes for items, SKUs and orders.

Written by Nathan Huppatz
Updated over a week ago

Some carriers require weights and dimensions so they can calculate the freight charge. We can usually save you from entering these again and again.

If weights or dimensions are not supplied by your store feed, we will flag the order and ask you to enter them. We remember the values for each product title, and use them again the next time we see that product.​

You can also edit weights directly in ReadyToShip by clicking the pencil icon next to the weight field. This allows you to enter the correct weight, which will be cached for future orders.

If the issue persists and weights or dimensions continue to be flagged incorrectly, ensure that your product data includes detailed weights and dimensions to improve accuracy in future orders.

Item and order weights

Weights can come from several places, and, if they are provided, we will add up the item weights to calculate the total order weight.

From your store

Depending on your store type, you may be able to record the weights for each product. If you have entered weights in your stores, we will import them. 

For optimal package selection and to prevent errors, ensure that product dimensions (length, width, and height) are accurately recorded in your store's product fields or metafields.

Specifying a default for all products

If all of your products are the same weight, or if you have a flat rate agreement with your carrier, you can enter a default weight that will be used for all items. 

For lighter packages, it is especially important to set precise weights to avoid shipping errors. ReadyToShip allows you to configure these weights accurately using the 'Force Item Weight' setting in your store settings.

Go to Settings > Stores, click the blue cog icon on your store, then select Settings. See Force item weight to X (grams) and enter your required value in grams.

By overriding a specific order

You can force an order to have a particular weight. 

Open the details of an order and change:

  • the individual item weights (to recalculate the order weight) or 

  • the Total Weight (Kg) field (to override the calculated value).

For international shipments, ensure that weights are defined for each line item to comply with customs requirements. If a product lacks a weight, edit it directly in ReadyToShip. Additionally, enable the weight submission option in your shipping carrier settings to avoid errors when creating consignments.

Item Dimensions

If an order has only one item, the order will use that item's dimensions.

From your store

Some stores have product attributes for length, width and height. If you have recorded these we will use them. 

Adding accurate dimensions will enable ReadyToShip to automatically select the most suitable package and minimize errors during fulfillment.

Specifying a default for all products

If all of your products have the same dimensions, or if you have a flat rate agreement with your carrier, you can enter default dimensions that will be used for all orders. 

Go to Settings > Stores, click the blue cog icon on your store, then select Settings. See Default order dimensions and enter your required values.

By overriding a specific order

You can force an order to have particular dimensions. 

Open the details of an order and change:

  • the individual item dimensions or 

  • the Total Order Dimensions (cm) field.

Which Weights/Dimensions to use (imported or locally cached)

You can tell ReadyToShip whether to use imported weights from your store or saved weights you may have entered directly in ReadyToShip. 

Navigate to your Store settings (Settings > Stores) and use the 'Prioritize cache for values' field to set your choice. When this is set, we will always use the locally cached version of an attribute unless none has been entered for that item, in which case the imported value will be used.

Additionally, when orders are merged, update the package dimensions manually to ensure accurate labeling and carrier charges if precise measurements are crucial.

Common Errors and Troubleshooting Tips

  • Error: Missing Weights for Line Items: Ensure all products in your store have weights defined. Use the ReadyToShip weight editing feature if necessary.

  • Error: Incorrect Weights on Labels: Double-check the weights entered in your store platform and ReadyToShip to ensure consistency.

[Keywords: packages, boxes, cartons, sizes]



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