Pick and Pack Quotes in Singapore: Orders, Lines, Units and SKUs
A pick and pack quotation depends on how you count what needs handling. Orders, order lines, individual units and distinct SKUs each measure a different quantity. Clarify these with your provider so the quoted scope matches your actual throughput.
Orders, order lines, units and SKUs
An order is one purchase or dispatch reference. Each row within that order is an order line (or line item). A line identifies a product and a quantity.
A line is not automatically a different SKU: the same product can appear on separate lines if the order was entered that way or if batches differ. Ask the provider how it defines a billable pick and whether duplicate rows for the same SKU are treated as one pick or several.
An individual unit is one physical item picked. If a line asks for three of the same product, that is one line but three units. Total units describe the item count; size, weight, packing and handling arrangements also matter.
A SKU (stock keeping unit) is a distinct product identifier. Two lines may reference the same SKU in different quantities. The distinct SKU count describes catalogue variety. Confirm actual storage positions and chargeable space with the provider.
Shopify documents separate rows for additional line items and separate fields for line-item quantity and SKU. For an example of how export fields relate to these concepts, see Shopify's order export documentation. Confirm the order-handover format and any platform requirements with Omni Global.
Worked example: counting orders, lines, units and SKUs
The following orders are fictional examples only, not customer records.
| Order | SKU | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| EXAMPLE-01 | SKU-A | 2 |
| EXAMPLE-01 | SKU-B | 1 |
| EXAMPLE-02 | SKU-A | 3 |
Totals: 2 orders, 3 order lines, 6 individual units, 2 distinct SKUs.
SKU-A appears in both orders. Total units come from summing quantities across all lines, not from counting lines or orders. A provider quoting per order, per line or per unit would reach different totals for the same goods. Confirm which basis applies before comparing quotes.
What to include in a pick and pack quote request
Prepare these figures before requesting a pick and pack quote:
- A representative period of actual orders (for example, one recent month)
- Normal and peak order counts for that period
- Typical units and lines per order
- Total number of distinct stocked SKUs
- Packed size and weight ranges across your product mix
- Packaging or special handling requirements
- Delivery areas and required time windows
State the time unit beside each figure, such as orders per day and total orders in a sample month. Ask Omni Global to confirm the service scope, available space and order handover for your requirements.
Ask what the quote covers and how it charges
Ask each provider to state:
- Whether the quote charges per order, per line, per unit or on another basis
- Receiving charges for inbound stock
- Storage charges
- Packaging charges and who supplies materials
- Delivery charges
- Returns handling, if you need it
- Minimum volumes or monthly commitments
A cost category that is not stated needs asking about. Do not assume it is free or included. Do not import another provider's published tariff as an approximation of the terms you will receive.
For an example of how one provider structures its fulfilment cost categories (receiving, storage and pick/pack/shipping), see ShipBob's published pricing page. Ask each provider for its own written scope and rates.
Combine your order profile with the storage and delivery brief
Use the order-profile worksheet below to record representative period figures alongside your storage and delivery requirements. Share it with the existing 3PL brief builder and the storage and 3PL quote comparison so all three documents cover the same scope.
When comparing two written monthly totals, check whether each provider counted orders, lines or units on the same basis. A lower per-order charge paired with a higher per-unit charge can produce a different monthly total from what the headline rate suggests.
Order-profile worksheet
Record your order volume figures before requesting a pick and pack quote. Copy rows as needed for additional order lines.
Sample order lines (copy rows as needed)
| Order reference | SKU | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Print the worksheet or download the editable text version. The illustrative example in the article above is fictional. This blank worksheet collects your own figures for a quote request; it does not submit anything.
What is the difference between an order line and a unit?
An order line is one row in an order, identifying a product and a requested quantity. A unit is one individual item picked. If a line requests five of the same SKU, that is one line and five units. Ask the provider which count determines its pick charge.
Which billing basis should I expect for pick and pack?
There is no universal standard. Providers may charge per order, per order line, per unit picked or a combination with minimums. Ask each provider to state the basis and confirm whether receiving, storage, packaging and delivery are included or quoted separately.
Do I need exact SKU counts before requesting a quote?
State which figures are estimates and which period they describe. Include the approximate number of distinct stocked SKUs, usual lines and units per order, and normal and peak order counts. Ask the provider what further details it needs before preparing an indicative or final quote.
Related services and planning resources
Free quotation
Tell us about your 3PL requirements.
Share the scope you need us to confirm. Useful details:
- Products, stock quantities and storage duration
- Order volumes, items per order and packing requirements
- Delivery areas, frequency and access requirements
- Start date and any handling or integration questions to confirm