Save Time with Auto-Fill Suggestions: When creating a single label, you can save time using auto-fill suggestions. Sometimes it might even be helpful to preload a list of names with addresses into your cache so autofill is even more helpful. That way you can start typing a name and autofill will have the rest of the associated information!
How to preload your cache to save names and addresses that will autofill
Preloading your cache is kind of a workaround, so make sure you follow these instructions and do NOT click the Buy button!
Start by Generating a Spreadsheet: You can preload your cache by uploading any CSV, Excel, or OpenOffice file, and the data can be formatted in any way, it just needs to be in separate columns with header titles.
Here's an example of how a properly formatted spreadsheet looks:
Required Data to Include: Generally, whatever your eCommerce or order management platform exports by default should work. However, if you're creating your own spreadsheet, the only required data is:
Name
Street Address
City
State, and
Zip code
Example of Proper Info: Here's a visual example of the minimum required data to include in your spreadsheet:
Uploading Your Spreadsheet: On the Ship page, click and browse for the spreadsheet file, or just drag’n’drop!
Here's where to find the "Upload a Spreadsheet" icon:
Smart Field Mapping: Pirate Ship will remember how you’ve mapped your spreadsheets before based on your header titles, but you can always double-check and make any adjustments you need.
After uploading your spreadsheet, you'll confirm the field mapping and how your info will appear on labels, as seen here:
Enter Dummy Package Details: Next we need to provide "dummy" package details. These details are not important because you are not creating a real batch, so for now, just use 8 x 8 x 8, 1 pound, 1 ounce—and if your spreadsheet contains an international address you’ll have to fill out the customs form—quantity 1, any description, declared value $1, and 1 ounce.
See the screenshot below for entering those "dummy" details:
Get Rates: Now, just click the Get Rates button, and voila - your names and addresses are now loaded!
Cancel & Delete Labels: Remember, all you're doing is pre-loading your addresses, and not purchasing any labels. Be sure to click Cancel & Delete Labels so you don’t accidentally buy a batch of labels!
Test Your Preloaded Cache: Now, if you head to the Ship page to Create a Single Label, you can start typing a name to see that Pirate Ship has cataloged your list of names and the associated addresses.
Here's how the auto-fill feature will look for you:
Addresses Save for 3 Months: Pirate Ship will save your uploaded addresses for 3 months, and we'll re-save that information every time you ship to that recipient.
Note that this is a workaround, and ARRrrr crewmates are working on a better way to do this in the future 😉
Related Resources: