OPERATING NOTES · 6 OCTOBER 2026
Before dispatch: keep a record of the sealed package
The parcel entered at booking should be traceable to the sealed parcel handed to the carrier. Record its outer dimensions, packed weight and packaging type against a carton and shipment reference. If a later charge needs review, this gives the seller a concrete comparison instead of relying on an empty-box specification or a product’s weight alone.
Prepared by SinoWarehousing · Practical records with linked platform guidance.
Measure the parcel in its dispatch condition
Use the packed, sealed parcel with its actual protection and outer packaging. Keep length, width and height with the measurement unit, and keep packed weight with its unit. Where photos are included, show the relevant measurement and the parcel reference clearly enough to link them later.
Supplier box specifications may describe an empty box or its internal dimensions. A product-weight field may exclude the carton and packing material. Keep those descriptions separate from the dispatch measurements and agree the provider’s required entry and rounding method.
Connect three records to the same shipment
| Record | Information to retain | Comparison purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed parcel | Carton ID, measurement date, outer dimensions, packed weight and packaging type | What was measured before handover? |
| Booking or label | Tracking or booking reference, entered values and selected service | What information was submitted? |
| Later adjustment | Provider reference, stated reason, reported measurement and notice date | What difference is being reviewed? |
A batch-level photo is not enough if it cannot be matched to the affected carton. Keep each parcel’s measurement record with its own booking reference, including any approved change between preparation and dispatch.
Retain the original entry when correcting a booking
Illustrative example: an empty-box specification says 30 × 20 × 15 cm, while the sealed parcel measures 31 × 21 × 16 cm. Retain the dispatch measurements and correct the booking through the agreed process before handover where possible. These fictional measurements illustrate a record difference, not a rate calculation.
Keep the earlier value, corrected value, correction time and instruction together. If a carton is reopened or repacked, obtain a fresh sealed-package record for that parcel. The old measurement remains historical evidence rather than the active dispatch value.
Compare a charge with the reason given
Shopify explains that shipping-label adjustments can arise from differences in weight, dimensions, packaging or service classification, among other reasons. Its guidance directs sellers to inspect the adjustment reason in the order timeline and compare it with the package details.
For a relevant Shopify adjustment, its evidence guidance includes sealed-package dimension photos, a scale photo for a weight question and the tracking number. Match that material to the affected order and stated reason. For another provider, use its current review process and evidence requirements.
Use the record to ask a specific question
Identify the field that differs, the parcel involved and the supporting record. Keep any unknown carrier measurement or handling event marked as unknown. A measurement difference alone does not establish the cause, assign fault or show that a charge must be reversed.
When discussing China dispatch work, state whether carton-level measurements and photos are requested and how they should be linked to the shipment. Confirm the accepted measurement, packaging and handover scope with the actual product, quantity and destination.
Sources and scope
Sources checked 6 October 2026. Recheck the current seller program and account instructions before acting.
The record and example below are proposed dispatch controls. Shopify’s billing guidance applies to shipping labels purchased through its supported services. Other bookings follow their own carrier or provider process; this record does not promise a rate or a dispute outcome.
Related operating guides
Discuss the work directly
Share the product, quantity basis, current location, destination and requested work. Receiving addresses, handling scope and charges require acceptance for the actual shipment.
Preparing a batch?
Get the receiving plan right the first time.
Share the product, destination country and program. We confirm eligibility, pack version and importer role before your supplier ships.