Testing with Sandbox Mode

Practice Before Going Live - Sandbox Mode

Test everything safely without real charges or deliveries!

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What is Sandbox Mode?

Safe Testing Environment:

• Practice orders without real consequences
• No actual deliveries - you fulfill test orders yourself
• No real charges
• Test the order sync and connection
• Perfect for learning!

Real Mode = Production:

• Real orders
• Real drivers
• Real money
• Use after testing

Always Test in Sandbox First!

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Why Test in Sandbox?

Learn the System:

• See how rates calculate
• Watch order sync process
• Understand customer experience
• Train your team

Find Issues:

• Catch problems before real customers
• Fix configuration issues
• Verify everything works
• Peace of mind!

No Risk:

• Can't accidentally charge customers
• Can't create real deliveries
• Experiment freely
• Undo anything

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Setting Up Sandbox Mode

Already Done If You Followed Earlier Articles:

Verify Sandbox is Active:

1. WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping
2. Click your zone → Click "Shaloz Shipping"
3. API Environment: Should say "Sandbox"
4. API Key: Should start with pk_sandbox_

If Not in Sandbox:

• Change "API Environment" to "Sandbox"
• Enter Sandbox API key (from Shaloz Portal)
• Click "Test Connection"
• Save changes

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Creating a Test Order

Step-by-Step Test:

1. Create Test Product (If Needed):

• WordPress → Products → Add New
• Name: "Test Product"
• Price: $25.00
• Publish

2. Add to Cart:

• Visit your store (open in incognito/private window)
• Add test product to cart
• Click "View Cart"
• Proceed to Checkout

3. Enter Test Address:

• First Name: Test
• Last Name: Customer
• Address: 123 Main St
• City: Boston
• State: Massachusetts
• ZIP: 02101
• Phone: (555) 555-5555
• Email: test@example.com

4. See Shaloz Option:

• Under "Shipping," you should see:
• Your other methods
• "Shaloz Express Delivery - Est. 45 min - $X.XX"
• Select Shaloz

5. Complete Order:

• Use test credit card (if using test payment gateway)
• Or "Cash on Delivery" / "Check Payment"
• Click "Place Order"
• Order confirmed!

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What Happens in Sandbox?

After Placing Test Order:

In WooCommerce:

• Order appears in Orders list
• Status: "Processing"
• Look for "Shaloz Fulfillment" box
• Shows: "Order pending fulfillment"

In Shaloz Portal:

• Log into portal.shaloz.com
• Make sure you're in Sandbox mode (toggle top-right)
• Go to Fulfillment Data
• Your test order should appear in "Pending" tab!

What This Proves:

• Plugin installed correctly
• API connection working
• Orders syncing WooCommerce → Shaloz
• Everything configured properly!

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Testing the Full Flow

Important: In Sandbox Mode, You Fulfill Orders Yourself

No Real Fulfillments in Sandbox:

• Sandbox is for testing the connection only
• No real drivers are assigned
• You fulfill test orders yourself to verify the system works
• Test the order sync between WooCommerce and Shaloz Portal

What to Test:

1. Check that orders appear in Shaloz Portal
2. Verify order details are correct
3. Confirm orders sync from WooCommerce to Shaloz
4. Test that you can see the order in both systems

Back in WooCommerce:

• Open the test order
• You'll see it synced to Shaloz
• Order remains in "Processing" status in Sandbox
• This confirms the connection is working!

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Testing Scenarios

Try These Tests:

Test 1: Different ZIP Codes

• Create orders with various ZIP codes
• See which show Shaloz option
• Verify rate changes by distance
• Check which ZIP codes work

Test 2: Cancel Order

• Create test order
• In Shaloz Portal, cancel it
• Check WooCommerce updates

Test 3: Multiple Products

• Add several products to cart
• Verify weight/size calculated correctly
• Check rate still accurate

Test 4: No Shaloz Coverage

• Use ZIP code very far away (like 90210 if you're in Boston)
• Shaloz shouldn't appear
• Customer sees only other methods
• This is correct!

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Common Sandbox Test Results

Expected:

• Shaloz appears at checkout for nearby ZIP codes
• Rate shows with delivery time estimate
• Order syncs to portal automatically
• Order notes update when you fulfill in portal

Not Expected (These Are Problems):

• Shaloz doesn't appear at checkout
• Rate calculation error
• Order doesn't sync to portal
• "API key invalid" error

If You See Problems: See Troubleshooting in Article 6.X

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Tips for Effective Testing

Test Realistically:

• Use actual customer addresses from your area
• Try peak shopping times
• Test on different devices (mobile, desktop)
• Have team members test too

Document Results:

• Take screenshots of each step
• Note any errors or issues
• Keep test order numbers
• Share findings with team

Test Multiple Times:

• First test might be lucky
• Create 3-5 test orders
• Ensure consistency
• Builds confidence

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When to Stop Testing

You're Ready for Production When:

• At least 3-5 successful test orders
• Rates calculate correctly
• Orders sync reliably
• Webhook updates working (if configured)
• Team knows how to process orders
• No errors or issues
• Comfortable with the flow

Don't Rush:

• Test thoroughly
• Better to find issues in Sandbox
• Real customers expect perfection

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Switching to Production

When Ready:

• See Article 3.7: Going Live with Production Mode
• Simple process to switch
• Test again with one real order
• Then fully live!

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Troubleshooting Sandbox Testing

Problem: Shaloz Not Appearing at Checkout

Check:

1. Sandbox mode enabled in plugin settings
2. Sandbox API key entered
3. Test Connection shows success
4. ZIP code is in served area
5. Shipping zone includes Shaloz method

Problem: Order Not Syncing to Portal

Check:

1. Portal toggled to Sandbox mode (top-right)
2. Refresh Fulfillment Data page
3. Check "Pending" tab
4. Verify API key matches
5. Look at WooCommerce order notes for errors

Problem: "Service Not Available for ZIP Code"

This is Normal If:

• ZIP code is outside your shipment zones
• ZIP code is very far from pickup location
• Test with closer ZIP code

Problem: Rate Seems Wrong

In Sandbox:

• Rates might differ from Production
• Different pickup locations might be configured for testing
• Don't worry - Production rates will be accurate

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Need Help?

Sandbox Testing Issues?

• Verify all settings in Sandbox mode
• Try test order again
• Contact help.shaloz.com with test order details

Ready to Go Live?

• Next: Article 3.7 (Going Live)
• Switch to Production mode safely!