What is a batch upload, and how does it work?
Batch uploads let you create dozens or even hundreds of orders at once—perfect for when you have a lot to send! All you need is a spreadsheet with your parcel info, and you can upload it in one go.
It might sound tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, batch uploading is quick and easy. This page will walk you through the process 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
-
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
If you're booking your orders for a standard pickup you can simply enter the date in your file. Make sure your pickup address is verified or it will default to drop off.
If you'd like to change any orders from pickup to drop-off or use a different delivery speed, you can set these options now.
- Use the checkboxes to select the relevant orders
- Click Delivery option and choose an option
- If you've chosen a pickup option, set your pickup date
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. inches or lbs).
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 123
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
The following columns are optional, which means you can leave these blank with no problems.
- pickup_date (If you leave this column blank, your orders will be booked for drop off)
- receiver_company
- receiver_address_line2
- customer_reference
Domestic parcels
Leave the following ‘International only’ columns blank when you’re sending a parcel within the US.
- receiver_country
- country_of_origin
- customs_description
- contents_hs_code
- 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 billing threshold, and it increases as your sending volume increases.
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.
Batch order limits by plan type
When you first start sending parcels with Sendle, your billing threshold will be set to an initial amount, depending on your Sendle plan type. As your sending volume increases your limit will also increase, until it reaches the maximum amount.
Personal
The starting billing threshold is $5, then $20 and increasing up to a maximum of $500
The starting batch order limit is 3 orders per CSV, then 5 orders and increasing up to a maximum of 100 orders
Premium
The starting billing threshold is $5 then $30 and increasing up to a maximum of $1,000
The starting batch order limit is 5 orders per CSV, then 10 orders and increasing up to a maximum of 200 orders
Pro
The starting threshold is $5 then $100 and increasing up to a maximum of $4,000
The starting batch order limit is 15 orders per CSV, then 25 orders and increasing up to a maximum of 300 orders
Cancelling an order
You can cancel individual orders or the whole batch at once. If you don’t see the option to cancel, don’t worry! Just click the ‘Cancel order’ button, and a support ticket will automatically be created for you.
For batch orders, cancelation requests will need approval from our team before they’re fully processed. We’ll notify you as soon as your request has been reviewed and approved. You can keep an eye on your cancelations from your dashboard.