This article explains how to fill out the Package Manager Data template so the Pulse Commerce team can bulk import packaging information for your products. This process is faster and more accurate than manually entering data for each SKU individually.
When to Use This Process
- You have many SKUs that need packaging information configured
- You're onboarding as a new merchant and need to set up packaging data for your entire catalog
- You need to update packaging dimensions or weights for multiple products at once
- You want to ensure consistent packaging configuration across your product line
Download Package Manager Import Template & Legend:
Right-click and "Save As" if the file opens in your browser instead of downloading.
The template is a CSV file where you'll enter your packaging data. The legend document explains each field and shows accepted values. Keep both files handy while filling out the template.
Before filling out the template, collect the following information for each SKU:
Required Information for Every SKU
- SKU Name - Your exact product identifier as it appears in Cahoot
- Channel Name - Enter "Pulse Commerce" for all SKUs
- Custom Packaging Name - Must match exactly what's in Cahoot Settings > Packaging Manager
- Packaging Weight - Total weight including product, box/mailer, and packing materials
- Weight Unit - "lb" (pounds) or "oz" (ounces)
Packaging Type Options
You'll use one of two packaging approaches:
- Custom Packaging (Most Common) - Product ships in a box or mailer you've created in Packaging Manager (e.g., "Small Box 8x6x4", "Poly Mailer 10x13")
- Original Manufacturing Package - Product ships in its own packaging without additional box/mailer
Additional Fields (Only for Original Manufacturing Package)
If your product ships in its original packaging without an additional box or mailer, you'll also need:
- Packaging Length (longest side)
- Packaging Width (middle dimension)
- Packaging Height (shortest side)
- Dimension Unit - "in" (inches)
Fields to Ignore
Leave these fields blank unless specifically instructed by your Pulse Commerce representative:
- Merchant Code (Cahoot will fill this in)
- USPS Flat Rate Option
- Never Use USPS Ground Advantage
- FedEx Packaging
- Always Use FedEx One Rate
- UPS Packaging
- Harmonized Code
- Insurance
- Additional Supplies
1Open the CSV template in Excel, Google Sheets, or your preferred spreadsheet program
2Create one row for each SKU you need to configure
3Fill out the required fields for each SKU:
- SKU Name - Exact match from Cahoot
- Channel Name - "Pulse Commerce"
- Custom Packaging Name - Exact match from Packaging Manager
- Packaging Weight - Total weight (product + packaging)
- Weight Unit - "lb" or "oz"
4Only if using Original Manufacturing Package, also fill out:
- Packaging Length
- Packaging Width
- Packaging Height
- Dimension Unit - "in"
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ Including box dimensions when using custom packaging (leave blank)
- ❌ Using only product weight instead of total weight (product + packaging)
- ❌ Misspelling custom packaging names (must match exactly)
- ❌ Using different SKU names than what's in your Cahoot account
5Double-check your data before saving:
- ✓ All SKU names match your products in Cahoot
- ✓ Custom packaging names are spelled exactly as shown in Packaging Manager
- ✓ Weights include product + packaging materials
- ✓ Weight units are specified ("lb" or "oz")
- ✓ Dimensions are only provided for Original Manufacturing Package items
6Save the completed template as a CSV file
1Review your completed template one final time to ensure accuracy
2Send the completed CSV file to your Pulse Commerce representative or support team
3Include in your email:
- The completed template file
- Any questions or special instructions
- Confirmation that you've reviewed the data for accuracy
4The Pulse Commerce team will:
- Review your template for completeness
- Import the data into your Cahoot account
- Notify you when the import is complete
- Contact you if any corrections are needed
Do I need to provide box dimensions if I'm using custom packaging?
No. If you specify a Custom Packaging Name (like "Small Box" or "Poly Mailer 10x13"), the dimensions are already configured for that packaging type in your Packaging Manager. Leave the dimension fields blank. Only provide dimensions if the product ships in its Original Manufacturing Package without additional packaging.
What weight should I enter - just the product or product plus packaging?
Total weight. The Packaging Weight field should include the product weight PLUS the box/mailer weight PLUS any packing materials (bubble wrap, paper, etc.). This is the complete shipped weight.
What if I don't know what custom packaging types are available in my account?
Log in to Cahoot and navigate to Settings > Packaging Manager tab to see all available packaging types. You can also contact your Pulse Commerce representative for assistance in determining which packaging is appropriate for each product.
Can I submit a partial list and add more SKUs later?
Yes. You can submit packaging data for some SKUs now and add more later by submitting another completed template. This is helpful if you're still gathering information for some products.
What happens if I make a mistake in the template?
The Pulse Commerce team will review your template before importing. If they find errors or missing information, they'll contact you for corrections. It's always better to double-check your data before submitting to avoid delays.
Can I update packaging information later if my boxes or weights change?
Yes. If you need to update packaging information for multiple SKUs, you can submit a new template with the updated data. The Pulse Commerce team will import the changes for you.
What should I enter in the "Channel Name" field?
Enter "Pulse Commerce" for all SKUs. This is the standard channel name used for products managed through the Pulse Commerce platform.
Before Submitting Your Template
- ☐ Created custom packaging in Settings Packaging Manager
- ☐ Downloaded template and legend documents
- ☐ Gathered all required information (SKUs, packaging types, weights)
- ☐ Filled out required fields for all SKUs
- ☐ Used correct custom packaging names (exact spelling from Packaging Manager)
- ☐ Included total weights (product + packaging materials)
- ☐ Left dimension fields blank for custom packaging
- ☐ Only provided dimensions for Original Manufacturing Package items
- ☐ Double-checked SKU names match your Cahoot account
- ☐ Reviewed data for accuracy
- ☐ Saved completed file as CSV
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Custom packaging must exist in Packaging Manager before import
- ✓ Custom packaging dimensions are already configured - don't include them in template
- ✓ Packaging weight = product weight + box/mailer + packing materials
- ✓ Custom packaging names must match exactly (case-sensitive)
- ✓ Channel Name should always be "Pulse Commerce"
- ✓ Leave Merchant Code and optional fields blank