This article explains how to set up shipping weight calculation on your order forms, including product weight, packaging weight, optional weight adjustments, and shipping rate integration.

Overview

Shipping weight calculation allows your system to automatically:

• Calculate total product weight based on quantity
• Add packaging weight (boxes, etc.)
• Adjust weight based on customer selections (e.g., paper type)
• Generate shipping costs dynamically
• Integrate with UPS and FedEx for real-time shipping rates

Weight settings are configured in the Shipping Weights section of the Document Library Editor (Order Form Editor).

Step 1: Set Up Base Product Weight

In the Shipping Weights section of your order form, you’ll first define the base product weight.

Configure Product Weight Per Piece

Instead of entering weight per individual item, you define:

• Base Number of Pieces
• Base Weight for That Quantity

Example:

• 200 business cards weigh 0.6 lbs

The system uses this ratio to automatically calculate the weight for any quantity ordered.

Step 2: Configure Packaging Weight

Next, define how the product is packaged for shipping.

Example:

• Each shipping box holds 1,000 business cards
• Each box weighs 0.125 lbs

The system will:

• Calculate how many boxes are required
• Add the total box weight to the product weight

Step 3: Set the Quantity Question

You must identify which question on the order form determines quantity.

• Select the appropriate question (typically “Quantity”)
• The system default is usually sufficient

This ensures the weight calculation adjusts based on how many items the customer orders.

Step 4: Add Optional Questions That Affect Product Weight

If certain options increase product weight (such as heavier paper stock), you must configure them here.

Example: Paper Weight Options

Customer chooses between:

• 100 lb Gloss Cover (standard weight)
• 120 lb Cover (heavier)

Since 120 lb cover weighs more:

1. Go to Optional Questions Affecting Product Weight
2. Select the relevant question (e.g., "Paper Choices")
3. Click Add Question
4. Enter weight adjustments for each option

Example setup:

• 100 lb Cover → 0 (no additional weight)
• 120 lb Cover → 0.12 (adds extra weight)

This ensures heavier paper increases the total shipping weight.

Step 5: Configure Optional Questions That Affect Packaging Weight

If product variations affect how many pieces fit in a box, you must also adjust packaging weight.

Example:

• Default setup (100 lb cover): 1,000 cards per box
• With 120 lb cover: only 160 cards fit per box

In Optional Questions Affecting Packaging Weight:

• Enter the adjusted box capacity for 120 lb cover
• Use the same base packaging weight values where applicable

This ensures accurate box count and packaging weight calculations.

Step 6: Enable Shipping Options That Use Weight Calculation

⚠️ Important: Shipping weight calculation will NOT work unless your shipping methods are configured to use weight-based pricing.

Navigate to:

My Website → E-Commerce Settings → Shipping & Delivery Options

Example: Weight-Based Shipping Rate

You may configure a shipping option like:

• UPS Shipping
• Rate per pound: $2.00 per pound

When selected, the system:

• Uses the calculated total shipping weight
• Multiplies by the rate per pound
• Displays the final shipping cost

Optional: UPS & FedEx Integration

The system also supports:

• UPS Integration
• FedEx Integration

When enabled, shipping costs are:

• Dynamically generated
• Based on calculated weight
• Based on customer shipping address at checkout

Contact support if you need assistance setting up carrier integrations.

Customer Experience Example

Here’s how it works from the customer’s perspective:

1. Customer selects:
   • 120 lb cover
   • 1,000 business cards
2. Adds item to cart
3. Proceeds to checkout
4. Selects UPS shipping

The system:

• Calculates total product weight
• Adds packaging weight
• Applies $2 per pound rate
• Displays calculated shipping (e.g., $7.38)
• Updates order total in real time

Customers can clearly see:

• What they ordered
• Selected options
• Shipping cost
• Final total

Best Practices

• Always verify box capacity when adding heavier materials.
• Test your checkout flow after enabling weight calculation.
• Confirm shipping methods are set to use weight-based pricing.
• Use carrier integration for the most accurate real-time rates.

If you need assistance configuring shipping weight calculations or carrier integrations, contact support for help getting everything set up correctly.

Happy Printing!