How to Set Up UPS WorldShip and Volusion

If you are an online retailer, having a reliable shipping process is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business. One way to streamline your shipping process is to integrate your online store with UPS WorldShip and Volusion, two powerful tools that work together seamlessly to simplify shipping and tracking. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of setting up and configuring the integration between UPS WorldShip and Volusion, including the benefits, system requirements, installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, best practices, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to get the most out of UPS WorldShip and Volusion to ship your products faster and more efficiently than ever before.

What is UPS WorldShip and Volusion?

Before we dive into the details, let’s briefly define what UPS WorldShip and Volusion are. UPS WorldShip is a shipping software that allows you to process shipments, print labels, and track packages from your desktop. It supports all UPS services, including domestic and international shipping, returns, and hazardous materials. Volusion, on the other hand, is an eCommerce platform that provides everything you need to create, manage, and grow your online store, from design templates and product listings to payment processing and customer support. By integrating UPS WorldShip with Volusion, you can automate your entire shipping workflow, from order fulfillment to delivery confirmation, and reduce errors and delays caused by manual data entry and processing.

One of the benefits of using UPS WorldShip and Volusion together is the ability to offer your customers real-time shipping rates and delivery estimates. With the integration, your online store can access UPS’s shipping database and calculate accurate shipping costs based on the weight, dimensions, and destination of each order. This not only improves the customer experience but also helps you avoid overcharging or undercharging for shipping, which can impact your bottom line.

Another advantage of using UPS WorldShip and Volusion is the ability to streamline your order management and inventory tracking. When an order is placed on your Volusion store, it is automatically sent to UPS WorldShip for processing and shipping. This means you don’t have to manually enter order details or shipping information, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors. Additionally, the integration allows you to track inventory levels in real-time, so you can avoid overselling products and ensure you always have enough stock on hand to fulfill orders.

Benefits of integrating UPS WorldShip and Volusion

The benefits of integrating UPS WorldShip with Volusion are numerous and significant. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Automated order processing: When you receive an order in Volusion, it is automatically sent to UPS WorldShip for processing, saving you time and effort.
• Real-time rate and transit time quotes: You can get accurate shipping rates and delivery estimates directly from UPS in real-time, based on the weight, dimensions, origin, and destination of the shipment.
• Label printing and tracking: You can print shipping labels and track packages right from your desktop, without having to go to a UPS store or website.
• Customizable shipping rules: You can set up shipping rules in Volusion based on criteria such as weight, destination, and shipping method, and apply them to specific products or categories.
• Streamlined returns processing: You can generate return labels for your customers and track their return packages using UPS WorldShip, making the returns process faster and more efficient.

By integrating UPS WorldShip with Volusion, you can save time, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction, which can lead to higher sales and profits.

System requirements for setting up UPS WorldShip and Volusion

Before you can start using UPS WorldShip and Volusion together, you need to make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Here are the system requirements for each tool:

UPS WorldShip system requirements

• Operating system: Windows 7 or later
• Processor: 2.0 GHz or faster
• Memory: 4 GB or more
• Hard drive space: 10 GB or more
• Internet connection: Broadband or faster
• Browser: IE 11 or later, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari

Volusion system requirements

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera (latest versions)
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X
• Processor: Pentium 4 processor or better
• Memory: 2 GB or more
• Screen Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
• Internet Connection: Broadband or faster

If your system meets these requirements, you can proceed to the next step, which is downloading and installing UPS WorldShip software.

Downloading and installing UPS WorldShip software

To download and install UPS WorldShip software, follow these steps:

1. Go to the UPS website and click on the “Download WorldShip” button.
2. Select the version of WorldShip that matches your operating system.
3. Read and accept the license agreement, and then click on the “Download” button.
4. Save the installation file to your computer and run it.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
6. Once you have installed UPS WorldShip, you need to set up a UPS account for shipping.

Setting up a UPS account for shipping

To set up a UPS account for shipping, follow these steps:

1. Go to the UPS website and click on the “Sign up” button.
2. Fill out the registration form with your business and contact information.
3. Select the type of account you want to open (e.g., pay-per-use, shipper, or importer/exporter).
4. Provide your payment and billing information, and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Submit the application and wait for approval.
6. Once your account is approved, you will receive your UPS account number and API credentials, which you need to configure Volusion to use with UPS WorldShip.

