What does a package weigh that does not exist as a product?
A bundle is one line item in the cart with several articles behind it. Shipping still needs a number: a weight, dimensions, a delivery time. This page says where each of those comes from — and where that surprises people.
Weight is calculated, everything else inherited.
That is the sentence that matters, and it surprises in both directions. The weight comes out of the components. Dimensions, delivery time and stock, by contrast, come from the main product — regardless of what else is in the package.
| Figure | Source | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | sum of the components, times quantity | A package of three articles weighs what the three weigh together |
| Height, width, length | main product | The package dimensions are those of the main product, not of the carton |
| Delivery time | main product | A slow component does not extend the delivery time shown |
| Stock and restock time | main product | The stock shown is that of the main product |
| Free of shipping cost | never | Even if a component were free of shipping cost, the package is not |
For weight-based shipping rates that is the good news: the sum is right, and shipping calculates with what is actually in the carton.
Three articles, one weight.
A barbecue season set of three articles. Quantities count — two grill gloves weigh double.
The discount line stays out of it — it is not goods and weighs nothing. If a customer orders the package twice, the weight doubles accordingly.
If a component carries no weight, it enters the sum as zero. That is not an error, but it only shows up when shipping is calculated — a package that appears lighter than it is costs you real money at the carrier.
Three places where it pinches.
- Maintain weights. Weight-based shipping rates are only as good as the weights on the individual articles. A component without a weight drags the sum down.
- Check dimensions. The package dimensions are those of the main product. If your shipping rates depend on volume or girth, that is where you have to do the maths.
- Announce the delivery time. It comes from the main product. If a component with a longer lead time sits in the package, the display promises more than the warehouse can keep.
A word on free shipping, because it comes up regularly: a bundle is never free of shipping cost, not even when one of its components would be on its own. If you want packages shipped free, do it through the Shopware shipping rules — above an order value, say — and not through the flag on the product.
Common questions
How is the weight of a bundle calculated?
From the sum of its components, each multiplied by its quantity. A package of a grill at 18.4 kilograms, tools at 0.85 and two gloves at 0.12 each weighs 19.49 kilograms. The discount line does not count.
Where do dimensions and delivery time come from?
From the main product of the bundle, not from the components. Height, width, length, delivery time, stock and restock time are taken from there.
Can a bundle be free of shipping cost?
Not through the flag on the product — a package is never free of shipping cost, even if a component would be. If you want free shipping on packages, solve it through the Shopware shipping rules, for instance above a given order value.
Do weight-based shipping rates work with bundles?
Yes, and with the real total weight, because it is calculated from the components. The prerequisite is that every component has a weight maintained.
What happens if a component has no weight?
It enters the sum as zero. The package then appears lighter than it is — a silent error that only shows up at the carrier.
Does a slow component extend the delivery time of the package?
No. What is shown is the delivery time of the main product. If a component takes longer, you should reflect that on the main product.
In detail in the manual
Other ways to put a package together.
Many packages at once
Create a bundle once and assign it to many products through custom fields, by mass edit or import.
Read on → Coffee starter setFixed bundle
Every component is set. The customer takes the package as you put it together, or not at all.
Read on → Barbecue season setSelectable bundle
The customer removes what they already own, and the price follows along immediately.
Read on →Do the maths in the demo shop.
A package in the cart, with its weight and shipping cost.