Rate Shopping

Rate Shopping allows you to compare rates from multiple carriers for a specific order and select the best shipping option directly from the processing view. This functionality shows all available options sorted by price, making it easy to compare and select the most suitable shipping method.

Unlike Shipping Estimates which is a standalone tool, Rate Shopping is integrated into the order processing flow, allowing you to get rates and update the order in one place.

Quick Use

From the Shipping view, click Get Rates on any order to see all available options. Rates are automatically sorted from lowest to highest price.

Why Use Rate Shopping?

Real-Time Comparison

Get updated rates from all available carriers for each specific order, with accurate information based on actual package weight and dimensions.

Quick Selection

Compare and select the shipping method directly from the modal, updating the order and generating the label in one step.

Complete Information

View retail price, OMS price, carrier, shipping method, package type, and estimated delivery time to make informed decisions.

Cost Optimization

Find the best available rate by comparing all options side by side, helping you reduce shipping costs.

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Using Rate Shopping on an Order

1. Access Shipping View

   From the main menu, go to Processing and choose the order you want to compare rates for.

2. Locate the Order

   In the orders table, locate the order for which you want to compare rates.

3. Click Get Rates

   Click Get Rates in one of these places:

   • In the order detail panel (right side): the Get Rates button with tags icon
   • In the order row actions dropdown: the Get Rates link

4. Wait for Calculation

   The system will calculate rates from all available carriers. You’ll see a loading indicator while rates are being processed.

5. Review Options

   A modal titled Available rates will open showing all available shipping options sorted by price. Use the Close button to dismiss the modal without selecting.

6. Compare Rates

   Review the following columns for each option:

   • Price / Retail: Final price with discounts (main) and carrier retail price (Retail badge)
   • Oms Price: Price that will be charged to the customer (includes configured margins)
   • Carrier: Carrier name (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc.)
   • Method: Shipping method code and name
   • Package: Package type
   • Delivery Time: Estimated delivery time and transit days

7. Select Method

   For each option, you have two buttons available:

   • Save & Confirm: Saves the selected method and updates the order
   • Print Label: Saves the method and immediately generates the shipping label

8. Confirm Selection

   Click “Save & Confirm” or “Print Label” according to your preference. The order will automatically update with the selected method.

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Understanding Filter and Sort Columns

Filter Results

You can filter results using the search fields in the Carrier and Method columns:

• Search by specific carrier name
• Filter by shipping method

Sort Results

Results are automatically sorted by price (lowest to highest). You can click the Price / Retail, Oms Price, or Carrier column headers to change the sort order.

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Available Actions

Save & Confirm

This button saves the selected shipping method and updates the order:

• Updates carrier and shipping method in the order
• Saves the selected rate
• Closes the modal automatically
• Updates the order row in the main table

After clicking, you can generate the label later using the “Get Label” or “Print Label” button in the main view.

Print Label

This button saves the method and immediately generates the label:

• Updates carrier and shipping method in the order
• Automatically generates the shipping label
• Closes the modal
• Shows the generated label for printing

Use this option when you’re ready to print the label immediately.

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Information Shown

Prices

The system shows two price columns:

• Price / Retail: The main number is the final price with discounts. The Retail badge shows the base carrier price.
• Oms Price: Price that will be charged to the customer, including discounts, margins, and special rates configured in your account.

Delivery Time

Each option shows:

• Delivery Date: Estimated delivery date
• Days: Estimated number of transit days

This information helps you choose between speed and cost.

Warnings

If a rate shows a very low Oms Price (≤ $0.01), you’ll see a warning icon indicating you may need to review your margin configuration. You can continue with that rate if desired, but it’s recommended to verify the configuration.

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💡 Best Practices

Compare Before Selecting

Review all available options before selecting. Sometimes a faster method can be more economical than a standard one for certain destinations.

Consider Time vs Cost

Evaluate both price and delivery time. A more economical method may be suitable if the customer doesn’t need urgent delivery.

Use Print Label for Efficiency

If you’re certain of the selection, use “Print Label” to save and generate the label in one step, saving time.

Check Warnings

Pay attention to low price warnings. They may indicate configuration issues that need to be fixed.

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Troubleshooting

No Rates Are Displayed

Problem: You click Get Rates but no options appear, you see “No found rates”, or an error message appears.

Solution:

• Verify that the order has complete address information (zip code, country)
• Ensure the order has weight and dimensions configured
• Verify that you have shipping methods configured and active
• Check that carriers are correctly configured with their credentials
• Check the browser console for specific error messages

Rates Seem Incorrect

Problem: The displayed rates don’t match what’s expected.

Solution:

• Verify that the order’s weight and dimensions are correct
• Review discount and margin configuration in your account
• Ensure the destination address is valid and complete
• Verify that carriers are using the correct credentials

Get Rates Button Doesn’t Appear

Problem: You don’t see Get Rates in the order actions or detail panel.

Solution:

• Verify that the order is in a state that allows getting rates (not completed or canceled)
• Ensure you have permissions to get rates
• Verify that the order is not of type MANUFACTURE (these orders use Get Work Order instead)
• Reload the page if the problem persists

I Can’t Select a Method

Problem: The “Save & Confirm” or “Print Label” buttons don’t work.

Solution:

• Verify you have permissions to update orders
• Ensure the order hasn’t been modified by another user while you had the modal open
• Close and reopen the rates modal
• Review error messages in the browser console

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Related Information

• Shipping Estimates - Get rate estimates before creating orders
• Shipping Labels - Generate and manage shipping labels
• Shipping Methods - Configure available shipping methods

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Next Step: Shipping Labels - Generate shipping labels for your orders