Table of Contents
Overview
The Product Catalogue in Starshipit lets you store all relevant product details, such as SKU, HS code, and bin location. By using the Product Catalogue, you can:
- Streamline your order import process by automatically filling in missing product details.
- Improve compliance with carriers by adding all required customs and product information.
- Simplify pick-and-pack by including bin locations and product dimensions for efficient fulfillment.
- Enhance accuracy on checkout by using the Product Catalogue to provide complete product information when displaying live shipping rates.
Common use cases
- Wanting to pick/pack from Starshipit but need to specify where items are stored?
- Use the Product Catalogue to specify the location of each item. This information will be printed on packing slips and displayed in the UI for easy access.
- Missing item dimensions when creating packages?
- Specify the dimensions of each product, and configure your packages based on these item dimensions. (See the Packages Setup Guide for more info.)
- Shipping internationally and missing crucial customs details like HS codes and Country of Origin?
- Configure these in the Product Catalogue, and we’ll ensure they’re automatically submitted to the courier with your shipment.
- Is the item name on your storefront causing delays at customs, and you need to overwrite it with something more customs-friendly?
- Set the customs description for your items in the Product Catalogue, and we’ll update this information when you ship your orders.
- Don’t have item weights loaded in your platform?
- Set the weights in Starshipit, and we’ll make sure your shipping quotes are accurate and acceptable to your couriers.
- Want accurate live rates at checkout?
- Enable the Product Catalogue for checkout, and Starshipit will use product dimensions, weights, and values to provide the most accurate live shipping rates.
How it works
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Load your products into Starshipit
Start by adding all your products to the Product Catalogue, either manually or via a CSV import. This includes essential details like SKU, weight, dimensions, HS code, and other shipping-related information. -
Item matching during checkout and order import
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During order import
When you import an order, Starshipit will automatically check for matching SKUs between the order items and the Product Catalogue. -
On checkout (with live rates enabled)
When customers check out with live rates, Starshipit will reference the Product Catalogue to either complete or replace missing product information, like dimensions or weights.
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During order import
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Apply settings for data population
Based on the settings you select:-
Override all values
Starshipit will replace all product details in the order or at checkout with those from the Product Catalogue. -
Only populate missing values
Starshipit will only fill in fields that are empty in the order or checkout process.
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Override all values
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Order or checkout completion
Once Starshipit completes the import or checkout process, the order or live rate request will contain the correct details from the Product Catalogue, ready for processing or to display accurate live rates.
Getting set up
Adding products
Add a new product
- In your Starshipit account, go to Settings > Product Catalogue.
- Click Add new product manually.
- Enter the product details, including SKU, bin location, HS code, and any other necessary fields.
- Click Save.
Import products using a CSV file
CSV requirements
- Each product must be listed on a separate line.
- SKUs should be unique; each product variant should have its own SKU.
- Avoid commas in fields.
How to import
- Navigate to Settings Product Catalogue.
- Under Import from CSV file, click Select and choose the CSV file.
- Click Upload.
Watch the video
Add a new product to the Product Catalogue
- In your Starshipit account, select Products from the left menu.
- Click Add New.
- Enter your product details.
- Click Save .
Edit product details
- Select Products from the left menu.
- Locate the product you wish to edit by either searching in the search field or scrolling to the desired product row.
- Click on the specific field you want to edit within the respective product row.
- Update the necessary product details.
- Save your changes by clicking tab or any other section of the page.
Note
If the field you intend to update is not visible, click on the cog icon to select and display the field.
If the field you intend to update is not visible, click on the cog icon to select and display the field.
Import a product using a CSV file
CSV file requirements
- You must add one product/item per line.
- Each product SKU must be unique.
- Variant must be treated as a separate Product SKU.
- Ensure there are no commas in any fields (e.g. Shirt, with pants).
How to import a product using a CSV file
- Select Products from the left menu.
- Click More actions.
- Click Import CSV file.
- Click Browse and choose the CSV file from your computer.
- Click Upload.
Important
You can only import CSVs using our preformatted template. To download this template, click on the pre-formatted CSV template as shown in above modal.
You can only import CSVs using our preformatted template. To download this template, click on the pre-formatted CSV template as shown in above modal.
Product Catalogue settings
Populating values during order import and checkout
Override all values
- Navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue, select Override all values, then click Save.
Starshipit will replace all fields in the order or checkout process with details from the Product Catalogue when SKUs match.
Only populate missing values
- Navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue, select Only populate missing values, then click Save.
Starshipit will only fill in fields that are empty in the order or at checkout if the SKU matches an item in the Product Catalogue.
Adding missing items during import
Enable automatic addition of new items
- Navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue and select When importing orders, add items to the Product Catalogue if the item doesn’t match an existing SKU.
Any SKU not found in the Product Catalogue will automatically be added when orders are imported.
Use on checkout (for live rates)
Use Product Catalogue on checkout
- Navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue, select Use on checkout, then click Save.
When enabled, Starshipit will use the Product Catalogue to populate product details (like dimensions, weights, and values) for items at checkout if you’re using live rates. Based on other settings, it will either fill in missing details or replace all values. This ensures live rates are calculated accurately using complete product data.
Disabling automatic data population
Disable Product Catalogue
- Navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue, uncheck Enable Product Catalogue for order import, then click Save.
Starshipit will not use the Product Catalogue to fill any product details during order import or at checkout.
FAQs
Can I use the Product Catalogue for bin locations if my eCommerce platform doesn’t import them?
Yes, upload a CSV file with SKUs and bin locations. Starshipit will link SKUs and add the bin locations during order import.
Why would I use Starshipit's Product Catalogue over Shopify's?
Starshipit’s Product Catalogue is designed to enhance Shopify’s, not replace it. It helps you optimise items specifically for fulfilment. For example, you can set different customs descriptions than what’s on your store to improve delivery, add bin locations or barcodes to simplify packing, and include item dimensions for optimal packaging choices. Starshipit’s Product Catalogue bridges the gap between the items you sell and the most efficient way to pick, pack, and ship them.
How does the "populate missing values" setting impact HS Code rules?
HS Code rules take precedence over settings in the Product Catalogue.
How should I handle product variants?
Add each variant as a distinct SKU in the Product Catalogue.
What happens if I import a CSV with existing SKUs?
Starshipit will replace existing values with those in the import file.
What if there are duplicate SKUs in a CSV file?
The first occurrence is imported, while subsequent duplicates are ignored and flagged as errors.
Can I use the product catalogue on checkout?
When "Use on checkout" is enabled, Starshipit references the Product Catalogue to fill in or replace missing product details at checkout when live rates are displayed. This allows Starshipit to use product dimensions, weights, and values from the catalogue to calculate accurate shipping rates.
