## We're Here to Help

# Part 1: Learning the Basics

#### On this page

- **[Shipwire account tour](/content/support/getstarted-basics/#account-tour/index.html)**
- **[Product education](/content/support/getstarted-basics/#product-education/index.html)**
- **[Packaging education](/content/support/getstarted-basics/#packaging-education/index.html)**
- **[International education](/content/support/getstarted-basics/#international-education/index.html)**

#### Shipwire account tour

The Shipwire application interface is intuitive, easy to use, and is made to help you get started with outsourced fulfillment. Here’s a brief overview of the main screens in your Shipwire account:

- [Account overview](/content/support/account-overview/index.html)

#### Product education

**What information does Shipwire need about my products?**

- Dimensions and Weight – Both product dimensions and weights must be accurate
- Harmonized Tariff Code (HTS) – Product code for international customs: [read more](/content/support/customs-processing-fields/index.html)

**What products does Shipwire not accept?**

For a list of products Shipwire does not accept, refer to the [Acceptable Use](/content/support/use/index.html) page. Generally, the following products are not permitted:

- Live Plants and Animals
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Ammunition & Firearms
- Tobacco
- Explosive or Hazardous Products
- Unique or One-of-a-Kind Items
- Large lithium battery products – aka fully regulated

**What products require pre-approval?**

- Products with Transportation Requirements
- High Value Goods (e.g. > $500) or Cash Equivalents
- Big or Heavy Products (e.g. > 24” or > 70 lbs.)
- Adult Products
- Potentially Hazardous Products (e.g. anything with a MSDS, Lithium Batteries, etc.) will be subject to additional documentation and labeling requirements to comply with local customs rules and regulations

**Shipwire product types**

- **Pick and Pack**

- We pick and pack all the items into our own packages.  
  - Pick and Pack rates apply up to 20 items per order.  
  - The Shipwire platform will determine when it is cheaper to put a multiple item order into a single package.  
  - Standard and Premium Packaging is available.

- **Pre-packaged and Ready-to-Ship**

- We apply a shipping label to your product that is packaged to ship.  
  - The box or mailer needs to be large enough to accommodate a shipping label.

- **Inner Packs and Master Cases**

- The pick and pack fee to pick an inner pack or master case is the same to pick a base product.  
  - By placing base products in inner packs and/or master cases, you can avoid paying deposits.  
  - Reduced fee for fulfillment center transfers.

- **Marketing inserts**  
  - Marketing materials inserted into orders.  
  - $0.20 per insert.  
  - [Learn more](/content/support/marketing-inserts/index.html)

- Read more: [Shipping in bulk and how cases work](/content/support/shipping-in-bulk/index.html)

#### Download the Configuring Your Products guide

Our printable [Configuring Your Products](https://www.ingrammicroservices.com/resources/configuring-your-products/) PDF guide will show you how to set up your product catalog. Learn the best practices and get a step-by-step guide for setting up units and cases.

[Learn more](https://www.ingrammicroservices.com/resources/configuring-your-products/)

#### Packaging education

To help minimize cost and prevent unnecessary errors and damage, follow these packaging guidelines when you send products to one of our fulfillment centers.

**How does Shipwire recommend I package my products?**

You can read our packaging guidelines on the [Packaging best practices](/content/support/packaging-best-practices/index.html) page. Here are the general recommendations for packaging:

- Best practice is to treat your products like a Consumer Packaged Good (CPG).
- Apparel should be poly-bagged & labeled (e.g. Bagged & Tagged).
- Protect your products with outer packaging (sending in loose products not advised).
- Products, as packaged, should be able to survive a 4-foot drop test. [Learn more](/content/support/packaging-best-practices/#4ftdrop/index.html).
- Oversized items should be sufficiently packed to withstand pressure incurred during handling.
- Wrap high-value items that are at risk of damage individually.

When sending in inventory that uses an [inner pack and master case packaging](/content/support/shipping-in-bulk/index.html) configuration, ensure the cardboard is sturdy enough for handling and the sealing tape is at least 2" wide. Heavier master cases (> 70lbs.) require [special packaging](/content/support/packaging-best-practices/#master-cases/index.html).

**Note:** Packaging may require compliance with local laws and regulations.

#### International education

Shipwire can ship internationally from any of our fulfillment centers. You should use Shipwire fulfillment centers located in-country to eliminate the costs and hassles of cross-border commerce.

**Who pays for inbound duty and taxes?**

All inventory sent to Shipwire fulfillment centers must be sent “Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)”, meaning free of duties, taxes, or customs. When sending inventory to a Shipwire fulfillment center internationally, you should work with a customs broker, who will coordinate duty and taxes for you.

**Is Shipwire the Importer or Record for my inbound shipments?**

No. Your company, a subsidiary, or another corporate entity are the importer of record. Shipwire provides helpful import guides for the countries in which we have fulfillment center locations:

- [US import guide](/content/support/us-import/index.html)
- [Canada import guide](/content/support/canada-import/index.html)
- [UK import guide](/content/support/uk-import/index.html)
- [China import guide](/content/support/hong-kong-import/index.html)
- [Australia import guide](/content/support/australia-import/index.html)

**What about outbound duty and taxes?**

Typically, duties and taxes on international e-commerce orders are paid for by the recipient. Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding import duties

**Best practices for international ecommerce?**

- Each SKU needs its [Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)](/content/support/customs-processing-fields/index.html) code entered in your account.
- There is a $1.50 per-order charge for Commercial Invoice preparation.

#### Next: [Part 2: Sending in your first item](/content/support/getstarted-receiving/index.html)