Rate Calculator

The Rate Calculator lets you instantly see how much it costs to deliver to any address - without creating an actual order.

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What the Rate Calculator Does

Quick Answers:

• "How much to deliver to ZIP code 02101?" → Find out in seconds
• "Do we serve this area?" → Yes or no, instantly
• "How far is the delivery?" → See exact miles

Perfect For:

• Testing new delivery areas before adding them
• Quoting delivery costs to customers over the phone
• Planning your delivery zones
• Estimating monthly delivery costs

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How to Use the Rate Calculator

Access It:

1. Log into portal.shaloz.com
2. Click "Rate Calculator" in the sidebar
3. That's it - you're there!

Enter a ZIP Code:

1. Type any US ZIP code (5 digits)
2. Select Sandbox or Production (top right toggle)
3. Click "Calculate Rate"
4. Results appear instantly!

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Understanding Your Results

If Service is Available:

You'll see:

• Green checkmark "Service available in this ZIP code"
• Distance: "5.2 miles from Main Warehouse"
• Estimated Time: "Est. 35 minutes delivery"
• Cost Breakdown:
• Distance-based delivery cost: X miles = $X.XX
• Taxes: $X.XX
• Total Cost: $X.XX

What This Means:

• Yes, you can deliver there!
• It's 5.2 miles from your pickup location
• Customer would pay $13.50 for delivery
• Estimated 35-minute delivery time

If Service is NOT Available:

You'll see:

• Red X "Service not available in ZIP code 90210"
• Why: "No pickup location within range"

What This Means:

• You can't deliver there yet
• ZIP code too far from your pickup locations
• OR you haven't added this ZIP code to your shipment zones

How to Fix: Add a pickup location closer to that area, or add the ZIP code to your shipment zones

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Testing Multiple ZIP Codes

Why Test Multiple:

• See which areas are most expensive
• Find coverage gaps
• Plan new pickup locations
• Estimate costs for bulk deliveries

How to Test Fast:

1. Enter ZIP code
2. Click "Calculate"
3. See results
4. Change ZIP code
5. Calculate again
6. Repeat as needed!

No Limits:

• Test as many ZIP codes as you want
• No charges for using calculator
• Test anytime

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Sandbox vs. Production

Switch at Top:

• Toggle between "Sandbox" and "Production"
• Located in top-right header

Sandbox (for Testing):

• Use when practicing
• Test ZIP codes safely
• See how rates work
• No real charges

Production (for Live Rates):

• Shows real rates customers see
• Use for actual quoting
• Live coverage areas

Tip: Start with Sandbox to learn, then switch to Production for real estimates

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Common Questions

Q: Why does the same ZIP code show different rates in Sandbox vs. Production?

A: Sandbox may have different pickup locations or zones configured for testing. Always use Production for accurate customer quotes.

Q: Can I test international ZIP codes?

A: No, Shaloz only serves the United States. International ZIP/postal codes will show "Service not available."

Q: The calculator says "Service not available" but I want to deliver there. What do I do?

A: Two options:

1. Add a pickup location closer to that area (Settings → Pickup Locations)
2. Add the ZIP code to your shipment zones (Shipment Zones page)
3. Contact us at help.shaloz.com for help expanding coverage

Q: Does using the calculator cost money?

A: No! The Rate Calculator is completely free to use. Test as many ZIP codes as you want - you're only charged when actual deliveries complete.

Q: Can customers see the Rate Calculator?

A: No, this is for businesses only. Customers see rates automatically at checkout when they enter their address.

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Real-World Examples

Example 1: Phone Order

Customer calls: "How much for delivery to 10001?"

You:

1. Open Rate Calculator
2. Enter "10001"
3. See: $15.25 total
4. Tell customer: "Delivery to your area is $15.25 and takes about 40 minutes"

Example 2: Expanding Service

You want to start delivering to a new neighborhood:

1. Get a few ZIP codes from that area
2. Test each in Rate Calculator
3. See if service available
4. Check distances and costs
5. Decide if it's worth adding

Example 3: Estimating Monthly Costs

You have 100 orders going to different ZIP codes:

1. Test a sample of ZIP codes
2. Average the rates
3. Multiply by number of orders
4. Estimate monthly delivery costs

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Tips for Using the Rate Calculator

For Best Results:

• Use Production environment for real quotes
• Test all ZIP codes you plan to serve
• Save results in a spreadsheet for reference
• Test periodically as you add pickup locations
• Share rates with your sales/customer service team

Time Savers:

• Keep a list of common customer ZIP codes
• Test them all at once
• Create a rate sheet for your team
• Update when you add new pickup locations

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Troubleshooting

Issue: "Invalid ZIP code format"

Fix: ZIP codes must be exactly 5 digits. Remove any spaces or dashes (12345, not 12345-6789).

Issue: "Service not available" for a ZIP you think should work

Fixes:

1. Check if ZIP code is in your shipment zones (Shipment Zones page)
2. Verify you have a pickup location within range
3. Try neighboring ZIP codes to see coverage edge
4. Contact help.shaloz.com to request coverage expansion

Issue: Calculator loads slowly

Fixes:

• Check your internet connection
• Refresh the page
• Try a different browser
• Clear browser cache

Issue: Rate seems wrong

Check:

• Using Production (not Sandbox) for accurate rates
• Pickup location address is correct
• Customer ZIP code is correct
• Distance calculation is reasonable

Still wrong? Contact help.shaloz.com with the ZIP code and expected vs actual rate.

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Need Help?

Can't Access Rate Calculator?

• Make sure you're logged into portal.shaloz.com
• Click "Rate Calculator" in left sidebar
• Contact help.shaloz.com if you don't see it

Questions About Rates?

• Rates are calculated automatically based on distance
• Contact help.shaloz.com for custom pricing inquiries
• Visit help.shaloz.com for more information