Even experienced merchants sometimes make mistakes when creating Warehouse Receiving Orders. Understanding these common errors helps you avoid receiving delays, unexpected fees, and inventory accuracy issues.
The Seven Most Common WRO Mistakes
Learning from these frequent mistakes saves time, reduces fees, and keeps your inventory flowing smoothly through receiving.1. Incorrect Inventory Quantity in WRO
The Mistake: The quantity entered in your WRO doesn’t match the actual quantity shipped.| What Goes Wrong | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| WRO shows 100 units, shipment contains 150 |
|
| WRO shows 100 units, shipment contains 75 |
|
- Count inventory carefully before creating WRO
- Update WRO if quantities change after creation (see Editing WROs)
- Double-check quantities before shipping
- Use packing lists to verify counts during shipping prep
2. Mixing SKUs in Single Shipping Units
The Mistake: Packing multiple different SKUs in the same box or pallet. Example Scenario: You pack blue shirts, red shirts, and green shirts all in the same box because they’re similar products.| What Goes Wrong | Impact |
|---|---|
| Receiving delays |
|
| Accuracy risks |
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| Additional fees possible |
|
- Pack only one SKU per box or pallet
- If variants exist (colors, sizes), keep each variant in separate boxes
- Label boxes clearly with SKU information
- Create separate WRO line items for each SKU, even if quantities are small
Pre-configured product bundles are the exception—these can include multiple SKUs because they’re set up as a single unit in your Product Catalog.
3. Long Gaps Between Shipment Arrivals
The Mistake: Units for a single WRO arrive more than 28 days apart. Example Scenario: You ship 5 boxes on November 1st and they arrive November 5th. You ship 5 more boxes on December 10th for the same WRO.| What Happens | Consequences |
|---|---|
| WRO marked complete |
|
| URO processing required |
|
- Ship all boxes for a WRO within five days of the first arrival
- For split shipments, create separate WROs if timing will be spread out
- Enter tracking numbers promptly so Jetpack can monitor arrival patterns
- Consolidate shipments when possible
4. Failing to Mark DG/HAZMAT Products
The Mistake: Not configuring dangerous goods or hazardous materials with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before shipment arrives. Dangerous Goods Include:- Products with lithium batteries
- Aerosols and pressurized containers
- Flammable liquids (perfumes, alcohol-based products)
- Corrosive materials
- Products requiring HAZMAT shipping labels
| What Goes Wrong | Serious Consequences |
|---|---|
| Legal violations |
|
| Shipment rejection |
|
| Liability issues |
|
- Review product ingredients and materials for HAZMAT classifications
- Configure products with SDS before creating WRO
- Include HAZMAT markings on shipping labels when required
- Learn more: Dangerous Goods + Hazmat
5. Missing Tracking Numbers
The Mistake: Failing to enter tracking numbers for your WRO shipment. Why Tracking Matters:- Capacity planning: Jetpack uses tracking to anticipate arrivals and allocate receiving capacity
- Prioritization: Urgent shipments can be prioritized if arrival time is known
- Issue resolution: Quickly identify and resolve shipment delays or lost packages
| Impact of Missing Tracking | Results |
|---|---|
| Slower processing |
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| Difficult troubleshooting |
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| Limited visibility |
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- Enter tracking numbers immediately after shipping
- Use individual tracking numbers for each box (not master tracking)
- Verify tracking format matches carrier requirements (see Sending Parcels)
- Update WRO if additional tracking numbers become available
6. Omitting Lot Numbers for Lot Products
The Mistake: Forgetting to add lot numbers and expiration dates when creating a WRO for lot-tracked products. Critical Problem: Once receiving begins, you cannot edit lot information. This creates major issues:| What Goes Wrong | Severe Impact |
|---|---|
| Cannot fulfill orders |
|
| Expensive fixes |
|
| Compliance violations |
|
- Verify products are configured as lot products before creating WRO
- Gather lot numbers and expiration dates from manufacturer before shipping
- Double-check lot information is entered in WRO before submitting
- Never mix different lot numbers in the same box or pallet
7. Sending Inactive SKUs
The Mistake: Shipping products that are marked as “Inactive” in your Product Catalog. Why This Happens:- Product was deactivated in your store but inventory was already en route
- Old SKUs reactivated without updating product status in dashboard
- Discontinued products sent by mistake
| What Happens | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Won’t be received |
|
| Triggers URO |
|
| Requires reactivation |
|
- Verify all products in WRO are marked “Active” in Product Catalog
- Review product status before creating WRO
- Reactivate discontinued products if sending inventory for liquidation or returns
- Maintain accurate product catalog with current active/inactive status
Best Practices Checklist
Before submitting any WRO, verify:- Quantities are accurate and match what you’re actually shipping
- Each box contains only one SKU (or one variant)
- All boxes will arrive within 28 days of first shipment
- HAZMAT products are configured with SDS before shipping
- Tracking numbers are entered for all shipments
- Lot numbers and expiration dates are complete for lot products
- All products are active in your Product Catalog
Let’s Dive Deeper
Sending Inventory Overview
Back to the main guide on our receiving process
Creating a WRO
Learn how to create error-free Warehouse Receiving Orders
Editing a WRO
Fix mistakes in your WRO before shipping
Unidentified Shipments (UROs)
Learn what happens when WRO mistakes occur
Creating + Managing Lot Products
Understand lot tracking requirements and setup
Dangerous Goods + Hazmat
Configure HAZMAT products correctly before shipping
Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.
If you have any questions or run into issues, you can always contact Jetpack Care for help. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!