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Weight and Dimension Configuration with Australia Post App – Shopify Australia Post Shipping App with Rates, Labels & Tracking FAQs

    Learn to set weight and dimensions for precise shipping calculations on Shopify

Questions in this section:

Why am I receiving an error message at checkout when the product weight is 100 kg, and no shipping rates are displayed?

This issue occurs because your Australia Post account currently integrated with the app, only supports shipments with a package weight up to 22 kg. If you attempt to check rates for a product weighing more than 22 kg, the carrier will not provide rates due to their weight restrictions. To resolve this, you can either: 1. Integrate a StarTrack account, which supports shipping products weighing more than 22 kg, or 2. Use a different carrier that allows higher weight limits, such as TNT Au or DHL Express, both of which support products weighing more than 22 kg.

Why are my own Australia Post shipping rates not showing on Shopify product pages through the PluginHive app?

Australia Post calculated rates are displayed at checkout only when the required address details—Suburb, State, and Postal Code—are provided by the customer. Ensure that these details are correctly entered during the checkout process. The Australia Post API requires this information to generate and display accurate shipping rates. If rates are still not reflecting, double-check your app setup and configuration, and make sure Shopify’s “Carrier Calculated Shipping” feature is enabled for your store.

Why do I need to adjust my product dimensions or use only Australia Post provided boxes to get StarTrack rates in the app?

Australia Post StarTrack only provides calculated rates when items are packed using their approved packaging types—satchels or boxes—with precise dimensions. If your products do not fit these standard boxes, you must temporarily adjust your product dimensions to simulate packing in Australia Post boxes within the app. This allows the system to pass the correct packaging type and dimensions to StarTrack for rate calculation. To ensure you're not under- or over-charging, use the app's shipping cost adjustment feature to accurately reflect your actual shipping costs. —

We have set up a box and assigned it to a product, but are still not seeing rates. How do we ensure the box is being used correctly for rate calculations?

If you have created a custom box and assigned it to your product but still do not see rates, try the following: 1. Verify that the product is not marked as "Pre-packed" in the app. 2. Ensure the custom box is configured with the correct dimensions and is assigned a valid carrier package type (e.g., "Carton"). 3. Save the box configuration and reassign it to the product. 4. If you continue to encounter errors, sometimes toggling the box type (e.g., changing from pallet to carton and back) can help the app recognize the change. 5. Check that all required product information (weight, dimensions) is correctly entered. If rates are still not appearing after these steps, use Australia Post provided boxes as a workaround and adjust product dimensions accordingly.

What steps should I follow if shipping rates are not changing after updating product dimensions in the Australia Post Rates & Labels app?

If shipping rates are not updating after entering product dimensions, follow these steps: 1. Verify that product dimensions are entered directly in the app (not just in Shopify metafields). For products weights, you have to update them in Shopify. 2. In the app, navigate to the Packaging Settings and select the "Box Packing Method." 3. Add and configure the shipping boxes you intend to use. 4. Save all settings after configuration. 5. Test at checkout to confirm that rates reflect changes based on newly entered product dimensions. 6. If shipping rates are still not updating, clear your browser cache or try from a different device to rule out display issues. 7. If the issue persists, contact PluginHive support for assistance, as they can review your configuration and help resolve the problem.

How can I ensure that the product dimensions I set are considered for shipping rate calculations using the Australia Post Rates & Labels app?

To ensure that the product dimensions are considered for shipping rate calculations: – Enter the product dimensions (Length, Width, Height, and Weight) directly in the Australia Post Rates & Labels app, as the app does not sync with Shopify product metafields. – Enable the "Box Packing Method" in the App Packaging Settings. – Configure your shipping boxes within the app so that the app can select the appropriate boxes based on your products’ dimensions and weights. – Once box packing and shipping boxes are configured, the app will use the box details to accurately calculate shipping rates from Australia Post at checkout. – Ensure all product and box settings are properly saved. – If rates are not reflecting as expected, double-check your product and packaging settings in the app.

