Are there any plans to enable specific box sizes for specific products? Our customers order multiple items, and with a single default box size, we will invariably either cheat ourselves or cheat our customers. This is the primary thing preventing us from switching to Shopify Shipping.
This exists! You can now assign packages to specific products. If only one item is ordered, we will use that package to calculator shipping rates at checkout and to pre-select when buying the label.
When customers order multiple items, we still use your store’s default package. Our recommendation is that you set the store default as a larger package so that you calculate a shipping price that’s closer to correct.
Thank you, but this just describes the problem - it’s not a solution. If I show a large default box for Item A - every time the customer orders Item A alone, they get over-charged. And if they order 12 or 15 items (happens every day) then I eat quite a lot of shipping costs. This is why we are unable to switch to Shopify Shipping (although we are certainly willing if the problem is addressed.)
Bjornd: What would the software do if the customer ordered Item A (default = small box) and Item B (default = very large box)? Would it calculate (hopefully) on the largest default box indicated by the items in the order?
As of today it could actually calculate using your store’s default box.
I understand your concern. Shopify Shipping’s default setup can sometimes overcharge or undercharge when customers order multiple items of varying sizes. One way to handle this is by using a Shopify app that lets you define box sizes and automate packaging decisions. You might consider trying PluginHive’s Multi Carrier Shipping Label app, which lets you assign dimensions and weight to each product, automatically select the most suitable box for the order, and even split shipments when needed. It also calculates real-time shipping rates at checkout based on the selected packaging.
Additionally, the app streamlines fulfilment by automating label generation and sending live tracking updates to customers, making the entire process smoother and more efficient.
Jagruti:
We will definitely check that out. Thank you.
Carolyn
Carolyn - you just described the exact problem we’re building a solution for.
You’re right that existing apps often miss the mark. The issue isn’t just assigning box sizes - it’s intelligently calculating which box(es) to use when you have 12-15 mixed items in a cart. That requires actual bin-packing logic, not just “pick the biggest box.”
We’re working on a middleware solution that:
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Runs 3D packing algorithms at checkout (not after)
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Returns precise rates based on actual box combinations needed
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Works for SMBs without enterprise WMS pricing
This is exactly the margin bleed you’re talking about - eat shipping costs on large orders, or overcharge single items. The “one-box fallacy” forces that impossible choice.
Would love to understand your use case better. When you get 12-15 item orders, what’s the typical size variance? (e.g., small accessories + bulky items, or all similar sizes that just won’t fit one box?)
This kind of real merchant feedback is gold for building the right solution.