What is a batch upload, and how does it work?
Tired of creating your orders one-by-one? With batch uploads you can create dozens or even hundreds of orders at once, in a fraction of the time.
When you have a list of parcels that you’d like to book with Sendle, you can put all the parcel info into a single spreadsheet and upload it to Sendle to create dozens or hundreds of parcels at once.
Getting started can feel daunting, but batch uploading is easy once you understand it. The trickiest part is filling out the spreadsheet for the first time, and this page will walk you through it step by step.
How to create and upload batch orders
Step 1. Download the template and reference sheet
The batch uploader needs specific information for each order, so we’ve created a template you'll use to create your spreadsheet of orders. We’ve also created a reference sheet for you. The template is empty, but the reference sheet has an explanation and an example in each column.
Download the template for batch uploading
Download the reference sheet for batch uploading
Step 2. Fill out the template
You can use any spreadsheet software you like – we recommend Google Sheets, but Excel and Numbers are also good.
Enter each order in its own row, following the column headers. Use the reference sheet as a guide. (You can also check the Tips for filling out your batch upload template section below)
It’s a good idea to only create two or three orders with your first batch upload – that way it'll be easy to fix any errors or mistakes, and your next batch will be smooth sailing.
Step 3. Save your filled template as a CSV file
You can only upload CSV files, so you’ll need to save or export your spreadsheet as a CSV file. The exact steps will depend on the spreadsheet software you’re using, but here’s how it works.
- Open your spreadsheet and click File
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Choose either Save as, Export, or Download.
Which one you see will depend on the program you’re using - Choose .CSV as the file format
- Give your file a unique name and save it somewhere you’ll be able to find it easily
Step 4. Upload the file and check your orders
- From your Sendle dashboard, click Batch order
- On the batch upload page, click Select your CSV file
- Choose your file and click Upload
- Read through your order list to make sure the details are correct, and open any orders you aren’t sure about to double check.
If you have any orders with errors they'll be highlighted red in the order list, and orders with warnings will be yellow. To fix them, just click into each order and scroll through it – you’ll be able to see where the problem is.
Step 5. Choose pickup or drop off, and select a delivery speed
Batch upload orders default to pickup, so if you're booking your orders for a standard pickup you can simply enter the date in your file.
If you'd like to drop off your orders or use a different delivery speed, you can set these options now.
- Use the tick boxes to select the relevant orders
- Click Delivery option and choose an option
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If you've chosen a pickup option, set your pickup date
If you've chosen to drop off your parcels, choose your drop off location - Click Update
Step 6. Confirm your orders and print your labels
When you’re ready to confirm your orders, click Create orders.
Your labels will be available in a single file so you can print them all at once, but the process of printing is the same: choose Cropped or A4 labels, click Download labels, then print them off.
Once a batch order is placed, we’ll display them in the ‘Batches’ tab of your Sendle dashboard. They can also be easily identified in your ‘All orders’ tab with a special icon.
Tips for filling out your batch upload template
The best way to fill out your template for the first time is to use the reference sheet as a guide. It has an explanation of each column, plus two examples – a domestic order and an international order.
If you'd rather just use this page, here are the main things to know.
Addresses
The columns in the CSV template match the fields you see when you book a parcel through the regular order form.
Remember to only enter the street number and street name in receiver_address_line1 – any additional information (such as level, unit or apartment number, or building name) goes in receiver_address_line2.
Package type
The package_type column is optional and accepts the following values:
- Box
- Satchel
- Unlimited Satchel
If left blank the package type defaults to "Box", which is also used for parcels other than satchels.
Please note that Unlimited Satchels must be packaged using Sendle's branded compostable satchels. If you are using Unlimited Satchels you must enter that package type and you won't be required to include dimensions and weight.
Volume and weight
Enter the weight, length, width, and height, and when you upload your CSV file we'll calculate your parcel’s volume and choose the right parcel size for you.
Delivery instructions
The delivery_instructions column is where you put instructions for the driver who drops your parcel off. This can be anything from 'Authority to leave' to 'Yodel when you get here' (we can't guarantee they'll follow that one, though).
This column is not for selecting 'pickup' or 'drop off', or choosing a delivery speed – for that, scroll up to Step 5: Choose pickup or drop off, and select a delivery speed.
This column is also not for arranging specific days or times for drop off (we can't do that) or requesting that the driver phone on approach (we can't do that either).
Numbers
You can enter as many or as few decimal points as you like, just make sure you're using the correct measurement (e.g. centimetres or kilograms).
If you enter a number that begins with a zero, your spreadsheet software might delete that first zero – which is a problem for things like mobile numbers and reference numbers. To fix the problem, just add an apostrophe at the start of the number, like this:
‘040 4123 123ref sheet
Adding extra cover
Enter the total value of cover for the parcel in the warranty_cover_value column. If you leave it blank your parcel will still be covered for loss or damage by free Sendle Cover, and the amount will depend on the type of parcel and your plan type.
You can also add extra cover after you upload your file by selecting one or more parcels, then clicking Extra cover.
HS codes for international parcels
You must include the correct HS code in the contents_hs_code column if you're sending parcels internationally. This is standard practice for almost all countries importing and exporting goods through customs. Check out this article for more info, including how to look up HS codes for your parcels.
Leaving columns blank
If you leave the pickup_date column blank, your orders will be booked for pickup on the next business day.
If the address you’re sending to doesn’t have a state (e.g. an English address) you can leave receiver_state_name blank.
Optional columns
The following columns are optional, which means you can leave these blank with no problems.
receiver_company
receiver_email
receiver_address_line2
receiver_contact_number
customer_reference
International parcels
Leave the following ‘Domestic only’ columns blank when you’re sending a parcel overseas.
delivery_instructions
Domestic parcels
Leave the following ‘International only’ columns blank when you’re sending a parcel within Australia.
receiver_country
country_of_origin
customs_description
contents_value
Batch order limits
Your 'batch order limit' is the maximum number of orders you can include in a single CSV file. It’s based on your current billing threshold, and it increases as your sending volume increases.
- Billing thresholds start at $25 and go up to $4,000.
- Batch upload limits start at 5 and go up to 300.
When you create orders (manually or using a batch upload) the cumulative cost of your orders is displayed on the Billing page in the Sendle app under Pending charges, and your current billing threshold is shown under Next payment.
When your pending charges reach your billing threshold, Sendle activates a payment. As soon as that payment goes through your billing threshold increases, and your batch order limit increases to match.
This process repeats as your sending volume grows, until you reach the maximum billing threshold and batch order limit for your plan type.
You can see your upload limit on the Batch upload page:
Batch order limit too low? No worries, just split your orders across multiple CSV files. There’s no limit to the amount of CSV files you can upload in a day
And, good news – if you upload multiple CSVs it’s likely that you’ll hit your billing threshold, which will raise your batch order limit for next time.