Configuring Volusion to work with UPS WorldShip

To configure Volusion to work with UPS WorldShip, follow these steps:

1. Login to your Volusion account and go to the Shipping section.
2. Click on the “Add Shipping Method” button and select “UPS” from the list.
3. Enter your UPS account number and API credentials in the fields provided.
4. Configure the shipping options, such as weight, dimensions, and shipping method, according to your preferences.
5. Save the settings and exit the Shipping section.
6. Now, your Volusion store is connected to your UPS account via the WorldShip integration.

Creating shipping rules in Volusion

To create shipping rules in Volusion, follow these steps:

1. Login to your Volusion account and go to the Shipping section.
2. Click on the “Shipping Rules” tab and select “Add New Rule” button.
3. Select the criteria for the rule, such as the destination, the product weight, or the shipping method.
4. Enter the shipping cost or percentage based on the criteria selected.
5. Save the rules and exit the Shipping section.
6. Now, these shipping rules will apply to the orders processed via the UPS WorldShip integration.

Mapping shipping methods in Volusion to UPS services

To map shipping methods in Volusion to UPS services, follow these steps:

1. Login to your Volusion account and go to the Shipping section.
2. Click on the “UPS” tab and select a shipping method, such as Ground, 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air.
3. Select the corresponding UPS service from the dropdown list provided in the “Service” field.
4. Save the settings and exit the Shipping section.
5. Repeat the process for all the shipping methods you want to map to UPS services.
6. Now, these shipping methods will be automatically mapped to the corresponding UPS services during order processing.

Testing the integration between UPS WorldShip and Volusion

To test the integration between UPS WorldShip and Volusion, follow these steps:

1. Create a test order in Volusion with a valid shipping address and product weight.
2. Process the order in UPS WorldShip and generate a shipping label.
3. Print the label and affix it to a test package.
4. Create a shipment in UPS WorldShip and enter the tracking number in Volusion.
5. Click on the “Track Package” link in Volusion to verify that the package status is updated.
6. If everything works as expected, the integration is successful, and you can start using UPS WorldShip and Volusion together for your actual orders.

Troubleshooting common issues during setup

If you encounter any issues during the setup process, here are some common problems and solutions:

• If you cannot connect to UPS WorldShip from Volusion, make sure your firewall settings are not blocking the connection, and your internet connection is stable.
• If you cannot download or install UPS WorldShip software, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements, and your antivirus software is not interfering with the installation process.
• If you cannot set up a UPS account for shipping, make sure your business information is correct, and your credit card or payment account is valid and has sufficient funds.
• If you cannot configure Volusion to work with UPS WorldShip, try removing and re-adding the API credentials, and make sure the integration settings are saved correctly.

Best practices for using UPS WorldShip and Volusion together

Here are some best practices for using UPS WorldShip and Volusion together:

• Test the integration thoroughly before using it for your actual orders.
• Maintain accurate product weight and dimension data in your Volusion store to ensure accurate shipping rates and labels.
• Monitor your orders and shipments closely to detect any errors or delays.
• Provide your customers with tracking information and delivery notifications to reduce the risk of package loss or theft.
• Update your shipping rules and mapping regularly to reflect any changes in your business or shipping needs.

Frequently asked questions about integrating UPS WorldShip and Volusion

Here are some frequently asked questions about integrating UPS WorldShip and Volusion:

• Q: How much does it cost to use UPS WorldShip and Volusion together?
  A: The cost of using these tools together depends on the volume of orders and shipments you process. You may need to pay for a UPS account and a Volusion subscription, as well as any additional fees for shipping services or add-ons.
• Q: What if I have multiple shipping carriers besides UPS?
  A: You can configure Volusion to use multiple carriers by creating shipping methods for each carrier and setting up mapping and rules accordingly. However, you may need to purchase additional software or plugins to support multiple carriers.
• Q: Can I customize the shipping label format in UPS WorldShip?
  A: Yes, you can customize the shipping label format in UPS WorldShip by using the Label Designer tool. You can add your logo, barcode, and other information to the label.
• Q: What if my products require special handling or packaging?
  A: You can set up special handling or packaging requirements in UPS WorldShip by using the Hazardous Materials or Package Type features. However, you may need to comply with additional regulations or restrictions, depending on the nature of your products.

Conclusion: Streamline your shipping process with UPS WorldShip and Volusion

Integrating UPS WorldShip and Volusion can greatly simplify your shipping process and improve your overall eCommerce experience. By automating order processing, real-time rate and transit time quotes, label printing and tracking, customizable shipping rules, streamlined returns processing, and more, you can save time, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Follow the steps and best practices outlined in this article, and you’ll be shipping your products faster and more efficiently than ever before.