Does the Australia Post Rates & Labels app support reading variant-level metafields for product dimensions, or only product-level metafields?

The Australia Post Rates & Labels app does not support reading either product-level or variant-level custom metafields for product dimensions. The app only accesses default Shopify product attributes, such as Weight, but does not import or use any information stored in metafields. To manage dimensions for each product or variant within the app, update them directly using the app’s CSV import/export functionality.

Do I need to make any further changes to product weights or dimensions after adjusting the packaging settings in PluginHive?

After updating your packaging settings and product dimensions, it is recommended to: 1. Perform several checkout transactions with different products to confirm shipping rates now display correctly. 2. If you notice incorrect rates, further update your product's weight or dimensions as needed. 3. Continue testing until the shipping options and rates match your expectations at checkout. This process ensures your rates are accurate and the correct carrier/package is selected based on your product setup.

How can I set up and ensure the correct postage rates based on the weight of items in Shopify using PluginHive?

To enable accurate shipping rates based on item weight in Shopify using the PluginHive Australia Post app, follow these steps: Step 1: Configure Core Settings in PluginHive Set your origin address (used for rate calculations). Ensure all products in Shopify have accurate weight entered. Add product dimensions if needed — Australia Post may require them for certain services. Define default package dimensions (used when individual product dimensions are missing). Choose an appropriate packaging method (e.g., predefined satchels or custom boxes). Step 2: Add Accurate Product Weight (and Dimensions if Needed) Shipping rates are primarily based on weight, and sometimes dimensions. In Shopify: Go to Products > [select a product]. Under Shipping, enable “This is a physical product.” Configure weight (this is essential). Tip: Use the bulk editor or CSV import in Shopify to update multiple product weights efficiently. To add dimensions: Navigate to the PluginHive Australia Post app. Select the product and configure dimensions directly. Or upload product dimensions using the CSV import option within the app (bulk editor is not supported for dimensions). Step 3: Packaging Strategy Ensure your packaging matches your shipping setup: Use Australia Post satchels or boxes if those services are enabled. Choose correct packaging options in PluginHive so that products are matched to valid Australia Post parcel types. Step 4: Verify Your Australia Post Account Ensure your Australia Post eParcel or MyPost Business credentials are correctly entered in the PluginHive app. Test the connection to confirm it’s active. Select the shipping services you want to offer at checkout (e.g., Parcel Post, Express Post, etc.). Step 5: Test Checkout Rates The PluginHive app dynamically calculates shipping rates at checkout using: Product weight and dimensions Selected carrier services and packaging To ensure accuracy: Add products with various weights to your cart. Go to checkout. Confirm that Australia Post live rates appear correctly. Troubleshooting Tips Verify that weight units are correct (kg or g, as required by Australia Post). Make sure every product has a valid weight entered. Confirm that necessary Australia Post services and packages are enabled in the app. Avoid conflicts with Shopify’s built-in shipping settings (disable any overlapping rates if needed). For more details, refer to PluginHive’s documentation or contact their support team via the PluginHive support forum for free onboarding assistance.

My product isn't showing in the PluginHive app to add the dimensions. How can I resolve this issue?

If your product is not appearing in the PluginHive app for dimension entry, please ensure the following steps: 1. Confirm that you have granted collaborator access to your store for PluginHive support. 2. After access is granted, PluginHive support can verify if the product is visible within the app and in any exported CSV files. 3. If the product is confirmed to be present, you should be able to see it and add dimensions. 4. If any specific products or variants are still missing after these steps, notify PluginHive support with the product details for further investigation.

Why is the PluginHive shipping plugin not calculating postage correctly even though product dimensions and weights have been entered?

