Use the Standard Box Sizes plugin to obtain the most accurate shipping rates possible.
The Standard Box Sizes plugin is compatible with the following Eniture Technology plugins:
- FedEx Small Package Quotes
- Purolator Small Package Quotes
- ShipEngine Shipping Rates
- Unishippers Small Package Quotes
- UPS Small Package Quotes
- USPS Small Package Quotes
- Worldwide Express (WWE) Small Package Quotes
What Does the Standard Box Sizes Plugin Do?
The plugin allows merchants to identify the sizes of the boxes they inventory for shipping purposes. Before requesting a parcel or postal quote, the packaging algorithm identifies the correct box or boxes to use for the contents of the Cart. The total weight of the box(es) and its (their) dimensions are provided to the parcel or postal provider so that penny-accurate shipping quotes are returned. There is an incremental cost to using the Standard Box Sizes plugin, which is described later in this document.
When enabled, the Additional Order Details widget on the Order Details page will contain detailed information on the contents of each box. A step-by-step graphical illustration of the packaging solution is also available to assist with the packing of each box.
Related documents:
What Is Dimensional Weight
Should I Enter Product Dimensions
Alternatives to the Standard Box Sizes Plugin
If you don't want to use the Standard Box Sizes add-on plugin, other packaging options are included as part of your Small Package Quotes subscription at no additional cost. These options appear on the Quote Settings page of the Small Package Quotes plugin. Each option is listed below, along with its tendency to quote higher or lower than actual shipping costs.
- Quote each item as shipping as its own package.
Each item in the Cart will be quoted as shipping as its own package. Unless orders are shipped this way, the shipping rate estimates using this method will tend to be high. - Combine the weight of all items without dimensions and quote them as one package, while quoting each item with dimensions as shipping as its own package.
Items without dimensions will be quoted as a single package and rated solely by weight. Each item with dimensions will be quoted as shipping as its own package. Shipping rate estimates may be higher or lower than the actual shipping charges, depending on the contents of the Cart. - Quote shipping as if all items ship as one package up to 70 LBS each .
All items in the Cart will be quoted as shipping in one box, and the shipping rate estimates will be based solely on weight. If the total weight of the Cart exceeds 70 pounds, the total weight will be divided into multiple packages of equal weight. Shipping rate estimates using this method will tend to be low. - Quote shipping as if all items ship as one package up to 150 LBS each .
All items in the Cart will be quoted as shipping in one box, and the shipping rate estimates will be based solely on weight. If the total weight of the Cart exceeds 150 pounds, the total weight will be divided into multiple packages of equal weight. Shipping rate estimates using this method will tend to be low, depending upon any fees associated with packages weighing over 70 LBS.
What Plans Are Available for the Standard Box Sizes Add-on?
After you activate the plugin, you'll pick a plan. Each plan is a 'wallet' that gets depleted each time a request for a packaging solution is made. The chosen plan will be billed to the same payment method used to pay for the Small Package Quotes plugin. The available plans are as follows:
100 lookups per month - $5.00 (5 cents each)
250 lookups per month - $10.00 (4 cents each)
500 lookups per month - $15.00 (3 cents each)
1,000 lookups per month - $20.00 (2 cents each)
2,500 lookups per month - $25.00 (1 cent each)
What Happens if the Plan is Depleted Before the Renewal Date?
If the selected plan is fully depleted before the renewal date, the plugin will automatically renew and reset the monthly billing cycle for a new 30-day period. This ensures the plugin remains operational. You should review your credit card statement to see how often your current plan is renewed. If you are charged two or more times in a month, you may be able to lower your cost by upgrading your plan.
What Happens to the Unused Lookups When My Plan Renews?
Unused lookups expire at the end of a monthly billing cycle. If you're on the $5/month plan and use only 80 of the 100 lookups by the renewal date, you will have 100 lookups available in the new billing cycle after the renewal.
How to Enable the Standard Box Sizes Add-on.
- Download the plugin installation file, install, and activate it.
- Using the WordPress Admin menu, navigate to WooCommerce > Settings. Select the tab for the Small Package Quotes plugin installed on your website.
- In the plugin's navigation menu, click on Box Sizes.
- Use the instructions in the plugin's User's Guide to add the boxes you keep on hand for shipping.