Dynamic vs Classic Build-a-box

Dynamic and Classic build-a-box offer different ways of selling boxes on your online store.

• Classic build-a-box is simple to set up but has certain limitations. Classic cannot have variable-priced items. The classic build-a-box relies on a “faux” product (unique SKU) during checkout. Underlying products are subsequently added to the order after it has been placed to accommodate for inventory and 3PL services.
• Dynamic build-a-box allows you to sell boxes of variable-priced items. Individual items are added directly to each order and a “faux” product is not necessary. It does however require our team to grant access and install supportive code into your store’s theme to accommodate this special box type. Because of this, we only offer dynamic on our merchants on Standard plans and above.

If you need assistance setting up a build-a-box or would like access to Dynamic build-a-box, please reach out to our team via the chat icon within the app or email us at [email protected]

“Classic build-a-box”

Classic build-a-box allows you to sell multiple items at once. With this feature, customers are presented with a box builder experience that allows them to select multiple items at once.

Once the user makes their selection, a “faux” parent product is added to the cart. The customer’s selections are presented as line items underneath the product.

During checkout, the faux product is used to facilitate the purchase.

After the purchase, the underlying products can be added to the order as discounted line items. This ensures that inventory is accurately removed from your store.

Limitations of Classic build-a-box:

• You are not able to offer variably-priced items. This is because the price is controlled by the parent faux product. The price of the parent product is determined during setup, such as “$5 per item for a box of 6 items”
• Because the underlying products are added post purchase, Shopify or 3rd party apps may restrict when modifications are made to an order. For instance, multi-currency orders cannot be modified and subscription-only products cannot be added post-purchase.
• Sometimes, third-party logistic services such as warehouses struggle when a faux product is present in the order. In these instances, we can help modify packing slips with liquid code.

These limitations are why we recommend using Dynamic build-a-box if you wish to offer variable-priced boxes or have more sophisticated logistical needs.

How to set up a classic build-a-box

To set up a classic build-a-box, you simply create a bundle, set it as a build-a-box, then select which products you wish to offer as part of the box. You must select box size options and the desired price-per-item. Finally select “create,” which adds a new faux product to your store.

Next, you add a subscription plan to the new faux product as you would a normal product in your store.

Lastly, you can modify the description and images of your build-a-box by adjusting the faux product’s information within the Product’s section on Shopify.

Important note: Do not modify or delete the variants of the faux product as they are directly related to product selection. Each box size is associated with these variants. If you need to change the name of variants or box size, do so by modifying the information within the Bundle’s setting (Tools > Bundle)

Once you’re ready to sell this box, simply set the product as Active on Shopify.

“Dynamic build-a-box”

The dynamic build-a-box is an enhanced version of the build-a-box that allows you to sell boxes with variable-priced items. The dynamic box also has the option to set flexible box size rules in addition to fixed box sizes.

Because underlying products can have variable pricing, prices are added to the product cards during the box builder experience.

Once customers complete their selection and add the box to their cart, we display the contents of the box as a single item. This helps prevent customers from making additional product changes.

During checkout, all of the underlying products are shown individually and no faux product is required. This saves the need to use post-order processing to add individual items.

How to set up a dynamic build-a-box

To set up a dynamic build-a-box, you first need to be granted access by our team. This is because it requires a special code to be installed directly in your theme. Note that dynamic build-a-box is only offered on Standard and Enterprise plans. If you are currently on the Starter (formerly Pro) plan, you must upgrade in order to qualify for this functionality.

Once you’ve been granted access and our team has installed the necessary code onto your store, you simply create a dynamic build-a-box as you would create a classic build-a-box.

Dynamic will have slightly different settings available, such as Min-max options.

After you’ve made the necessary changes to the product selection, you create a “faux” product with the “create” button.

Next, you add a subscription plan to the new faux product as you would a normal product in your store. Important: for Dynamic boxes, you must add all of the underlying products to the subscription (which is optional for the classic build-a-box).

Lastly, you can modify the description and images of your build-a-box by adjusting the faux product’s information within the Product’s section on Shopify.

This faux product is only used as a springboard for the box-builder experience so that your customers can choose products. It is not needed to facilitate the purchase. If you would like to skip the product page entirely on your store, please reach out to our team for additional help.

Important note: Do not modify or delete the variants of the faux product as they are directly related to product selection. Box size rules are associated with these variants. If you need to change the name of variants or box size, do so by modifying the information within the Bundle’s setting (Tools > Bundle).

Once you’re ready to sell this box, simply set the product as Active on Shopify. 🚀

If you have any questions or need additional help in setting up your build-a-box, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team via the chat icon within the app or by emailing us at [email protected].