Incorrect postage calculation can occur due to several factors even when product weights and dimensions are set. To resolve this: – Double-check that the product weights and dimensions entered in Shopify match the actual package specifications. – Review the shipping settings in your PluginHive app to ensure package types, packing rules, and courier service selection are correctly configured. – Compare the rates displayed at checkout with those shown by the official Australia Post Rates Calculator to identify any discrepancies. – For real-time rate troubleshooting, it is helpful to contact PluginHive support and provide specific order numbers and details about the expected versus displayed rates. This enables PluginHive support to review your account and settings directly and offer targeted assistance.

How can I configure the Australia Post Rates and Labels Shopify app to assign the correct shipping box size automatically based on the specific product variant, such as using a larger box for 100ml bottles and a smaller box for 30ml bottles, rather than relying on product weight?

The PluginHive Australia Post Rates and Labels Shopify app allows you to assign shipping box sizes based on product dimensions, not just weight. To achieve automatic box selection according to product variants: 1. Add your different box sizes in the app by specifying their weight and dimensions. 2. Enter the dimensions for each product variant within the app so the packaging logic recognizes the correct size required. 3. During checkout, the app uses the provided product dimensions to automatically select the most suitable box from the options you have defined. 4. The app will then show live shipping rates based on the selected box and carrier rates. 5. You can also generate and print shipping labels, and track your orders from within the app. 6. Ensure you have an Australia Post carrier account to use live rates and label generation. You can take advantage of the 14-day free trial to test how the box assignment works for your specific products and packaging requirements. For personalized app setup help, you can schedule an onboarding Zoom call with the PluginHive team after installation.

Can the PluginHive app automatically calculate and charge shipping costs at checkout based on varying product dimensions (such as different shapes of artwork) when using Australia Post?

Yes, the PluginHive app can automatically calculate shipping rates at checkout based on product dimensions and packaging boxes when using Australia Post. To use this feature:- Add dimensions to each product in the PluginHive app.- Set up packaging methods that correspond to the types of boxes or envelopes you use.- Configure the app to display real-time shipping rates at checkout.For detailed setup instructions, refer to the following resources:- How to add product dimensions: https://www.pluginhive.com/knowledge-base/set-up-shopify-australia-post-rates-labels-tracking-app/#add_dimensions- How to set up packaging methods: https://www.pluginhive.com/knowledge-base/set-up-shopify-australia-post-rates-labels-tracking-app/#australia_post_packaging- How to display rates at checkout: https://www.pluginhive.com/knowledge-base/set-up-shopify-australia-post-rates-labels-tracking-app/#shopify_australia_post_live_rates

How can I set product-based shipping costs for different zones (Metro and Non-Metro) in my Shopify store using the PluginHive Australia Post Rates and Labels App?

The PluginHive Australia Post Rates and Labels App calculates shipping rates at checkout using real-time Australia Post APIs, based on the ship-from address and destination postal codes. Setting manual, product-based shipping rates for specific zones directly within the app is not possible. To handle different rates for Metro and Non-Metro zones per product, consider creating separate Shopify Shipping Profiles for your product types and zones. Assign products to different profiles and set zone-specific rates there. This method allows you to display different shipping options at checkout based on product and customer location through Shopify's native features. —

Why do I need to ensure that all product weights and dimensions are updated in Shopify for rates to display correctly in the PluginHive app?

Accurate product weights and dimensions are essential for the PluginHive app to calculate live shipping rates with Australia Post. If product information is missing or incorrect, the app may use default dimensions or be unable to generate shipping rates, leading to missing rates at checkout. To avoid this issue: 1. Review all your Shopify products and ensure weight, length, width, and height values are entered. 2. Make sure the dimensions comply with Australia Post’s packaging limitations (e.g., maximum parcel length and weight). 3. After updating product details, re-check the shipping rates at checkout to confirm everything is functioning as expected. This process helps the app generate valid shipping options and accurate postage costs for every order.

Why am I not getting shipping rates for a specific product when using satchels, even though it works for other products?

