The returns process is a special feature of OTTO: With every shipping confirmation, OTTO expects a return tracking number (return number) in addition to the shipment’s tracking number. Only then is an order considered shipped on OTTO. In this article, you learn which shipping methods you need in Xentral depending on your shipping route and when you need a return number pool.
Shipping route |
Shipping methods in Xentral |
Return number pool |
|---|---|---|
|
Automated parcel shipping with DHL |
One shipping method each for deliveries (DHL) and for returns (DHL Retoure), linked to each other |
Not required |
|
Freight shipping |
One shipping method with the Freight shipping module |
Required, request from the freight carrier |
|
Other parcel service or fulfiller |
Shipping methods with the module of your shipping service provider |
Required, request from the shipping service provider or fulfiller |
You can combine the shipping routes, e.g., use parcel and freight shipping in parallel. The "other parcel service" shipping route also applies if outbound and return shipping run through different providers.
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You have access to the Shipping methods module in Xentral.
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For automated parcel shipping with DHL: You have credentials for DHL, and outbound and return shipping run through the same DHL shipping mode.
With automated parcel shipping with DHL, Xentral determines the return number automatically. You need two shipping methods: one for deliveries and one for returns. First create both and then link them to each other.
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Open the Shipping methods module via Smart Search.
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Click on + NEW.
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Select DHL.
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Click on Expert mode.
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In the upper section, enter your DHL credentials and select the check box in the Expert section to edit the details of the shipping method.
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Enter a Designation by which you recognize the shipping method.
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Select the Project that you use for OTTO.
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Leave the Preferred return method and Return shipping method for enclosed return label fields empty for now. You fill them after you have created the shipping method for returns.
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Click on Save.
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In the Shipping methods module, click on + NEW.
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Select DHL Retoure.
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Click on Expert mode.
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In the upper section, enter your DHL credentials and select the check box in the Expert section.
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Enter a Designation by which you recognize the returns shipping method.
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Select the Project that you use for OTTO.
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Leave the Return recipient field empty for now.
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Click on Save.
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Open the shipping method for deliveries.
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For Preferred return method and Return shipping method for enclosed return label, select your shipping method for returns.
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Click on Save.
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Open the shipping method for returns.
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For Return recipient, select the matching entry.
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Click on Save.
With freight shipping, no special returns handling is necessary. You need a shipping method for deliveries and a return number pool from your freight carrier.
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In the Shipping methods module, click on + NEW and select the Freight shipping module.
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Enter a Designation by which you recognize the shipping method.
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Select the Project that you use for OTTO.
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Leave the Preferred return method field as it is preset. After saving, Xentral automatically enters the designation of the new shipping method here.
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Click on Save.
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Enter the return number pool of your freight carrier in the integration’s workflows (Order status & tracking sub-tab, Return numbers field).
If you ship with another parcel service or via a fulfiller, you create your shipping methods as usual with the module of your shipping service provider. In addition, request a return number pool from your shipping service provider or fulfiller and enter it in the integration’s workflows (Order status & tracking sub-tab, Return numbers field).
Important
Without a return number pool, the integration cannot report orders to OTTO as shipped for these shipping routes.