There’s a lot of things to shop, and many much more if you decide to work with sellers that go beyond the standard offerings. These customizations can involve unique designs and products, and very often it requires special handling instructions for shipping. While this level of personalization enhances the shopping experience, it also introduces the critical need for accurate shipping calculations, particularly when it comes to volumetric weight.

Understanding Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, is a pricing technique used in the shipping industry to account for the space a package occupies, rather than just its actual weight. This is particularly important for lightweight but bulky items, which may take up more space in a delivery vehicle or storage, thus incurring higher shipping costs. The volumetric weight is calculated using the formula:

Here, the dimensions are measured in centimetres, and the divisor (4000) is a standard conversion factor used in many logistics services. While it is more commonly to use 5000, it is important to note that packaging buffers should be included, hence, 4000 would provide a great deduction for its volumetric weight for the product.

Why Accurate Volumetric Weight Matters

• Cost Accuracy: For both customers and sellers, accurate declaration of volumetric weight ensures that shipping costs are accurately calculated and quoted. Underestimating the volumetric weight might result in the customers forking out more cost than they should after an order has been placed on Indo4ward.
• Order Delays: Accurate weight and dimensions information allows us to effectively process an order without back and forth communication with the seller to determine its true weight. This is also a very important factor in preventing cancellations to an order at a later stage.
• Shipping Damages: Damages happen very often when an item is packed badly due to shaving of necessary volumetric weights. As such, it is important for customers that deal with the seller directly to accurately declare its weight on their product listing and make sure the item is well protected from shipping damages.
• Regulatory Compliance: Some countries and shipping companies have strict regulations regarding package dimensions and weight. Accurate declaration ensures compliance with these rules, avoiding potential fines or delays in delivery.

For custom orders on Tokopedia, declaring an accurate volumetric weight is crucial for maintaining a transparent, efficient, and hassle-free transaction. Both sellers and customers benefit from a clear understanding of shipping costs, ensuring that the shopping experience remains positive from order placement to delivery right to your doorstep.

Should sellers have any questions with regards to this, feel free to email us at [email protected].