If a product's dimensions exceed the satchel's capacity, the app may fail to select suitable packaging and thus not display rates at checkout. In certain case, the product might haave a height of more than 1 cm, which is the maximum height of the satchels, making them ineligible for packaging. To resolve this: – Update the satchel's height in the PluginHive app to match or exceed your product's height. – After adjusting the satchel height, the app will be able to select an appropriate satchel, and shipping rates will display correctly at checkout. Regularly review and update your satchel dimensions in the app to reflect their true capacity, especially if your products vary in size.

How does the shipping rate adjust for each product or cart in the "Australia Post Shipping Rates And Labels" app? Is it based on product weight and satchel size, and can I choose which satchel or packaging to use?

Shipping rates are calculated directly by Australia Post based on the order's shipping details, including origin (ShipFrom), destination (ShipTo), and the package's total weight and size. The app automatically selects the most suitable satchel or packaging type based on the collective weight and volume of the items in the cart. If you prefer to specify which Australia Post satchels to use, you can do so by going to the app's settings: 1. Navigate to the app dashboard in your Shopify admin. 2. Go to "Settings". 3. Select "Edit Packaging Settings". 4. From here, you can select your preferred Australia Post satchels for shipping. The app will prioritize your selected satchels for rate calculation and fulfillment.

Why are the product box dimensions (e.g., 5cm x 5cm x 5cm) set in Shopify not being transferred to the Australia Post portal through the app?

The Australia Post Ship App does not use the boxes configured in Shopify Settings. You will have configure the App Packaging Settings with Box Packing Method and add your required shipping boxes which can then be used by the app for rates calculation and label generation.

Why are all my product quantities not being considered for shipping rate calculation when checking out with multiple products in the cart?

If the app is not using all the product line items for rates calculation on checkout, you can check the following: – Make sure all your products are part of the Shopify Shipping Profiles in which the app is added as a option for rates calculation. – Make sure all the products in the cart are enabled as Physical products in Shopify so that they are considered for shipping. – If your products are lightweight, the app might pack them all into one box. Australia Post has fixed price ranges for different weight limits. So, if your total order weight stays within the same weight range, the shipping cost will stay the same, even if you add more products.

Is it possible to set custom shipping rates per product in the app, similar to how Bandcamp merch handles shipping?

It is not possible to show or configure shipping rates per product within the PluginHive Australia Post Rates, Labels & Tracking app. The app calculates shipping rates at checkout based on overall shipping and package details provided but does not allow assigning individual rates per product. —

Why are shipping rates not displaying at checkout when using product weight and dimensions as package details with the PluginHive Australia Post app?

Shipping rates may fail to display at checkout when using product weight and dimensions as package details if Australia Post or StarTrack does not recognize the selected packaging. To resolve this, add a Custom Box in the Box Packaging Settings within the PluginHive app. This ensures the app selects an appropriate box from your list to package the product, allowing shipping rates to appear correctly at checkout. Follow these steps: 1. Navigate to the Box Packaging Settings in the PluginHive app. 2. Add a custom box with appropriate dimensions to suit your products. 3. Save the changes, and retest your checkout process to verify that rates are displayed. If you continue to face issues after this adjustment, contact PluginHive support for further troubleshooting.

How can I resolve issues with weight-based shipping calculation not working correctly for products on Shopify when dimensions and weights are correctly set?

If you are using the Weight-Based packing method in the PluginHive Australia Post app, rates will be calculated using only the total weight of the products without considering package dimensions. To calculate rates based on dimensional (volumetric) weight, enable the Volumetric Weight option under App → Settings → Packaging Settings. After enabling this: 1. Place a new test order and check the updated shipping rate at checkout. 2. Recreate the shipment on the Australia Post rate calculator using the same order details to confirm that the rates match what Australia Post returns. If the issue continues after these checks, contact PluginHive Support with the order details and screenshots so they can investigate further.

Why am I not getting the same product shipping cost as offered by Australia Post?

