PayCircuit.ECS-2: {USPS Shipping Assistant Labels}

ECommerce Simplified (ECS) Tool 2

• What is it: This tool generates a shipping label import file of your Google Checkout Orders for use with USPS Shipping Assistant
• Where is it: It is integrated with the Packing Slip tool (no standalone tool at this time)
• Status: Limited BETA
• Limitations:
  • US Merchants only (USPS specific). If you are a UK Merchant, your recommendation of a UK carrier is very welcome.
  • US delivery address only (no international delivery addresses)
• Your Cost: Free (as in free beer) during BETA.
• The Catch: Your feedback, comments & suggestions are requested.
• Where to send feedback: PayCircuit Google Group

Simplified FAQ

• Technical Requirements
  This tool is specifically for use with USPS Shipping Assistant. You will need to download and install it from the USPS web site.
• Is postage included in the labels?
  NO. The labels USPS Shipping Assistant prints does not have any postage. Postage must be applied separately. You must pay for postage when you drop off packages at your Post Office™. You can have USPS Shipping Assistant calculate postage prior to printing labels so you have an idea of costs.
  Note: USPS Shipping Assistant labels are intended for large envelopes and packages (not for letter-sized envelopes and postcards)
• Simplified "How to use"
  After you've succesfully installed USPS Shipping Assistant:
  1. Launch/run/start USPS Shipping Assistant
  2. Click SHIPPING CART tab (vertical tab)
  3. Click IMPORT LABEL WIZARD
  4. Since this is your first use, SELECT NEW DATA SOURCE
     (on subsequent use, the "data source" you create in these steps will be listed in "Existing..." section)
  5. Choose IMPORT FROM XML FILE in the drop down, then click NEXT
  6. Provide a name for this "data source" - e.g. GoogleOrders
     The name you provide will be listed in the "Existing..." mentioned in #4 on subsequent use - you don't need to go through these steps each time (you'll just choose it from the "Existing..." list)
  7. File path: browse to where you saved the file you downloaded
     Note: the steps you are performing creates a "profile" that USPS Shipping Assistant will save. This means that for you to use this "saved profile" (will be listed in "Existing..." mentioned in #4), you should not change both file name and location of the XML file you downloaded. You will essentially be overwriting the XML file each time you download.
  8. From this point on, follow the instructions for using USPS Shipping Assistant. The NEXT time you need to use, repeat STEPS 1 - 3, then select from the "Existing..." list and you're set!
     Addtional Notes:
     • You will notice that you need to FIX the imported labels - this is by design
     • Why? You need to make sure you provide accurate information such as: weight, service type (Priority, Express, Parcel Post, etc.), container type (flat rate, own packaging, etc.) of the package you are shipping. USPS Shipping Assistant will guide you through the process of successfully creating valid labels based on your choices.
     • TIP: SAVE your fixed labels in the SHIPPING CART instead of printing them immediately. This way you can CALCULATE postage (which in turn runs the address checker of USPS Shipping Assistant) prior to printing your label and make corrections (if any). Do this by selecting a label in the Shipping Cart and click EDIT LABEL.
     • PayCircuit does not provide any support pertaining to your use of USPS Shipping Assistant - consult its HELP documentation or obtain email/telephone support from USPS
• Wait! The instructions you gave were for USPS Shipping Assistant, what about this tool - how do I download the file?
  The tool is currently part of the Packing Slip tool (no standalone version at this time), and hopefully is simple enough to use with these instructions:
  • You will see an option to add the Order you are currently printing a Packing Slip for into your list of orders that you also want to print a shipping label for
  • When you are done printing Packing Slips for your current session, click "Download Shipping File"
    So yes, finish your Packing Slip printing and click download after your "session" (the file will contain all the orders - it's not one file per order).
  • Just about the only thing to remember is to save the file (named "googleorders.xml" by default) in the same location and without changing the file name (because of the "saved profile" in your USPS Shipping Assistant as mentioned in #7 above.
• Ok, WHERE is it?
  Go To the Packing Slip tool >>

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