Simple Shipping Question

[Hawker]

I'm selling widgets which weigh 0.25 Kg each.

In setting up VM3 shipment methods, will VM3 calculate shipping by the number of widgets bought, or by the total weight of the widgets bought?

I ask this, because packaging materials add to the shipping weight, and packaging does not necessarily vary in direct proportion to the number of widgets bought.

If VM3 Shipping Methods include both number of product details and product weight limits details, which (if any) will VM3 prioritize?

Thanks in advance for your experienced help guys! 

[AH]

With the included shipping method - you can do either option

Weight or number of products

It will not prioritise , if you set a parameter for a shipping method - the cart must match the parameters set for that method

So 4 widgets will be 1kg


The cart will match methods with parameters set:

Method 1:
Weight - Lowest  - highest 1
Number of products - min  - max 4


MATCHED

Method 2:
Number of products - min 4 - max 4

MATCHED


Method 3:
Weight - Lowest  - highest 1

MATCHED


Method 4:
Weight - Lowest  1 - highest 2
Number of products - min 5 - max 10

NOT - MATCHED


If you do not set a parameter - that parameter is not tested

[txkeyboards]

I would recommend you to go with Advanced Shipping Rules by OpenTools (now free). Very complex rule can be done using that.

[jenkinhill]

Opentools extensions are no longer supported (that's why they are offered free). An updated and maintained advanced shipment plugin is available at https://alatak.net/en/extensions/virtuemart/shipments/pro-shipment-plugin.html

[AH]

Why is anyone recommending any other shipping plugin  - unless the base plugin does not solve the problem

From Hawkers original question - I still think the base option can support what he needs - it will just mean he has to configure more methods.

Jenkinhill - I agree - people should not be using OpenTools extensions unless they are capable of supporting them themselves

[Hawker]

Thanks AH, txkeyboards and jenkinhill for your susggestions.
If product weights are known, then calculating shipment according to the number of products seems to be the way to go. Weights, dimensions, packaging weight & dimensions and shipping costs can be calculated offline to an extent.