Dynamic Ship, setting up payment types for alternate billing
In Dynamic Ship, setting up payment types for alternate billing involves configuring how shipping fees are charged when sending packages to customers. This functionality allows businesses to flexibly manage shipping costs by billing them directly to the customer's account or utilizing other payment methods based on the delivery scenario. Let's break down the process and provide an example to clarify how to implement alternate billing through Payment Types within Package Option Templates.
Understanding Payment Types for Alternate Billing
When setting up a Package Option Template for shipping, businesses can specify how the shipping fees are handled through the "Alternate Billing" option in the General FastTab. This setup influences which party is responsible for the shipping costs. Below are the payment types you can choose from, along with an example scenario for each:
1. None:
- Description: Prepaid on your account.
- Example: Your company decides to cover the shipping costs for a promotional event, absorbing all expenses so customers don't have to pay for shipping.
2. Sender:
- Description: Prepaid on your account (useful for Duties & Taxes on International orders when choosing the incoterm DDP).
- Example: For an international shipment where your business has agreed to cover all duties and taxes, selecting "Sender" ensures that all related costs are billed to your account, adhering to the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) incoterm.
3. Third Party:
- Description: Requires information for different carriers; recommended for uncertainty over billing party.
- Example: If a customer prefers their shipping costs to be billed to a specific account they have with a carrier, but it's unclear whether it should be a Receiver or Third Party account, you would start with Third Party. Upon confirmation, details like the client’s carrier account number are added.
4. Receiver:
- Description: The receiver's account pays for the shipping.
- Example: A customer orders products to be shipped to their location and has an agreement with your company that they will bear the shipping costs, using their account with the carrier.
5. Collect:
- Description: Specific to FedEx Ground Collect; client has indicated they can ship on their account.
- Example: A client specifically requests that all shipments sent to them by your company use their FedEx Ground account, and agrees to all associated costs.
Implementing Alternate Billing
To implement alternate billing, follow these steps:
1. Create a New Package Option Template:
- Navigate to the Package Option Template section and create a new template.
- In the General FastTab, input a meaningful Template Code, such as the Customer Name or Number, and describe the purpose in the Description field.
2. Specify Payment Type:
- Within the Additional FastTab under Alternate Billing, select the appropriate payment type based on the shipping arrangement with the customer.
- Fill out any required information for the chosen payment type, especially for Third Party and Receiver options where specific account numbers and carrier details might be needed.
3. Associate Template with Customer:
- On the Customer Options page, link the Package Option Template to the customer. This ensures all shipping fees are automatically billed according to the specified payment type.
This setup streamlines the billing process for shipping fees, making it easier for businesses to manage logistics costs effectively and maintain clear agreements with their customers regarding who bears these costs.
