Currently, existing name/address blocks of text cannot simply be pasted into a manual order (as they could, for example, in the DAZzle app of Endicia, now long gone).
They cannot simply be pasted because ShipStation (ss) insists on parsing them into separate fields. If ss simply added another name/address block input field, all the problems would be solved by simply sending the block as-is to the shipping provider.
It is impossible to list all the problems with the current input field, but some are as follows:
- International addresses are not actively rejected, but often difficult manual intervention is needed to fit a UK or Canadian or Hong Kong addressing scheme into fields meant only for U.S. addressing: address, city, state, zip code. It is ridiculous that a shipping product has a policy of not providing any way to enter international addresses properly, without meddling.
- Sometimes the name is parsed into the name field correctly, sometimes into the Company field. This choice seems random.
- An internal handling code appended to the end of the name often disappears or is moved to another field. No provision is made to accept internal handling codes. We pack different contents according to the code we provide in the name/address block.
- Once in a long while, no manual intervention is needed to correct ss’s meddling. Addressing is done perfectly. This is occasion for great celebration in our office. Our parties at these times are memorable.