If your shipping costs are higher than what Australia Post offers, it may be due to the "Pre-Packed" option being enabled for your products. When the "Pre-Packed" option is turned on, each product quantity is packed individually, which can result in multiple packages and higher overall shipping rates. To resolve this: 1. Go to the Products section in the PluginHive app. 2. Click on the specific product name. 3. Disable the "Pre-Packed" option for all relevant products. 4. Save your changes and recheck the rates at checkout. This adjustment will allow the products to be packed together, resulting in shipping costs provided accurately by the Australia Post. —

Why are the shipping rates not changing based on the weight of the product during checkout, even though I increased the product weight?

Shipping rates in the PluginHive app are calculated directly by Australia Post using details like origin, destination, and total package weight and size. Australia Post shipping charges are generally based on predefined weight brackets—not per gram. So, small increases in weight may not affect the cost unless they push the package into a higher bracket. You can confirm this by entering your order details into the Australia Post rate calculator to see when the rates change. This ensures your store's rates align with Australia Post's pricing structure.

Is it mandatory to have product inventory in Shopify for the app to calculate shipping rates?

No, inventory is not mandatory for calculating shipping rates by the app. Shipping rates are calculated based on order details, including Ship From and Ship To addresses and package information. Inventory may only be checked when fulfilling the order, not during rate calculation at checkout.

Do we need to store product dimensions in Shopify for calculating shipping rates with the Australia Post Rates & Labels app, and if so, where should we enter them?

Storing product weight in Shopify is sufficient to calculate shipping rates using the Australia Post Rates & Labels app. However, if you want to include dimensions for more accurate rate calculations, you can update them directly in the app: 1. Go to the PluginHive app dashboard. 2. Navigate to “Products.” 3. Use the “Export CSV” option to download your product data. 4. Enter the required dimensions in the CSV file for each product. 5. Use the “Import CSV” option to update your products in bulk with the new dimension data.

Can shipping rates be calculated at checkout using only the package weight and customer location, without specifying product dimensions for all products?

Yes, shipping rates can be calculated at checkout based on the total package weight and the customer's shipping address, even if product dimensions are not specified. While it's recommended to enter packaging dimensions for more accurate rate calculation, it’s not mandatory at checkout. You can always add or update the package dimensions later, before generating the shipping label during fulfillment.

How are shipping rates calculated in the PluginHive app when using Australia Post? Is shipping based on weight ranges or per gram, and why doesn't the shipping cost change when I slightly increase product weight?

Shipping rates in the PluginHive app are calculated directly by Australia Post using details like origin, destination, and total package weight and size. Australia Post charges based on predefined weight brackets—not per gram. So, small increases in weight won’t affect the cost unless they push the package into a higher bracket. You can confirm this by entering your order details into the Australia Post rate calculator to see when the rates change. This ensures your store's rates align with Australia Post's pricing structure.

How can I ensure that package dimensions are included in the shipping rate calculation for Australia Post orders?

To include package dimensions in the shipping rate calculation, switch the packing method to Box Packing in the PluginHive app. Follow these steps: 1. Go to App Settings. 2. Navigate to Packaging. 3. Click Edit. 4. Select the Box Packing method. 5. Add your own custom boxes or the carrier boxes by clicking on "Add Box." 6. If you are adding custom box, ensure to enter the correct dimensions and details of your boxes. 7. Click Save. After switching to Box Packing, the app will use the dimensions of the selected box (and how products fit within it) for rate calculations. After updating, check for rates on checkout & verify the Rates Log (or) generate shipping labels for new orders and verify the calculations accordingly. Do compare and verify the rates with AuPost dashboard rates if needed. Learn more about packing here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdt2hqF6wRU

How should product "pre-packed" status be configured to avoid international shipping issues with Australia Post?

For international shipments using Australia Post, ensure that products are not unnecessarily marked as "pre-packed" unless required. Marking items as pre-packed can lead to separate packages being created for a single order. Since Australia Post eParcel only supports one package per international shipment, this will cause shipping rate lookup failures. Review your product packing rules and only use pre-packed status when absolutely needed for domestic orders. For international orders, combine products into a single package where possible to ensure rates are returned at checkout.

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Shopify Australia Post Shipping App