Efficiency in international shipping isn't about sending each package as it arrives; it's about strategic consolidation. The BBDBuy spreadsheet is a powerful, free tool to transform chaotic multi-order purchases into streamlined, cost-effective shipments. This guide will walk you through how to organize by weight, date, and route for maximum savings.
The Power of Consolidation: Why Plan Multi-Order Shipments?
Many international shoppers use services like BBDBuy
Setting Up Your BBDBuy Spreadsheet
Start with a simple spreadsheet (Google Sheets, Excel, or the BBDBuy template). Create the following column headers:
| Column Header | Purpose & Data |
|---|---|
| Item/Order # | Product name and the seller's order number. |
| Warehouse Arrival Date | The date BBDBuy receives and logs the item. Crucial for timing. |
| Weight (kg) | Individual item weight from the warehouse storage page. |
| Dimensions (L*W*H cm) | For volumetric weight calculation on large, light items. |
| Declared Value (USD) | For combined customs declaration. |
| Destination Country | Your final shipping address. Keeps routes organized. |
| Consolidation Batch # | Your assigned group (e.g., Batch-01-Oct). |
| Shipping Route Selected | E.g., "EMS", "SAL", "DHL Triangle". |
The 3-Step Planning Process: Weight, Date, Route
1. Organize by Warehouse Arrival Date
Sort your spreadsheet by the "Warehouse Arrival Date"cut-off date" for each consolidation batch. A common strategy is a weekly or bi-weekly cycle, balancing wait time against consolidation gains.
Pro Tip:
2. Consolidate by Weight and Volumetric Limits
This is where savings materialize. Most shipping routes have price breaks at specific weight tiers (e.g., 0-2kg, 2-5kg, 5-10kg, 10kg+). The cost per kg usually decreases as the total weight increases.
- Select all items for your current batch.
- Sum their weights in the spreadsheet. Aim to hit just over a tier threshold (e.g., 5.2kg to maximize the 5-10kg rate).
- Critical Check:
3. Select the Optimal Shipping Route
Different routes are optimal for different batches. Assign a route in your "Shipping Route Selected"
Your spreadsheet now provides a clear snapshot: "Batch-01-Oct, 7.5kg, via Sea Mail to Germany, 12 items."
Executing the Plan on BBDBuy
- In your BBDBuy warehouse page, select all items belonging to the same Consolidation Batch #
- Initiate the "Consolidate Packages" request.
- Enter the total declared value
- Choose your pre-determined Shipping Route
- Pay for the shipment. The platform will show the final charge based on the confirmed post-consolidation weight, which should closely match your spreadsheet estimate.
- Finally, update your spreadsheet: Mark these items as "Shipped" with the date and tracking number for perfect records.
Conclusion: From Chaos to Control
A simple BBDBuy spreadsheetby dateby weightby route