How to use the Product Catalogue

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Common use cases
• How it works
• Getting set up
  • Adding products
  • Product Catalogue settings
• FAQs

Overview

The Product Catalogue in eShip 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 eShip 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 eShip, and we’ll make sure your shipping quotes are accurate and acceptable to your couriers.

How it works

1. Load your products into eShip
   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.
2. Item matching during checkout and order import
   
   • During order import
     When you import an order, eShip will automatically check for matching SKUs between the order items and the Product Catalogue.
3. Apply settings for data population
   Based on the settings you select:
   • Override all values
     eShip will replace all product details in the order or at checkout with those from the Product Catalogue.
   • Only populate missing values
     eShip will only fill in fields that are empty in the order or checkout process.
4. Order completion
   Once eShip completes the import, the order will contain the correct details from the Product Catalogue, ready for processing.

Getting set up

Adding products

Add a new product

1. In your eShip account, navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue.
2. Click Add new product manually.
3. Enter the product details, including SKU, bin location, HS code, and any other necessary fields.
4. 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

1. Navigate to Settings Product Catalogue.
2. Under Import from CSV file, click Select and choose the CSV file.
3. Click Upload.

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.
  
  eShip 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.
  
  eShip 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.

Disabling automatic data population

Disable Product Catalogue

• Navigate to Settings > Product Catalogue, uncheck Enable Product Catalogue for order import, then click Save.
  
  eShip 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. eShip will link SKUs and add the bin locations during order import.

Why would I use eShip's Product Catalogue over Shopify's?

eShip’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. eShip’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?

eShip 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.