Groupon Packaging Guidelines

Below you will find a common list of FAQs that our users have when it comes to packaging guidelines for Groupon.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping cartons?

Packing lists must include the content details and contain information such as SHIP FROM location, SHIP TO location, DATE SHIPPED, PURCHASE ORDER INFORMATION, and SHIPPER/CONSIGNEE NAMES AND SIGNATURES. The placement of the packing list is not specified in the document.

Are there any requirements for packing lists when shipping pallets?

Packing lists for shipments must detail the contents of the shipment and include information such as the ship-from and ship-to addresses, date shipped, purchase order information (Number, description of goods, UPC(s), carton count, total weight, number of pallets, number of units), and shipper/consignee names and signatures. There's no specific mention of the packing list placement in the PDF pages provided.

Can pallets be stacked?

All pallets must be built to a maximum height of 58". Additionally, all pallets must be stacked and shrink-wrapped on standard 48" x 40" pallets. Each pallet should contain the smallest number of different styles/colors of Goods, and they must include clearly visible and outward-facing labels to include the number of cartons, UPC(s), product description(s), and quantity(ies).

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single carton?

No, purchase orders cannot be mixed within a single carton. Each Purchase Order must be shipped separately, with 1 Purchase Order per pallet or carton if shipping small parcel.

Can purchase orders be mixed within a single pallet?

No, each Purchase Order must be shipped separately and have its own pallet, unless shipping small parcel.

Can SKUs be mixed on a single pallet?

The source material does not explicitly state whether SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. It does, however, require that all pallets be sorted in such a way that they contain the smallest number of different styles/colors of Goods. Additionally, pallets must be clearly labeled with UPC(s), product descriptions, and quantities. The pallets should also be stacked and shrink-wrapped properly according to specific guidelines.

Can SKUs be mixed within a single carton?

Yes, SKUs can be mixed within a single carton, but a master carton may contain no more than 6 UPCs. If the Goods are apparel, each master carton may contain no more than 1 UPC. If a master carton contains multiple UPCs, it must be marked "mixed" using a bright colored label that is clearly visible and in the upper right corner of the carton.

What are the allowed pallet types for shipping?

Standard 48" x 40" pallets.

What are the requirements for Bills of Lading when it comes to pallet (freight) or carton (parcel) shipments?

For both freight (pallet) and parcel (carton) shipments using a Third Party Bill-To Groupon arrangement: Use the Bill of Lading provided by Groupon's Freight Provider at the time of delivery, not the Seller's own Bill of Lading. If Seller uses its own carrier for LTL/FTL Drop-Ship Shipments, the Seller may use its own Bill of Lading. The Groupon Goods "parent order id" should be included in Reference Field #1, and the Groupon Goods Order number should be in Reference Field #2 of the carrier's shipping label.

What are the requirements for carton or pallet labels and their placement?

Cartons must be labeled with all information necessary to identify the Goods, including Purchase Order #, applicable UPC(s) (as bar-codes and text), colors and size information, quantity(ies), country of origin, expiration date, lot code, and date of manufacture, where applicable. Each master carton should have a label affixed to the upper right side of the carton. For pallets, they must include clearly visible and outward-facing labels showing the number of cartons, UPC(s), product description(s), and quantity(ies). Cartons with multiple UPCs must be marked "mixed" with a bright colored label in the upper right corner.

What are the requirements for inner packs and cases?

Each inner pack may contain no more than 1 UPC and must be labeled with applicable UPC, quantity and product description. All carton seams must be taped and sealed. Multiple UPC master cartons may have no more than 6 UPCs (1 UPC for apparel), with inner labels marked as "mixed" if having different UPCs.

What are the requirements for placing labels on cartons being shipped?

For cartons being shipped:
1. Each master carton must contain no more than 1 UPC for inner packs.
2. If a master carton contains multiple UPCs, it must be marked "mixed" using a bright-colored label, which should be clearly visible and in the upper right corner of the carton.
3. Each carton must be numbered with a carton count (e.g., "1 of 75").
4. Each carton must be labeled with applicable UPC, quantity, and product description.
5. Label should include all information necessary to identify the goods within, such as Purchase Order #, applicable UPC(s) as barcodes and text, colors and size information, quantity(ies), country of origin, expiration date, lot code, and date of manufacture where applicable.
6. Labels must be affixed to the upper right side of the carton.

What is the max pallet height allowed when shipping?

The maximum pallet height allowed when shipping is 58 inches.

Groupon Packaging Guidelines